AHPRA Registration for Dentists in Australia: ADC, OBA and the Step-by-Step Process
Two Mandatory Steps: ADC and AHPRA
Overseas-trained dentists must complete two separate processes before they can practise in Australia:
- The ADC (Australian Dental Council) carries out the skills assessment — confirming that your qualifications and experience are equivalent to the Australian standard for migration and practice purposes.
- AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency), through the Dental Board of Australia (DBA), grants the actual practising registration. Without AHPRA registration you are not permitted to treat patients as a Dentist in any state or territory.
The two steps are independent but both mandatory. The ADC assessment is a prerequisite for AHPRA to consider your registration application.
The ADC Skills Assessment Process
The ADC has two main pathways for overseas-trained dentists:
ADC Written Examination + ADC Practical Examination: The standard pathway comprises two examinations. The ADC Written tests clinical knowledge through multiple-choice questions; the ADC Practical tests skills on a phantom head and mannequin in Australia. The order is fixed: you must pass the Written before registering for the Practical.
OBA (Overseas-Based Assessment): For dentists who are currently practising overseas and meet the ADC eligibility criteria. The OBA reviews your file and conducts a direct evaluation at your workplace (or at an ADC-designated facility). Not all applicants are eligible for the OBA — the ADC decides the appropriate pathway after a preliminary review of your file.
General requirements to apply to the ADC:
- A dental degree from a school recognised by the ADC (or a degree previously reviewed)
- Sufficient post-qualification practising experience as required by the ADC for each pathway
- English language: IELTS Academic minimum 7.0 in each band (or OET minimum B in each band) — the English requirement must be met before sitting the exam
- A valid practising certificate from your country of origin (if currently practising)
ADC fees and examination schedules change each year — check the ADC website for the most up-to-date information.
Registering with AHPRA After the ADC
Once you receive a successful outcome from the ADC, you are eligible to lodge an AHPRA registration application. The process:
1. Create an AHPRA Online Services account at ahpra.gov.au. The entire application is submitted through this online portal.
2. Choose the correct registration type: International applicants choose “General registration” — do not confuse this with “Limited registration” or “Provisional registration”. AHPRA has several registration types, and the wrong choice will cause delays.
3. Documents to submit:
- ADC assessment outcome
- Dental degree and transcript (certified English translation if not originally in English)
- English test results (IELTS/OET)
- Passport
- Confirmation of practising registration from your country of origin (if currently practising)
- Declaration of criminal and professional disciplinary history (suitability declaration)
4. Pay the registration fee — check the AHPRA website for current fee amounts.
5. Wait for processing: AHPRA does not publish a fixed processing time. A complete application usually takes 6–12 weeks. An application missing documents or requiring further verification takes considerably longer.
Important Notes
Intern program: Some ADC applicants, after AHPRA approval, must complete an intern program at a recognised dental facility before being granted full General Registration — depending on the ADC pathway and AHPRA’s decision.
English language: AHPRA requires proof of English independently of the ADC. The English score used for the ADC may be accepted by AHPRA, but you should check its validity (time since the test, type of test).
Annual registration renewal: AHPRA registration expires each year on 31 May. Failing to renew on time means practising illegally.
Check the public register: Employers and patients can check your AHPRA registration on the National Register at ahpra.gov.au.
Connection to Migration Visas
The ADC outcome serves as the skills assessment for ANZSCO code 252312 (Dentist). This outcome is used to lodge points-tested visas (190, 491) and the visa 482 (if sponsored). Without an ADC outcome you cannot lodge any migration visa based on the dentist occupation.