Explore answers to common questions from the public, including where to find reliable oral health information and how the ADA supports safe, high quality dental care in Australia.
What does the ADA do?
The Australian Dental Association Ltd (ADA) supports the dental profession and promotes good oral health for the community. We provide advocacy, clinical guidance, education, professional support and public oral health information. Our work helps ensure high quality and safe dental care for all Australians.
What do I do if I have a concern about a dentist?
Concerns or complaints about a registered dental practitioner should be directed to the national regulator, AHPRA or the Australian Dental Association Branch in your state.
I'd like information about specialist dental practitioners.
A number of affiliate [link] societies and professional organisations represent the different dental specialties and sectors in Australia. These groups provide information about specialist training pathways, the scope of practice for each specialty and professional support. Please contact the relevant specialist society for more information.
Dental Anaesthesiology: Australian Society of Dental Anaesthesiology
Dental Assistants: Dental Assistants Professional Association
Dental Hygiene and Oral Health Therapy: Oral Health Association of Australia
Endodontics: Australian Society of Endodontology, Australian and New Zealand Academy of Endodontists
Forensic Odontology: Australian Society of Forensic Odontology
Implantology: Australasian Osseointegration Society Ltd, Australian Society of Implant Dentistry
Paediatric Dentistry: Australian and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry, Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Australian and New Zealand Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Oral Medicine: Oral Medicine Academy of Australasia
Oral Pathology: Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia
Orthodontics: Australian Society of Orthodontists, Australasian Association of Orofacial Orthopaedics
Periodontics: Australian Society of Periodontology, Australian & New Zealand Academy of Periodontists
Prosthodontics: Australian Dental Prosthetists Association Ltd, Australian Prosthodontic Society, Academy of Australian & New Zealand Prosthodontists
Radiology: Australian Academy of Dento-Maxillofacial Radiology
Sleep Dentistry: Australasian Sleep Association
Special Needs Dentistry: Australian Society of Special Care in Dentistry, Australia and New Zealand Academy for Special Needs Dentistry
Who can I speak to about ADAHF and Rebuilding Smiles program?
You can contact the Australian Dental Association Health Foundation team for information about the Rebuilding Smiles program, including eligibility, participation and support. The ADAHF team can assist with enquiries and connect you with the appropriate program contacts.
Can I promote my products or services through the ADA?
We partner with selected suppliers through formal programs. Organisations can contact us to discuss partnership opportunities at advertising@ada.org.au
I am a member of the public who needs urgent dental work, can you help me?
Being in pain is distressing. Please see below your options to help you get relief as soon as possible.
If the pain is severe, you are experiencing swelling, bleeding that won’t stop, or signs of infection (fever or spreading swelling), you should immediately go to the Emergency Department at your local hospital.
Below are contact points for public dental / emergency dental service across each Australian state and territory, depending on where you are located.
ACT: Central Health Intake or 02 5124 9977
NSW: NSW Health or 1800 679 336
NT: Oral Health services or 1800 022 222
QLD: Queensland Health or 13 43 25 84
SA: SA Dental Outside of business hours call healthdirect on 1800 022 222
TAS: Oral Health Services Tasmania or 1300 011 013
VIC: Dental Health Services Victoria or 03 9341 1000 Melbourne metro or 1800 833 039 Outside Melbourne metro
WA: Dental Health Services or 08 9313 0555. After-hours emergency advice service: 1800 098 818
These contact details are current as at December 2025.
I am a general patient. Can I get clinical advice from the association?
We do not provide clinical advice to the public. Patients should speak directly with their dentist. We can help you understand what to expect from dental care and how to find a registered practitioner.
I am not happy with the fees for dental service or the health fund rebate I have received.
The ADA does not recommend or regulate fees. Dentists independently set their own fees.
As a first step in following this up with your health fund, you should ask them to detail the reason/s for their decision to deny or reduce your rebate (this may be listed in the fine print of your policy). If you are dissatisfied with your health fund's response, complaints can be directed to the Commonwealth Private Health Insurance Ombudsman at www.ombudsman.gov.au/making-a-complaint or by phoning 1300 362 072.
If you would like to review whether your policy truly meets your dental needs and how it compares to other policies in the market head to time2switch.com.au.
Where can I find reliable oral health information?
You can find trustworthy, evidence based oral health information at teeth.org.au, the ADA’s public education website. It provides easy to understand guidance on common dental conditions, prevention, treatment options and tips for maintaining good oral health.
