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 examination is held over two days: a technical skills day and a clinical skills day. It assesses you across the range of the Professional competencies of the newly qualified dentist. You are eligible to sit the practical examination within five years of you passing your written examination.
The Practical examination handbook for dentists (PDF, 693KB) and the Practical examination information package for dentists (PDF, 2.2MB) provide a complete overview of the practical examination format and requirements.
We do not recommend or endorse any proprietary or informal courses advertising as preparation for the practical 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.
You are eligible to apply for registration with the Dental Board of Australia once you successfully complete the practical examination.
ELIGIBILITY: ⓘMore informationDue to limited space and to ensure fairness, candidates cannot sit consecutive practical examination periods. Eligible candidates will be invited to apply for specific application periods. Each period has a waiting list, and if space becomes available, eligible candidates may be invited to sit the exam – however, this is usually at very short notice.
Successful, valid written examination and valid initial assessment
TIMEFRAME:
4 to 7 months from application period to results release (approximately)
COST:
$4,775 AUD
VALIDITY:
Does not expire
Application period: ⓘMore informationYou must apply for a practical examination date during this time period. All eligible candidates will receive an email at the start of this period with a link to apply. The date selection period will open 48 hours after the application period closes.
11 – 22 February 2026
Date selection period: ⓘMore informationThe date selection period will close early if all dates are selected before the period ends.
25 – 27 February 2026
Examination Date:ⓘMore informationThe practical examinations will be held on these dates. Specific dates will be set after the application period.
May – August 2026
17 – 26 June 2026
1 – 3 July 2026
August – December 2026
14 – 23 October 2026
27 – 29 October 2026
Examination Date: ⓘMore informationThe practical examinations will be held on these dates. Specific dates will be set after the application period.
January to May 2027
10 – 19 February 2027
23 – 25 February 2027
May – August 2027
16 – 25 June 2027
29 June – 1 July 2027
August to December 2027
To sit the practical examination, you must:
If you meet the eligibility requirements, a practical 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 practical examination.
In the weeks following your successful application you will receive an email inviting you to book your preferred practical examination session via ADC Connect. Follow the instructions to select your preferred practical examination session.
Your ADC Connect account will be updated once you have selected your preferred session, but your session is not confirmed at this time.
We will try and accommodate you where we can, however we do not guarantee that you will be allocated your preferred dates. Remember that you must be available to sit the practical examination at any time during the examination period.
Once the booking period closes the ADC will review the sessions. Following this, we will send an email confirming your practical examination session. Your ADC Connect profile will be updated with your confirmed dates.
You will receive an email with your practical examination schedule approximately four weeks before your examination.
We will supply the materials and equipment you need for the practical examination.
You are required to follow the terms of the Candidate Rules Agreement (PDF, 56KB) during the practical examination.
During registration you must present government-issued photographic identification. Your identification must be current and include your signature. We will also take your photo at this time.
The Practical examination handbook for dentists (PDF, 693KB) contains more information about practical examination day process.
Your practical examination results will be released via ADC Connect approximately six weeks after your examination date.
Information about how the practical examination is graded is available in the Practical examination handbook for dentists (PDF, 693KB).
After you successfully complete the practical examination, you will be awarded an ADC certificate. This certificate confirms your eligibility to apply for registration with the Dental Board of Australia. It will be available to download via your ADC Connect account.