How to Work as a Foreign Dentist in Australia: Your Complete Guide

Question: “I’m a qualified dentist overseas. How do I actually work as a dentist in Australia?”

A lot of skilled dentists ask this when they want to move. The process might look hard, but it’s not as tough once you break it into steps and know which group does what. This easy-to-read guide shows you the pathways, the Australian Dental Council (ADC) exams, AHPRA registration, visa options, jobs, pay, and tips for settling in.

Table of Contents

Conclusion: Your Dental Career Awaits Down Under

1. Understanding the Australian Dental Landscape

Australia needs more dentists. The demand is high, especially in country areas. The government expects the field to grow by over 12% from 2021 to 2026, with about 3,300 new openings every year. Rural places often give extra perks to get dentists to come work there.

Who’s who?

• Australian Dental Council (ADC): Checks your dental degree and if you have the right skills if your degree isn’t already accepted.
• Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA): Runs the Australia-wide license system for health jobs.
• Dental Board of Australia (DBA): Sets the rules for dentists, dental specialists, hygienists, and other dental workers.
• Australian Dental Association (ADA): A group for dentists that offers advice, resources, and career help.

Main ways for dentists trained overseas

• ADC Exam Pathway: Most dentists do this. First, you get your documents checked, then do a written test and a practical test.
• Accredited Program Pathway: If you finished a dental degree already approved by the ADC (mainly in Australia or NZ), you might not need to do the ADC exams.
• Specialist Dentist Pathways: Dental specialists like orthodontists may do a special assessment process through the ADC and DBA.
• Limited or Provisional Registration: In some cases, you can work under supervision while you finish up the needed steps.

2. Eligibility and Initial Assessment: Can You Qualify?

Think of eligibility like double-checking your tools before starting. You need the right degree, English skills, and good professional record before you start exams or visas.

Dental Degrees

• If your degree is approved by the ADC standards, you may skip the ADC exams.
• If not, your papers will be checked first, and you’ll likely use the ADC exam route.
• You’ll need to show a Certificate of Good Standing from your local dental board, your CV, and your degree. A transcript and internship proof are helpful too.

English Requirements

You need to meet English rules for AHPRA.

• OET (Occupational English Test): At least a “B” in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
• IELTS: Often at least 7.0 overall, with no band lower than 7.0.
• Double-check with the Dental Board of Australia as rules can change.

The ADC Steps

3. Navigating the ADC Examination Process

Picture the ADC process like running a long race. You prep well, keep up the effort, and finish strong.

Step 1: Preliminary Assessment

• Why: To make sure you have the right background before the exams.
• What you send: Degree, transcripts, internship info, ID, registration/license, Certificate of Good Standing, and a CV.
• Cost: Usually around AUD $700. Check the latest fees.

Step 2: ADC Written Exam

• Format: Mostly multiple-choice and situation-based questions.
• Pass Rate: Around 60–70% on the first try.
• Preparation: Use ADC resources, textbooks, question banks, and join a study group. Good English reading helps a lot.

Step 3: ADC Practical Exam

• Format: Realistic clinical stations. Shows off your hands-on skills, cleaning, and communication.
• Pass Rate: Around 40–55% on the first try. Several people need to try more than once.
• Tip: Hands-on practice is key. Study groups and practice courses are helpful.

Fees and Tips

• Rough Costs:
• Preliminary Assessment: ~AUD $700
• Written Exam: ~AUD $2,000
• Practical Exam: ~AUD $4,500–$6,000
• Total: About AUD $7,200–$8,700 (not counting prep or travel)
• Make a study plan with mock exams.
• Record yourself explaining dental cases to others—it helps.
• Find a mentor who already passed ADC exams.

Other Pathways

• Accredited Degrees: If you finish a course the ADC approves, you can often skip the exams.
• Bridging Courses: Some colleges offer courses to help overseas dentists prepare for ADC practical exams.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Some places let you use your old training to shorten a new degree if you go that route.

Case Study: Dr. Anya Sharma (India)

Dr. Anya had a BDS from India. She passed OET, passed the written exam on her second try, took a bridging course, and passed the practical exam on her first go. She got a state-nominated visa and started her job in New South Wales earning about AUD $110,000 in her first year. Her path took about 2.5 years.

4. AHPRA Registration: Getting Your License to Practice

When you’re done with exams or do an approved degree, you apply for AHPRA registration.

Types of Registration

• General Registration: You can work by yourself.
• Limited Registration: You work supervised while finishing other steps.
• Provisional Registration: For certain special training or bridging.
• Specialist Registration: For recognized specialists like orthodontists or oral surgeons.

What You Need

• Proof of who you are and your qualification
• Proof of English skills
• Certificate of Good Standing
• Professional indemnity insurance
• Show you’ve been practicing recently, if needed
• Checks for medical fitness, police, and honesty
• Get ready for CPD (Continuing Professional Development) once you start work

How to Apply

• Send your application to AHPRA. Follow the DBA checklist.
• You may need police checks from both Australia and abroad.
• Be open about your history—honesty speeds up your process.

