Dental Hygienist Information

Working In Australia

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Welcome to our International colleagues who maybe considering the opportunity of working in Australia. The information provided below outlines the necessary steps needed to be taken before practising as a dental hygienist in Australia.

What minimum legal requirements are necessary to be able to work as a dental hygienist in Australia?

  • Require a work permit (Visa).
  • Must pass a Registration Examination for licensing by the relevant licensing body.
  • Must register with each state or territory Dental Board in which they wish to practice.

What are the contact details for the official licensing body?

  • Each Australian State/Territory has its own Dental Board responsible for licensing/registration.
  • Please note that The Dental Hygienists’ Association of Australia Inc. does not control the registration of dental hygienists in Australia. This is done through the state and territory dental boards.

What special conditions may apply if I am accepted for employment?

Who do I contact for a work permit (if required)?

Does a job offer need to be placed before a work permit is issued?

  • Not usually

Is it necessary to be fluent in the country's main language?

  • Yes (English)

Are overseas qualified hygienists required to sit the country's National registration examination?

  • Yes. In order to be able to register with the dental boards, all hygienists who have acquired their dental hygiene qualifications elsewhere than Australia (except for New Zealand*), must successfully complete the Overseas Trained Dental Hygiene Exam. The exam consists of both written and clinical components. Successful completion of this exam will allow you to register with any of the state and territory dental boards.The exam is open to dental hygienists only. It is a requirement that you have graduated from a recognised dental hygiene school, and are currently registered and practicing as a dental hygienist in your country.
    * The Trans-Tasman Agreement offers mutual recognition for dental hygienists who have no restrictions on their practice and full registration in New Zealand.

  • Please contact TAFE SA for further information:

    TAFE SA
    Centre for Dental Studies
    Gilles Plains Campus
    Blacks Road
    GILLES PLAINS SA 5086
    Australia
    ph: +61 8 8207 1223
    fax: +61 8 8207 1113
    web: TAFE SA Adelaide North (downloadable application form available also)

  • This examination is recognised by all Dental Boards.

Can anyone sit the Registration Examination?

  • No. The exam is open to dental hygienists only. It is a requirement that you have graduated from a recognised dental hygiene school, and are currently registered and practicing as a dental hygienist in your country.

How are dental hygienists employed in Australia?

  • The majority of dental hygienists are employed in private dental practices (general or specialist) and are concentrated in Australia's major capital cities. Currently, there are very few hygienists working in country areas or the public sector.

What are the standard duties likely to be permitted legally?

  • Dental health education, oral hygiene instruction, dietary counselling, recording of periodontal disease, radiography, impressions, study models, fluoride therapy, fissure sealants, polishing restorations, overhang removal, scaling and prophylaxis, root planing, rubber dam application, removal of sutures, periodontal dressings, application of desensitising agents and remineralising solutions, orthodontic procedures, chairside assisting and clinical photography.
  • Note that varying State/Territory legislation applies to these duties. For a comprehensive description of permissible duties, please contact the relevant State or Territory Dental Board.

Where can I get more information?

  • General Information:

    DHAA Inc.
    PO Box 10030
    Gouger Street
    ADELAIDE SA 5000
    AUSTRALIA