A proposal to fast-track the registration of overseas-trained dentists in Australia has raised concerns about patient safety and whether it would actually address severe dentist shortages in regional areas.
Under a plan put forward by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and National Boards, experienced internationally qualified practitioners, including dentists, could gain registration without sitting the Australian Dental Council (ADC) examinations. The pathway would also allow some recently qualified dentists from selected overseas countries to bypass existing assessment processes.
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) has strongly opposed the proposal, warning it could weaken safety standards and undermine public confidence in the profession.
“The ADA strongly opposes changes which weaken existing assessment frameworks or dilute the robust protections currently in place,” said ADA President Dr Chris Sanzaro, a dentist based in Launceston. “We believe this proposal risks lowering safeguards and could put patient safety at risk.”
The plan is intended to increase the overall supply of dentists in Australia. However, Dr Sanzaro said the core problem is not a lack of dentists, but where they work.
“Dentistry in Australia suffers from maldistribution, not undersupply,” he said. “National Rural Health Alliance data shows there are about 66 dentists per 100,000 people in capital cities, compared with just 17 per 100,000 in small towns.”
He added that people in regional and remote areas also experience significantly poorer oral health outcomes, meaning the fast-track proposal is unlikely to benefit the communities most in need.
Dr Sanzaro said targeted policies would be more effective, including relocation and retention incentives to encourage dentists to work in underserved areas. He also called for improved pay for public sector dentists, stronger funding for dental schools, and full implementation of the National Oral Health Plan, including expanded rural oral healthcare funding.
The ADA has raised its concerns with Ahpra, the Dental Board of Australia and the federal Health Minister. It says the proposal could have implications for clinical standards, regulatory oversight, and fairness to ADC candidates and Australian-trained dentists.
“We urge a re-evaluation of this proposal,” Dr Sanzaro said. “Any pathway must be clear, evidence-based and publicly defensible, and must genuinely protect the oral health and safety of the community.”