1. Position Summary
Governments should offer adequate funding assistance for the training of dental team members in the vocational sector on a need basis. Clinical experience is an essential component for courses training allied dental personnel.
2. Background
2.1 The vocational education sector through Australian TAFE institutions and registered training organisations provides education and training for Dental Team Members including dental assistants, dental technicians, dental laboratory assistants and, in some cases, dental hygienists, dental prosthetists and practice managers.
2.2 Funding is variable depending on the course and State and Federal Policies.
2.3 Accreditation for vocational sector courses is usually through the ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority). There is a complementary accreditation process for courses leading to registration as a dental practitioner through the Australian Dental Council.
2.4 There are various modes of delivery of education for Dental Team Members, with variations in hands-on experience gained during training.
3. Definition
3.1 A DENTIST is an appropriately qualified dental practitioner, registered by the Board to practise all areas of dentistry.
3.2 The AUSTRALIAN DENTAL COUNCIL (the ADC) is an independent authority assigned the accreditation functions for the dental profession by the Dental Board of Australia under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.
3.3 DENTAL PRACTITIONER is a person registered by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency via the Board to provide dental care.
3.4 VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (VET) focuses on providing practical skills for work and may be completed off-the-job in education institutions such as TAFE institutes and private providers.
3.5 DENTAL TEAM MEMBERS are those, other than dentists, who contribute to the provision of dental care and services. This includes both registered practitioners (such as oral health therapists, dental hygienists, dental prosthetists, and dental therapists) and non-registered personnel (such as dental assistants, dental technicians, and practice support staff).
4. Position
4.1 Australia must be largely self-sufficient with regard to the training of Dental Team Members.
4.2 Governments should offer adequate funding assistance for those Dental Team Members trained in the vocational education sector.
4.3 Courses for dental hygienists and dental prosthetists in the vocational sector must be accredited by the Australian Dental Council.
4.4 Registered Training Organisations must provide clinical experience in dental clinics when applicable to the role.
4.5 Simulated training must not replace clinical experience.
4.6 Commonwealth, State, Territory and Local Governments should offer a variety of funding assistance including scholarships for Indigenous Australian, regional, and remote students.
4.7 Traineeships are appropriate forms of training and education for dental assistants, dental technicians, dental laboratory assistants and administration staff.
4.8 Education and training for Dental Team Members should incorporate the principles of team dentistry with a dentist as the team leader.
4.9 Development of curricula for training dental team members should be undertaken with input from all registered dental professions. The Australian Dental Association, as the peak body for the profession, should be included in this process.
5. Last review
September 2025
6. Next review due
September 2030
This Policy Statement is linked to other Policy Statement:
2.1 National Oral Health
3.1 Dental Workforce and Education
3.2 Dentists
3.6 Higher Education for the Dental Workforce
3.8 Overseas Qualified Dentists
