Dentist

The first step is to check if your qualification is recognised by the Board as being substantially equivalent to an approved qualification (Australian degree). This is for those with degrees from Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland or the United Kingdom. Once you have found your qualification on the list, you can apply for general registration with the Board. If your qualification is not on the list, you will need to complete the ADC's examination process.

Check qualification

Overseas Qualified Practitioners

The ADC assessment process includes three parts;

1. Initial assessment: qualifications check. This takes approximately 8-weeks. See below for documentation requirements.
2. Written examination: either a multiple-choice exam (general dentists) or a written exam (dental hygienists, dental therapists, oral health therapists, and dental prosthetists) to test your knowledge and clinical practice reasoning skills. This is conducted over one or two days according to your dental profession.
3. Practical examination: simulation-based exam to test your practical skills. This is conducted over one or two days according to your dental profession.

There are three pathways to complete the assessment process according to your qualifications and profession. Each stage of the examination process is slightly different for each dental profession:

• General dentists: 4-year full-time degree or diploma.
• Dental hygienists, dental therapists, and oral health therapists: 3-year full-time degree or diploma.
• Dental prosthetists: 4-year full-time degree or diploma.

Timeframe: The written and practical examinations are completed in person. The ADC schedules the examinations each year. You can expect the written examinations to be conducted twice a year. The practical examinations are scheduled according to the outcomes of the written examination. Please see the ADC website for application deadlines.

Locations: The written examination for general dentists is held in locations around the world. For dental hygienists, dental therapists, oral health therapists, and dental prosthetists, it is held in Melbourne.

ADC Assessments

Assessment Standards

Once you have successfully completed all assessment stages with the ADC, they will provide you with a certificate that acknowledges your eligibility for general registration with the Board. You will still need to ensure you meet all registration standards to be successful.

Applying for registration

Registration Checklist