The Professional competencies of the newly qualified dental practitioner (the Competencies) are important reference points for the dental professions. They outline the skills and knowledge expected of a new dental practitioner in Australia.
The Australian Dental Council (ADC) publishes the Competencies for each of the five divisions of dental practitioner recognised in Australia for general registration: dentists, dental hygienists, dental prosthetists, dental therapists, and oral health therapists.
We use the Competencies across our accreditation functions, including in:
- the assessment of overseas qualified dental practitioners who wish to register to practice in Australia, and
- the accreditation of dental education programs leading to eligibility to apply for registration to practice in Australia.
The ADC is reviewing the Competencies in 2021. The last review of these documents occurred between 2015 and 2016.
The ADC is seeking input into the review of the Competencies from a wide range of groups throughout the community. This includes representatives from each of the dental professions, dental consumers, representatives of Australia’s Indigenous communities, education providers, and employers.
This review ensures the Competencies continue to reflect broader societal and regulatory changes. It also ensures the Competencies remain contemporary benchmarks of what is expected of a new dental practitioner in Australia.
Consultation on any proposed changes will take place later in 2021.
Professional competencies review
