Potential future pay changes for dental assistants under review

A preliminary finding suggests that dental assistants covered under both the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (HPSS Award) and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services Award 2020 (ATSIHW Award) have historically been underpaid due to gender-based assumptions – in the FWC’s preliminary view.

As a result of its provisional views, the FWC has proposed significant reclassifications for dental assistants. Under the HPSS Award, indicative roles may move to higher levels within the Support Services structure (Levels 1, 5, 6, and 7). For those under the ATSIHW Award, the proposal is to abolish the specific Dental Assistant classification and integrate them into the Health Worker structure at Levels 2, 3, and 4. Certain minimum rates of pay increases have also been proposed, ranging from 0% to 9.0%.

It is important to note that no immediate wage increases have yet been determined. These changes are proposed only and the FWC will invite further submissions on these views.  We have been advised that at a date yet to be specified, after the 3rd May 2025, further conferences will be held, followed by hearings to finalise any award variations. The ADA will make further submissions to the FWC.  

The ADA considers the provisional view of the FWC significant and remains cognisant of the potential impact on practice operations, should these provisional views be reflected in a final determination. We acknowledge early concerns from some members regarding potential disruption and increased costs and are mindful that many of you may still wish to share your concerns for inclusion in a targeted ADA further submission.

We are committed to consulting with and representing the interests of ADA member practice operators throughout this process. The ADA will consult legal and industrial relations on behalf of members and ensure our strategy includes in-depth analysis and monitoring, and the consideration of member participation, including whether to call upon practice operators to share their direct experiences at upcoming hearings.

Our primary focus is to ensure the FWC has a clear and accurate understanding of the operational realities of dental practices and the likely potential for disruption if these provisional views are implemented without due consideration. Our objective is to ensure that your voices are heard, and your businesses are represented during this review process. 
 

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