The project team mapped the existing Standards against other relevant national and international standards to identify any gaps and potential areas for improvement. 

The project team then developed proposed focus areas for the review. These were informed by the external policy environment, the strategic directions of the ADC and DC(NZ), the Councils’ experience using the Standards, and feedback from stakeholders. An independent education advisor also reviewed the proposed focus areas and provided advice on good practice in standard setting.

Following a recommendation from the project steering committee, the ADC and DC(NZ) invited a targeted group of stakeholders to complete a survey on the existing Standards and the proposed focus areas.

The survey feedback was considered by the project team and informed proposed changes to the Standards.

Dental practitioners, health professionals, community members, dental educators, professional bodies and other interested parties were then invited to provide feedback on the proposed changes. A public consultation was open from 17 December 2025 to 27 February 2026, with feedback accepted by email or survey.

After the consultation closed, the project team reviewed all feedback and refined some criteria in the Standards. The revised Standards were approved by DC(NZ) in May 2026 and, in accordance with the National Law in Australia, by the Dental Board of Australia in June 2026.