Policy Statement 3.17 – Ethics Training & Assessment of Dental Students & Overseas Qualified Dental Practitioners

1. Position Summary

All university training programs for dental practitioners should include the teaching and assessment of ethical practices. Prior to registration of Overseas Qualified Dental Practitioners, ethical standards should be taught and assessed.

2. Position

2.1. Dental training programs in Australia for all Dental Practitioners should include ongoing training and assessment of ethical practices as part of the program.

2.2. As part of the assessment and registration requirements for Overseas Qualified Dental Practitioners, ethical training and assessment should be included.

3. Background

3.1. The Australian Dental Association has established a Code of Ethics for Dentists, which must be observed as a mandatory condition of membership. The ADA Code of Ethics is complementary to statutory and other legal requirements.

3.2. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) ‘Shared Code of Conduct’ applies to all registered dental practitioners, guiding ethical practice of dentistry.

3.3. Some universities conduct their own student declarations as part of their dental school’s graduation ceremony.

4. Definition

4.1. AUSTRALIAN HEALTH PRACTITIONER REGULATION AGENCY (AHPRA) is the agency that supports the National Boards to implement the National Registration and accreditation Scheme.

4.2. DENTAL PRACTITIONER is a person registered by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency via the Board to provide dental care.

4.3. OVERSEAS QUALIFIED DENTAL PRACTITIONERS is a Dental Practitioners with a qualification from outside of Australia that is not recognised by the Dental Board of Australia.

5. Last review

August 2026

6. Next review due

August 2031