5. Australian Visa Options for Foreign Dentists

You need a visa to work. Some common choices:

Skilled Migration Visas: Subclass 189, 190, 491

• Occupation list: Dentists are on the in-demand list (MLTSSL) for many years.
• Points Test: Age, English, work experience, and qualifications give you points. You need enough to get invited.
• SkillSelect: Submit an EOI (expression of interest). States may offer you a 190 or 491 visa.
• Best Parts: 189 (PR, no sponsor); 190 (PR, if nominated by a state); 491 (regional, with a pathway to PR).
• Each visa can take 6–18 months. It depends.

Employer-Sponsored Visas: Subclass 482 and 494

• Find a clinic/employer to sponsor you.
• 482 can be quicker if you land a job.
• 494 is for regional jobs—can lead to PR.

Keys for the Process

• Use your ADC skills assessment to qualify
• English, police, and health checks also needed
• Each visa comes with its own set of conditions

Working Holiday Visa Note

• You can’t work as a dentist on a working holiday visa (even if you’re young), but you could use it to study or prep for exams.

6. Finding Dental Jobs in Australia

Once you pass the exams and register, you’ll want a good job.

Demand Areas

• Regional/rural: More jobs, sometimes bigger pay, moving help, and housing support.
• Cities: More clinics and networking, but tougher to land a first job.

Where to Look

• Job boards: Seek, Indeed, dental-specific boards
• Recruitment agencies: Some focus on dental jobs
• Professional circles: ADA, study groups, social media
• Rural Networks: Look for jobs with country/rural perks

CV and Interviews

• Keep your CV short and focus on your exams, registration, and work results (“Managed 15–20 patients per day, 40% commission on billings”).
• Cover letter: Talk about the clinic’s work and your skills.
• Interviews: Practice explaining treatment options, infection control, and good communication.

7. Dentist Salary and Living Costs in Australia

Build a stable life here—let’s talk money.

Average Dentist Pay

• Beginner (0–2 yrs): AUD $80,000–$120,000/year
• Experienced (5+ yrs): AUD $120,000–$250,000+
• Specialist: Often AUD $300,000–$500,000+
• Country areas sometimes pay more, or give commissions.

Taxes and Superannuation (Retirement)

• You’ll need a Tax File Number (TFN).
• Superannuation: Your boss pays money into your retirement fund.
• Some dentists work as contractors with their own Australian Business Number (ABN)—if you do, sort out your own taxes.

Cost of Living

• Rent and housing: Sydney and Melbourne are higher than country towns.
• Transport: Good public transport in cities; you need a car in many country spots.
• Plan for ADC exam debt, moving costs, and insurance.

8. Settling In: Life as a Dentist in Australia

Australia is famous for work-life balance. You can work and still have time for a swim, barbecue, or hike on your day off.

CPD (Continuing Professional Development)

• You must do 60 hours every three years (at least 10 each year).
• Mix hands-on courses, lectures, and online learning.
• Stay covered by good professional insurance.

Work Life and Expectations

• Patients are used to clear talk, empathy, and honest costs.
• Clinics value teamwork and being on time.
• Follow local dental rules and keep clear notes.

Healthcare and Insurance

• Public and private systems work side by side. Most adults pay for private dental care. Some kids’ schemes exist.
• Private health insurance helps patients claim back some dental fees.

Dental Technology

Clinics use more digital tools now—for example, intraoral scanning, CAD/CAM, and 3D printing. To learn more about how high-tech labs fit into daily dental work, check out digital china dental lab.

9. Common Challenges and How to Beat Them

Exam Stress

• Many pass on a second or third go. You’re not alone.
• Break study into chunks and practice under exam timing.
• Find a study buddy or group for support.

Visa Delays

• Start your paperwork early for police and health checks.
• Keep all documents together and updated.
• Consider employer-sponsored routes for faster work starts.

Cultural Differences

• Australian patients like direct, honest talk and kindness.
• Networking helps—get involved at ADA events, lectures, or even volunteering.

Money Plans

• Budget for exam fees, travel, and repeat tests.
• Weigh rural job perks vs city pay—it’s not always about the highest number, but steady patients and support.

10. Key Resources and Next Steps

Official Sites

• ADC: Exam details, costs, accredited degrees
• AHPRA & Dental Board of Australia: Registration and CPD
• DHA: Visa types, skilled occupation lists
• ADA: Membership, courses, professional connections

Professional Groups

• ADA state branches and specialist dental societies
• Health workforce reports for job trends and incentives

To Do List for Working in Australia

Conclusion: Your Dental Career Awaits Down Under

You’ve got skills and care about your patients. Australia offers clear steps and many job chances if you plan it out. Start with checking your eligibility and English skills, work through the ADC process (or get an accredited degree), get registered, pick the visa that fits best, then find the right job.

Go one step at a time. It may seem long, but taking it slowly means you get there in the end. If you need help, ask for it—many have done this before and want to support you. Australia’s patients need you. Your new career starts now.

Key Resources

• Australian Dental Council (ADC)
• AHPRA and Dental Board of Australia
• Department of Home Affairs (DHA)
• Australian Dental Association (ADA)

> Note: Pay rates and processing times change over time. Always check the latest info on official sites before making plans. If you have a family, look up schools, housing, and transport near your work site in Australia. Good planning makes the move much easier.

By keeping things simple and well-organized, you can take control and make your new life as a dentist in Australia a success.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Cason, BDS, ADC-certified, AHPRA Registered