Evaluating graduate readiness: ADC commissions research into practitioner preparation

In late December 2025, the ADC released a tender for a new research project focusing on dental practitioners’ preparation for practice, which aims to build on research undertaken in 2021 by The University of Melbourne titled Preparation for practice of newly qualified dental practitioners in Australia. 

The landscape of dental education in Australia is continually evolving, and we anticipate contemporary research findings will inform future reviews and development of accreditation standards and policies for dental education in Australia. 

We were thrilled with the response to the tender and received high-quality submissions from nine organisations. Following careful review of all submissions, the ADC’s assessment panel faced a difficult task in selecting the successful proposal. 

We are now pleased to announce we have appointed a team from Monash University, led by Professor Claire Palermo, to undertake this new phase of research. Professor Palermo’s research focus is on preparing health professionals to improve population health and to develop evidence to translate change in health professions education practice. The team from Monash has previously collaborated on research exploring the transitions of healthcare graduates including students’ perceptions and experiences of preparation for practice.  

The Monash team will commence the new research project from 1 June 2026 and we look forward to sharing development from the research as they emerge.