Diagnoses and treats dental disease, injuries, decay and malformations of the teeth, periodontal tissue (gums), hard and soft tissue found on the mouth and other dento-facial structures using surgery and other techniques. Registration or licensing is required.

Skill Level

1

Alternative Titles

• Dental Practitioner
• Dental Surgeon

Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed above.

Skills Assessment authority for Dentist is Australian Dental Council (ADC). The assessment involves three stages:

1. Initial Assessment:

To be eligible to apply for initial assessment applicants must:

• hold a qualification of at least two-years equivalent full-time study from a recognised provider.
• have held registration or license in either in their home country, or country of training, with no withdrawal of registration.

2. Written Examination

The applicant is required to demonstrate:

• knowledge of the science and practice of dentistry, and
• clinical judgement and reasoning skills relevant to dental practice in Australia.

3. Practical Examination

An applicant is eligible to sit the practical examination within three years of successful completion of the ADC written examination. The examination assesses candidates across a range of competencies.

diagnose and treat dental disease, restore normal oral function using a broad range of treatments, such as surgery and other specialist techniques, and advise on oral health.

Tasks

• diagnosing dental diseases using a range of methods such as radiographs, salivary tests and medical histories
• providing preventative oral health care such as periodontal treatments, fluoride applications and oral health promotion
• providing restorative oral care such as implants, complex crown and bridge restorations, and orthodontics, and repairing damaged and decayed teeth
• providing oral surgical treatments such as biopsy of tissue and prescription of medication
• performing routine orthodontic treatment
• restoring oral function with removable and fixed oral prostheses
• assisting in diagnosing general diseases having oral manifestations such as diabetes
• educating patients to take care of their mouth and teeth
• leading a dental team which may comprise Dental Hygienists, Dental Therapists, Dental Assistants and other Dental Specialists

Skill Level

Occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Registration or licensing is required.

Occupations in this Group

• 252311 Dental Specialist
• 252312 Dentist