Overseas-qualified dental specialist applications - important changes

01 Jul 2016

From 1 July 2016, the Board will assess all applications from overseas-qualified applicants for specialist registration.

What we used to do

Since the start of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (the National Scheme), the Australian Dental Council (ADC), on behalf of the Board, had assessed overseas specialist qualifications for substantial equivalence to an Australian specialist program.

The ADC’s assessment of a qualification was then considered by the Board.

What we will be doing from 1 July 2016

The Board and AHPRA have developed a new process to assess overseas specialist qualifications for substantial equivalence to an Australian specialist program. Clear criteria and evidence requirements have been developed to support the assessment of overseas specialist qualifications.

What specialties are affected by the changes?

The change in the assessment process applies to applications from overseas trained specialists in the following specialties:

• Dento-maxillofacial radiology 
• Endodontics 
• Oral medicine 
• Oral pathology 
• Orthodontics 
• Paediatric dentistry 
• Periodontics 
• Prosthodontics, and 
• Special needs dentistry.

For further information on the new assessment process of application for specialist registration in the above specialties, see our Qualification equivalence pathway page.

For more information

• For information on the assessment of the following specialties, go to the assessment pathway page:
  • forensic odontology
  • oral surgery, and
  • public health (community dentistry).
• For registration enquiries: 1300 419 495 (within Australia) +61 3 9275 9009 (overseas callers)