Accreditation Standards Review update

The joint review of the Australian Dental Council (ADC) and Dental Council (New Zealand) (DC(NZ)) Accreditation Standards (‘the Standards’) is reaching a conclusion, with the draft standards now undergoing final approvals.  

A total of 121 responses were received in response to the public consultation, with respondents self-identifying their roles as dental practitioners, education providers, assessors, examiners and consumers, among others. Feedback was largely from practitioners and educators, with additional representation from individuals involved in accreditation and assessment. 

Positively, most respondents indicated the draft Standards are at or near the threshold level for producing safe, competent graduates in Australia and New Zealand, and responses showed overall support for the specific proposals incorporated in the draft Standards. Most respondents said no additional Standards/criteria were needed, with some suggesting minor amendments or notes for clarity.   

The project team undertook a thorough review of the feedback received and proposed minor amendments to nine criteria. Importantly, feedback from the public consultation is also being used to inform guidance notes currently in development, which will support the implementation of the standards.