ADC – Skills Assessment for Dentists and Dental Professionals
Migration Skills Assessment for Overseas-Qualified Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Therapists & Oral Health Practitioners
The Australian Dental Council (ADC) is the official assessing authority for dental professionals applying for skilled migration to Australia. A positive ADC skills assessment is required for skilled visas such as subclass 189, 190, 491, and is also the first step for overseas-trained dentists and oral health practitioners seeking registration to practise in Australia.
ADC evaluates whether your dental qualification and professional competencies meet Australian standards.
ABEE’S Consultancy (MARN 2217775) provides structured guidance to help applicants understand ADC requirements and prepare a clear and compliant skills assessment submission.
Who Needs an ADC Skills Assessment?
ADC assesses applicants intending to migrate or pursue registration as:
Dentist
General dental practitioners providing comprehensive oral health care
Dental Specialist (Various Specialties)
Specialists in orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, and other dental specialties
Dental Hygienist
Professionals specializing in preventive oral health care and dental hygiene
Dental Therapist
Practitioners providing preventive and restorative dental care, primarily for children
Oral Health Therapist
Combined dental hygienist and dental therapist practitioners
Dental Prosthetist
Specialists in designing, constructing, and fitting dental prostheses
If your goal is to migrate as a dental professional, or eventually practice in Australia, ADC is your assessing authority.
ADC Skills Assessment Pathways
ADC offers two key pathways for migration purposes:
1. Skills Assessment for Migration Purposes
This is for applicants applying for skilled migration only.
ADC evaluates:
- Qualification equivalence
- Professional eligibility
- English language ability (if required)
This assessment determines whether your dental qualification is comparable to Australian standards.
2. Competency-Based Assessment Pathway (For Registration Purposes)
Separate from migration, applicants wanting to practise in Australia must undergo:
- Initial Assessment of Professional Qualification
- Written Examination
- Practical Examination
Many applicants complete a migration skills assessment first and then proceed with the registration process.
ADC Requirements for a Positive Skills Assessment
1. Recognised Dental Qualification
Your degree must:
- Be from an institution recognised by ADC
- Cover core dental subjects such as operative dentistry, radiography, endodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, periodontology, paediatric dentistry, etc.
- Include sufficient clinical training
- Lead to professional registration in the country of issue
ADC reviews the structure and content of your dental course carefully.
2. Registration or Eligibility to Register (If Applicable)
Applicants must provide evidence of:
- Current or previous registration
- Good standing certificates from dental authorities
- Eligibility to practise in the country of qualification
3. Clinical Experience & Internship
Where required, ADC assesses:
- Internship completion
- Clinical case involvement
- Patient contact hours
Internship documents must clearly show:
- Duration
- Supervision
- Areas of dental practice covered
4. English Language Requirement
Applicants may need to submit English language test results such as IELTS, OET, PTE, or TOEFL, depending on their visa pathway or other requirements.
Documents Required for ADC Skills Assessment
Identity Documents
- Passport
- Photograph
- Name change documents (if applicable)
Qualification Documents
- Dental degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Detailed course syllabus or handbook
- Internship completion certificates
- Clinical training documentation
Registration Documents
- Registration certificate
- Certificate of good standing
- Verification from licensing authorities
Employment Documents (If Submitted)
Though not always required, applicants may provide:
- Reference letters
- Job descriptions
- Payslips
- Letters confirming clinical duties
English Test Results (If Required)
Depending on visa and migration requirements.
ADC Skills Assessment Process – Step by Step
Confirm Qualification Recognition
ADC reviews whether your dental qualification aligns with Australian accredited programs. We explain how ADC criteria apply to your academic background.
Prepare Academic Documentation
Applicants gather degree certificates, transcripts, course outlines, and clinical training evidence. We explain how to structure these documents clearly for assessment.
Prepare Registration and Good Standing Documents
Applicants collect certificates of registration and good standing from all relevant dental authorities. We explain how to ensure these documents meet ADC requirements.
Submit Application via ADC Portal
Applicants complete the ADC online submission process and upload required documentation.
ADC Assessment & Verification
ADC reviews:
- Qualification equivalence
- Registration status
- Clinical education
- Internship or supervised practice
- English evidence (if applicable)
Receive Skills Assessment Outcome
A positive ADC assessment confirms:
- Your dental qualification is comparable to Australian standards
- You meet migration requirements for your nominated dental occupation
Common Reasons ADC Applications Are Refused
Qualification not equivalent to an Australian dental degree
Your dental qualification must be comparable to Australian dental education standards in terms of curriculum, duration, and clinical components.
Insufficient clinical practice hours
Your dental program must include adequate clinical training hours with patient contact across various dental disciplines.
Missing internship or supervised practice records
Complete documentation of your internship or supervised practice period is essential, including duration, supervision details, and areas of practice.
Course curriculum lacking core dental units
Your dental program must cover all core subjects including operative dentistry, radiography, endodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, periodontology, and paediatric dentistry.
No registration or missing good-standing documentation
You must provide evidence of current or previous registration and certificates of good standing from all relevant dental authorities.
Incomplete transcripts or missing course outlines
Complete academic transcripts and detailed course syllabi or handbooks are required to demonstrate the content and structure of your dental education.
English requirement not met (if applicable)
Depending on your visa pathway and other requirements, you may need to provide valid English language test results meeting the specified standards.
The ADC assessment is strict, and thorough documentation is essential for a positive result.
How ABEE’S Consultancy Supports ADC Applicants
Guidance on Qualification Requirements
Explaining how your dental degree aligns with ADC standards.
Document Preparation Guidance
Clarifying how to prepare transcripts, course descriptions, clinical records, registration documents, and good-standing certificates.
Support in Preparing Dental Practice References
Explaining how to structure reference letters that reflect clinical responsibilities accurately.
Application Lodgement Guidance
Providing support for submitting a complete application through the ADC portal.
RFI Guidance
Explaining how to respond if ADC requests additional information.
Migration Pathway Advice After Assessment
Explaining skilled visa options for dentists, including 189, 190, and 491, and outlining next steps for professional registration.
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