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 written examination is held over one day in Melbourne, Australia; Toronto, Canada; London, England; Johannesburg, South Africa: Singapore, Singapore: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: and Sao Paulo, Brazil.
You should carefully read the Written examination handbook for dental hygiene and dental therapy (PDF, 498KB) for a comprehensive overview of the written examination format and requirements.
We do not recommend or endorse any proprietary or informal courses advertising as preparation for the written examination. These courses are developed and run without ADC input. We cannot be held responsible for the quality of training or advice provided through these courses.
A one-day examination testing your application of knowledge to clinical practice.
ELIGIBILITY:
Successful, valid initial assessment
TIMEFRAME:
5 months from application period to results release (approximately)
COST:
$1,432 AUD
VALIDITY:
5 years
Initial Assessment Deadline: ⓘMore informationYou must submit your complete initial assessment application by this date for your application to be assessed in time for this written examination period. This is not a guarantee of examination eligibility. Incomplete applications will require additional submission of documents and may not be assessed in time for the examination.
Friday 12 April 2026
Application Period: ⓘMore informationYou must apply for a seat at a written examination location/date during this time period. All eligible candidates will receive an email at the start of this period with a link to apply.
9 – 16 June 2026
Examination Date:ⓘMore informationThe written examination will be held on these dates.
Friday 2 October 2026
Initial Assessment Deadline:ⓘMore information]You must submit your complete initial assessment application by this date for your application to be assessed in time for this written examination period. This is not a guarantee of examination eligibility. Incomplete applications will require additional submission of documents and may not be assessed in time for the examination.
11 October 2026
8 – 15 December 2026
Friday 2 April 2027
Initial Assessment Deadline:ⓘMore informationYou must submit your complete initial assessment application by this date for your application to be assessed in time for this written examination period. This is not a guarantee of examination eligibility. Incomplete applications will require additional submission of documents and may not be assessed in time for the examination.
11 April 2026
Application Period:ⓘMore informationYou must apply for a seat at a written examination location/date during this time period. All eligible candidates will receive an email at the start of this period with a link to apply.
8 – 15 June 2027
Friday 17 September 2027
To sit the written examination, you must:
If you meet the eligibility requirements a written examination application link will appear on your ADC Connect profile when the application period opens.
Follow the instructions to complete the application and pay the associated application fee. Once payment is processed you will receive an email to confirm your application has been received. Your ADC Connect profile will also be updated confirming your written examination.
Once the application period has closed, you will receive an email inviting you to select your preferred examination venue. The written examination is available at the following locations:
The written examination is a paper-based examination delivered in Melbourne, Australia; Toronto, Canada; London, England; Johannesburg, South Africa: Singapore, Singapore: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: and Sao Paulo, Brazil
The dental hygiene written examination is made up of two papers, each 90 minutes in length.
The dental therapy written examination is made up of two papers, each 90 minutes in length.
The combined written examination is available for candidates with dual qualifications in dental hygiene and dental therapy or hold a qualification in oral health therapy.
The examination is made up of two papers, each two hours in length.
More information about the written examination format, including sample questions, is available in the Written examination handbook for dental hygiene and dental therapy (PDF, 498KB).
Your written examination results will be released via ADC Connect approximately six weeks after your examination date.
A pass in the written examination is valid for five years and there are no limits on the number of times you can attempt the examination.
More information about how the written examination is graded is available in the Written examination handbook for dental hygiene and dental therapy (PDF, 498KB).