Dental Boards

National Registration and Accreditation.

With the introduction of the National Registration and Accreditation legislation (the National Law), the Australian Health Practitioner Regulating Authority (AHPRA) is the national agency responsible for the national registration and accreditation of ten health professions in Australia. The National Law has been enacted by all States and Territories except Western Australia. With the exception of Western Australia, State and Territory Dental Boards that previously existed will no longer function.

For all States and Territories (except Western Australia).

Pursuant to the National Law, the Dental Board of Australia (DBA) has been established. The Functions of the Board include:

• Registering dentists, students, dental specialists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, oral health therapists and dental prosthetists 
• Developing standards, codes and guidelines for the dental profession
• Handling notifications, complaints, investigations and disciplinary hearings
• Assessing overseas trained practitioners who wish to practise in Australia  
• Approving accreditation standards and accredited courses of study.

Visit: http://www.ada.org.au/dentalboardofaustralia.aspx for more information. This link also provides connection to the DBA website.

State and Regional Boards and Committees

The Dental Board of Australia is supported by State and Regional Boards which represent each State and Territory. The State and Regional Boards are as follows:

• Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania and Victoria (Regional)
• Northern Territory and South Australia (Regional)
• New South Wales (State)
• Queensland (State)
• Western Australia (State)

These Boards make individual registration and notification decisions, based on national policies and standards set by the Dental Board of Australia. The National Board has formally delegated the necessary powers to the State and Regional Boards.

The National Board has also appointed Committees for each State and Regional Board to deal with the registration of individuals and with notifications. These Committees have also been formally delegated powers to make certain decisions. Committees include: 

    •        Registration and Notification Committee 
    •        Immediate Action Committee

Western Australia

The Acting Minister for Health has informed the Dental Board of Western Australia that the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (WA) Bill 2010 will not be operational in time for Western Australia to participate in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme until at least 18 October 2010. The delay will require the Dental Board of WA to continue to operate under the existing legislation.

The Western Australian Government has advised they anticipate the legislation will be passed in August 2010 and proclaimed and operational by 18 October 2010 and have advised this date will be the new date for Western Australia's entry into the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.

The delay results in the following requirements for practitioners: 

    •   The continuation of the Dental Board of WA under 
       existing current state legislation until the new legislation is
       operational. 

    •   Practitioners are required to hold current registration with the Dental
       Board of WA in order to practise in WA. 

    •   WA registered practitioners are required to obtain a registration with
       the Dental Board of Australia in order to practise in other States and
       Territories. This applies until Western Australia enters the National 
       Scheme.

Students will not be required to be registered until WA enters the National Scheme. Should there be any change to the proposed date, registrants will be advised as soon as the Board is made aware of any change.

For more information on the progress of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (WA) Bill 2010 please visit the Parliament of Western Australia website: http://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/index.htm

Currently details for the Dental Board of WA are:

    Dental Board of WA

    2nd Level

    15 Rheola St

    WEST PERTH WA 6005

    PO Box 263

    WEST PERTH WA 6872

    T: 08 9321 8499 

    F: 08 9481 4940

    E: dentalboard@hlbwa.com.au

    Chairman - Dr John Owen

    Registrar - Mr Wayne Clark

Overseas Qualified Practitioners

Dental Practitioners with overseas qualifications who wish to apply for registration with the Dental Board of Australia should refer to the specific information under the relevant Register and division of the Register of Dental Practitioners in which they are seeking registration:

Register of Dental Practitioners

• Dentists
• Dental Prosthetists
• Dental Therapists and Dental Hygienists

Specialists Register

• Dentists

Updated: 19 August 2010.