The ADC works to protect the health and safety of the public by ensuring dental practitioners meet the high standards required of dental professionals in Australia.
Information for internationally qualified dental practitioners on assessment pathways and requirements for practice in Australia.
Guidance and resources for education providers delivering ADC-accredited dental practitioner programs in Australia.
Learn more about our submissions, consultations and research activities that support the oral health sector
ADC International (ADCI) is a leading independent authority in accreditation and assessment of health programs worldwide, with a particular focus on oral health.
The Australian Dental Council (ADC) and the Dental Council (New Zealand) (DC(NZ)) develop and endorse the ADC/DC(NZ) accreditation standards for dental practitioner programs. These standards ensure that education providers deliver programs that prepare graduates to practise safely and competently across Australia and New Zealand.
The standards are approved by the Dental Board of Australia (DBA) under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009. This legal framework supports the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme, which governs the regulation of health practitioners across Australia.
ADC/DC(NZ) accreditation standards for dental practitioner programs (Current)
ADC/DC(NZ) accreditation standards for dental practitioner programs (Effective 1 January 2027)
Accreditation standards guidance notes
The standards are organised into Domains, each representing a key area of educational quality and professional competence. Each Domain includes a standard statement that defines its core purpose, and a set of criteria that outline what is expected of accredited programs.
These criteria act as a guide when the ADC is assessing a program, but are not assessed individually. Instead, the ADC takes a holistic view of the evidence presented to determine whether a program meets the overall standard.
Public safety is assured.
Academic governance and quality assurance processes are effective.
Program design, delivery and resourcing enable students to achieve the required professional competencies.
Students are provided with equitable and timely access to information and support.
Assessment is fair, valid and reliable to ensure graduates are competent to practise.
The program ensures students are able to provide culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
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