Where can I work?
Australia is divided into eight States and Territories, and a UK graduate can work in any or all of these. The majority of Australian healthcare is provided on a private basis, however public hospitals and community dental clinics provide 'free treatment' under Medicare to eligible patients.
What do I need?
In order to practise in Australia, you will require the following, which can be obtained by clicking on the webpages listed below:
The correct visa
Find out how to obtain an Australian work visa
Registration with AHPRA
You will need to register with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA), the national registration body in Australia, in order to practise dentistry.
Find out more about AHPRA registration
Provider number
This is a unique identifier required for each site you work at. A provider number enables you to refer patients for tests which are billed under Medicare; this includes extra oral radiography (many centres do not have an OPG machine).
Find out more about provider numbers
Radiography license
A license is required to take intraoral radiography, and this license is acquired in the individual State or Territory in which you chose to work.
If you wish to take extraoral radiographs, an additional qualification needs to be obtained whilst in Australia. This takes the form of a course and exam and is available through the dental schools in each State.
Find out more about radiography licenses
Prescriber number
This is a unique identifier for each practitioner and is required in order to write prescriptions.
Find out more about prescriber numbers
Indemnity insurance
It is a compulsory requirement that all practitioners hold valid Australian indemnity insurance to practise in Australia. Contact Dental Protection Australia at [email protected] to apply for Australian membership as well as the insurance you need.
What obligations am I bound by?
The Dental Board of Australia is one of ten National Boards which are regulated by AHPRA, and registration carries with it a series of obligations in the form of standards, codes and guidelines