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 ADC contributes to reviews and enquiries across the health sector, drawing on our experience in accreditation and assessment. Our expertise helps shape policies and initiatives that enhance oral health outcomes for all communities.
Some of the ADC’s recent submissions are outlined below.
On 8 March 2023, the Senate established the Select Committee into the Provision of and Access to Dental Services in Australia to inquire into matters relating to the nation’s oral and dental health, and access to services.
The ADC’s recommendations The ADC submitted a response to the inquiry, highlighting:
Outcome
The final report was released in November 2023, noting that, while oral health is essential for overall wellbeing, access remains inequitable, especially for vulnerable groups. Recommendations included integrating dental care into primary health systems and expanding public funding, such as new schemes for children and seniors. Workforce reforms were also proposed to address shortages and improve service delivery in underserved areas.
The Department of Health and Aged Care led the Intellectual Disability Health Curriculum Development Project, a priority action under the National Roadmap for Improving the Health of People with Intellectual Disability. A key component of the project was the development of the Intellectual Disability Health Capability Framework (the Framework), which describes clear capabilities and learning outcomes regarding health care for people with intellectual disability.
The ADC’s recommendations
In 2023, the ADC developed a response to this consultation in collaboration with the Australasian Council of Dental Schools (ACODS). The response articulated the need for implementation options to be broad and adaptable so that accreditation authorities can select an option that is achievable. The ADC noted the existing reference to intellectual disability in the Professional competencies for the newly qualified dental practitioners under ‘Groups or populations at increased risk of harm or poor oral health’. The ADC provided further feedback as a higher education health accreditation authority member. In addition, members of the ADC’s accreditation team provided verbal feedback regarding the potential effects the Framework might have for the dental accreditation sector, how best the Framework could be integrated into existing Accreditation Standards and possible barriers to, and strategies to overcome, implementation.
The Framework was published in April 2024 with resources to support its implementation.
Unleashing the potential of our workforce – Scope of Practice Review issues paper 1 explored the available evidence about the benefits, risks, barriers and enablers to health practitioners working to their full scope of practice. Proposed policy reform options were presented in issues paper 2, which were further considered and developed through consultation.
The ADC responded to key consultation questions raised by these papers, highlighting the barriers, enablers, risk and benefits to oral health professionals working to their full scope.
The ADC emphasised the need for leadership across all healthcare sectors to implement the proposed reforms successfully, highlighting the importance of consistent communication and collaboration among professions. The ADC supports the development of a National Skills and Capability Framework to improve understanding and integration of dental practitioners within multidisciplinary teams, and advocates for consistent regulation of continuing professional development (CPD) education providers. Additionally, the ADC noted the need for enhancements to funding and payment policies to increase access to dental services.
Following more than 12 months of consultation and research, the final report was released in October 2024 that proposed 18 recommendations across four themes:
In May 2024, the independent review of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) started, with the aim to identify complex or unnecessary processes within the NRAS.
In September 2024, the review invited submissions in response to consultation paper 1, which presented evidence collected and identified emerging themes, associated issues and challenges, and potential reform directions.
Consultation paper 2 was released in early 2025, followed by a targeted consultation process.
The ADC provided feedback on the paper, and the review also sought feedback from:
The ADC emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards in dental education and training to protect public health and safety. We highlighted the need for improved workforce planning and collaboration with other health sector stakeholders to address challenges such as academic workforce issues and the alignment between clinical practice and academia. The ADC also supports increased consumer involvement in setting strategic directions and priorities for the National Scheme to ensure better health outcomes for all Australians.
The final report was published in September 2025. The report sets out four overarching directions, supported by 26 actions. The recommendations embed the principles of regulatory stewardship, an evidence driven approach, and fostering collaboration across sectors.