A brief guide to practising in Australia
Where can I work?
Australia is divided into eight States and Territories, and a UK graduate can work in any or all of these. The majority of Australian healthcare is provided on a private basis, however public hospitals and community dental clinics provide ‘free treatment’ under Medicare to eligible patients.
What do I need?
In order to practise in Australia, you will require the following, which can be obtained by clicking on the webpages listed:
AHPRA is the Australia National Registration Body and all practitioners must be registered with AHPRA in order to practise* dentistry.
This is a unique identifier required for each site you work at. A provider number enables you to refer patients for tests which are billed under Medicare; this includes extra oral radiography (many centres do not have an OPG machine).
A license is required to take intra oral radiography, and this license is acquired in the individual State or Territory in which you chose to work.
If you wish to take extra oral radiographs, an additional qualification needs to be obtained whilst in Australia. This takes the form of a course and exam and is available through the dental schools in each State.
This is a unique identifier for each practitioner and is required in order to write prescriptions.
It is a compulsory requirement that all practitioners hold valid indemnity to practise in Australia. Contact Ken Parker on ken.parker@dpla.com.au to discuss transferring your DPL membership to Australia.
While not an obligation, many practitioners find that the ADA provide them with helpful information. Each State and Territory has their own ADA, and in addition, there is a Federal ADA. Membership with your State ADA also qualifies you for membership with the Federal ADA.
What obligations am I bound by?
The Dental Board of Australia is one of ten National Boards which are regulated by AHPRA, and registration carries with it a series of obligations in the form of standards, codes and guidelines:
www.dentalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines.apsx
www.dentalboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards.apsx
Helpful Links
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* Practise means any role, whether remunerated or not, in which the individual uses their skills and knowledge. As a practitioner in their regulated health profession. For the purposes of this code, practise is not restricted to the provision of direct clinical care. It also includes using professional knowledge in a direct non-clinical relationship with patients or clients, working in management, administration, education, research, advisory, regulatory or policy development roles and any other roles that impact on safe, effective delivery of health services in the health profession.