Working in the Dental sector in Australia or New Zealand

Open Recruitment offers specialist recruitment services in the dental sector. We have superb opportunities across the entire industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. We currently have a number of positions for:

Some of our vacancies are listed online, however please contact us for further details on these and other opportunities.

Open Recruitment also handles similar positions in the UK and Ireland through our well established UK branch. For information on working in the UK and current vacancies please visit: www.openrecruitment.com

Working as a Dental Professional in Australia

Dentistry in Australia is a respected and rewarding profession with both Private and Government opportunities. Due to Skills shortages, there are numerous opportunities open to both Australian and externally qualified applicants.

To work as a Dentist, Therapist, Specialist, Hygienist or Qualified Dental Nurse in Australia you need to register with the relevant Dental Board in the State/s or Territory/s in which you live and work. It is illegal to practice Dentistry in Australia without these registrations. Please visit the registration board in your state (see LINKS page) for full information on registration process and fees.

If you did not receive your qualification in Australia from an approved educational institution (please see www.dentalcouncil.net.au for a list of these) then you will need to have your qualifications and skills assessed by the Australian Dental Council (ADC). The ADC is a registered corporation in association with State/Territories Registration boards, who’s main function is to assess Dental qualifications and accredit Dental courses and course providers.

Depending on the country where your qualifications where obtained you may need to undertake a Sills Assessment Examination (ADC Examination). An Occupational English Exam will also be required for nationals of non-English speaking countries. Please contact us for assistance.

Dentists with a Bachelor degree obtained from the United Kingdom or Ireland may have qualifications which may be acceptable to Dental Registration Boards for immediate registration.

Under the Mutual Recognition Act 1992, subject to certain conditions, if a person is registered to practise an occupation in one State or Territory they can carry out an equivalent occupation in any other State or Territory. Under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA) individuals registered or licensed to practise an occupation in New Zealand are entitled to practise the equivalent occupation in any Australian State and Territory and visa versa. The Mutual Recognition Act and the

TTMRA apply irrespective of where training was undertaken. To find out if you can obtain registration under the provisions of the Mutual Recognition Act or the TTMRA you should contact the relevant registration authority in the Australian State or Territory in which you intend to practise.

Please note that non permanent residents/citizens are only entitled to work in Australia if they possess a visa or permit issued by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. There are many visa and permit types with differing eligibility criteria and time frames. As Dentistry is on the Skilled Occupations List, overseas qualified professionals may be able to get a Skilled Migration Visa, providing they fulfil eligibility criteria. Please visit www.immi.gov.au for full information on the various visa/permit types available and how to apply. Alternatively, phone our office and we will assist you where we can.

Working as a Dental Professional in New Zealand

The Dental industry in New Zealand is very similar to that in Australia, with both Private and Public opportunities available.

To work as a Dentist, Therapist, Specialist, Hygienist or Qualified Dental Nurse in New Zealand you need to register with the Dental Council of New Zealand (DCNZ). It is illegal to practice Dentistry in New Zealand without this registration. Please visit www.dentalcouncil.org.nz for full information on registration process and fees and a list of accredited courses and educational providers.

Providing course was completed at an accredited educational institution, New Zealand Qualified practitioners immediately qualify for registration. The TTMRA Act also applies (as above) allowing Dental Professionals qualified and registered in Australia immediate eligibility to register with the  Dentists with a Bachelor degree obtained from the United Kingdom or Ireland may have qualifications which may be acceptable to Dental Registration Boards for immediate registration. If immediate registration is not granted or if you obtained your qualifications in any other country, you will need to apply to the DCNZ to have your skills assessed.

This may require successful completion of a Skills Assessment Examination. An Occupational English Exam will also be required for nationals of non-English speaking countries. Please visit www.dentalcouncil.org.nz for full information on qualifications/skills assessment, examination process and fees, or contact us for assistance.

New Zealand also has immigration laws governing entitlement to work and foreign nationals (excluding Australians) will need to obtain the relevant visa/permit. Please visit www.immigration.govt.nz  for full information on visa/permit types, eligibility criteria and how to apply.

                                                                                    
Professional Associations and Industry Support

There are a number of professional associations that offer Dentistry related advice, support, links and tools. As a professional working in the Dental industry you can join these associations to make use of the services they offer.

For the Australian Dental Association please visit www.ada.org.au

For the New Zealand Dental Association  please visit www.nzda.org.nz