Phased out: Programs to extend scope

Before the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (the National Scheme), dental hygienists, dental therapists and dental prosthetists could extend their scope of practice in some jurisdictions by completing an ‘add-on’ program.

The add-on programs, formerly known as Programs to extend scope, transitioned to the National Scheme as programs that were reviewed and approved by the Dental Board of Australia (the Board).

The Board has now phased out approval of Programs to extend scope – this means these programs are no longer accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC) or approved by the Board.

The approval of programs expired on 31 December 2018 and the list has since been removed from the Board’s website.

Practitioners who wish to broaden their knowledge, expertise and competence, may do so by completing continuing professional development (CPD). This is activities that:

• relate to a practitioner’s individual scope of practice, and
• comply with the Board’s CPD registration standard and guidelines.

Practitioners must self-assess whether the selected CPD activities/courses provide sufficient clinical experience to incorporate a new procedure/technique/treatment as part of their clinical practice.