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.
It determines you ‘know how’ to practise dentistry in Australia by assessing your:
We deliver the written examination in partnership with Pearson VUE at various test centres around the world. It is held twice a year, usually in March and September. You should carefully read the Written handbook for general dentistry (PDF, 761KB) 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.
ELIGIBILITY:
Successful, valid initial assessment
TIMEFRAME:
5 months from application period to results release (approximately)
COST:
$2,122 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.
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.
Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 September 2026
11 October 2026
8 – 15 December 2026
Examination Date:ⓘMore informationThe written examination will be held on these dates.
Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 March 2027
11 April 2027
8 – 15 June 2027
Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 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 your 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.
In the weeks following your successful application you will receive an Authorisation to Test email from Pearson VUE. This email outlines when you can log into the system to book your examination venue.
You must book your examination venue during the booking period. You must select the same venue for both examination days. Once booked, you can change your examination venue via Pearson VUE while the booking period is open. Please note that this is subject to availability.
If you have problems logging into the Pearson VUE system or booking your examination contact Pearson VUE immediately.
Pearson VUE has a detailed list of the venues used for the written examination. Some venues have limited capacity and are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Venues are subject to change at short notice.
You will receive an email from Pearson VUE confirming the time, location, and requirements for your examination once your booking is complete. Pearson VUE will issue a reminder email seven days before the examination.
Please note: Testing centres have capacity limits. In some cases you may be required to travel outside your home country to sit the written examination.
The written examination is a computer-delivered, multiple-choice question examination held over two days. All equipment and supplies you need to complete the examination are provided by the venue.
You are required to follow the terms of the Candidate Rules Agreement (PDF, 58KB) during the written examination.
You must bring one form of primary ID as authorisation to sit the examination.
More information about ID types is available in the Written handbook for general dentistry (PDF, 761KB) and on the Pearson VUE website.
Your written examination results will be released via your ADC Connect profile 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 handbook for general dentistry (PDF, 761KB).