Dental practitioners helping to reshape Ahpra's complaint process

Registered health practitioners are playing a central role in improving how the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) handles complaints and concerns. With input from those who have personally gone through the notifications process, Ahpra and the National Boards are creating a more transparent, supportive, and compassionate system.

Understanding the reform work

Since 2021, Ahpra’s Expert Advisory Group (EAG) has worked to understand and address the distress that practitioners can experience when the subject of a complaint. Its landmark 2023 report outlined 33 actions for reform, all accepted by Ahpra and the National Boards. The reforms centre on four key areas: managing practitioner health concerns, improving communication and transparency, strengthening support throughout the process, and learning from practitioner experience.

To date, 13 of these actions have been implemented, with the remainder due for completion in 2026. The most significant progress has been in how Ahpra manages notifications related to practitioner health, including changes to recruitment processes and efforts to correct misinformation about health-related notifications.

Practitioners leading change

Practitioners who have experienced the notifications process have been integral to this work. Member of the EAG, Amanda Haimes, described her involvement as one of the most meaningful experiences of her career, saying the focus is on driving change that reduces fear and distress for future practitioners.

Visiting Professor in Ethics and Regulation at the University of Surrey, Dr Anna Van der Gaag, said the update demonstrates tangible progress toward faster, fairer, and more compassionate regulation that benefits both practitioners and patients.

How this affects dentists

For dentists, the notifications process can be a significant source of stress, often compounding existing professional pressures. These reforms recognise the need for a regulatory system that supports wellbeing while maintaining public confidence and safety. A process that is clearer, more compassionate, and fair, will help ensure practitioners can focus on providing safe, quality care.

Ahpra’s latest progress report is a sign that practitioner voices are guiding material and lasting change in healthcare regulation.