Education providers are invited to contact ADC International to discuss their interest in ADCI’s accreditation. This initial conversation helps clarify the process and establish a shared understanding of expectations.

Providers complete the International Provider – Notice of Intent Form, available on our Resources page. The form captures key information about:

• Local regulation of dental practitioners and clinical facilities
• Structure and delivery of dental education
• Institutional quality assurance processes
• Mapping of program learning outcomes and assessments to Australian professional competencies. ADC International expects this to be provided with the Notice of Intent. The accreditation process will not proceed until this mapping has been completed.

This information enables ADC International to understand the provider’s context and plan the next steps appropriately.

The Notice of Intent Fee is paid.

ADC International reviews the submitted form and may request further details or clarification. If the submission is accepted, an online orientation session is scheduled to:

• Outline the accreditation standards and process
• Clarify roles and responsibilities
• Provide an opportunity for questions and discussion.

An Accreditation Team (AT) is appointed, comprising four members including professional representatives and a secretariat. The team is responsible for conducting the site visit and evaluating the program against the Standards.

The provider submits a detailed self-assessment and supporting documentation demonstrating alignment with the Standards. A draft schedule for the site visit must also be included.

Submissions should be made at least three months prior to the proposed site visit, unless otherwise agreed.

The AT reviews the submission and may request additional information or adjustments to the visit schedule. The site visit is usually conducted at least six months after the Notice of Intent is submitted. It typically spans two to three days and includes:

• Interviews with students, graduates, and staff
• Tours of clinical and educational facilities

To ensure interviewees feel comfortable giving honest responses, staff must not be interviewed alongside their line manager or anyone in a reporting relationship (e.g. a program director with a head of department). Additionally, staff interviews should be scheduled separately from those with students and graduates.

Following the site visit, the AT prepares a draft report outlining its findings. The provider is invited to review the draft and submit comments or additional information. Once finalised, the report is submitted to ADC International.

ADC International reviews the final report and makes a determination regarding accreditation. The provider is formally notified of the outcome. The final report and accreditation decision may come up to three months after the site visit.