Recertification review documents and background

On this page, you will find the outcomes from our recertification review that took place between 2017 and 2019, as well as background information and documentation relating to the review.

Please navigate to the New recertification programme page for information about the  new recertification programme effective from 1 Oct 2021 

DC Recertification logo 30 percent

Recertification review and consultation phases

Phase 2 outcomes document, issued March 2019

The outcomes document  summarises the main themes from the feedback and Council's consideration received in phase 2 of the certification consultation process.

Additional information relating to the outcomes document is also available:

  • The General Dental Council 2019 literature review on continuing professional development 

Phase 2 Discussion document, issued August 2018

The conversation with practitioners about recertification started in 2017. After analysing feedback from the first phase of consultation, we developed draft proposals and isssued a further discussion document for consultation seeking your comments and views.

Consultation closed on 26 October 2018. You can view submissions received

You can view the video and presentation slides (from the Wellington phase 2 forum) online. 

Phase 1 Discussion document and other background material

Key themes from phase one consultation

Phase one: Discussion document June 2017

What is recertification?

What does the law require us to do?

Our current approach to recertification

Our 2015-2016 Strategic Plan

Our Standards Framework 

Literature and research

In 2016, as part of the information gathering process, we conducted a review of New Zealand and international literature on recertification (link below). The literature review is structured to align with specific aspects of recertification and potential areas of change identified in the discussion document.  

A literature review: Recertifying our oral health practitioners (Dental Council, 2017) 

March 2017 symposium

The Council held a symposium with key stakeholders in March. The symposium started our national conversation about the recertification of oral health practitioners and tested the logic and thinking in our preliminary discussion document.

We invited policy-makers and representatives from DHBs and other parties with roles in health regulation, support and advocacy for oral health professions, as well as consumer advocacy.

The presentations and speaking notes from our March 2017 symposium are below, as well as a summary report of the day's proceedings and discussions. The summary report was finalised and distributed to symposium attendees in June 2017.

Summary report from the symposium on recertifying our oral health practitioners June 2017

Recertifying our oral health practitioners: Thinking about our future (Robin Whyman, Dental Council Chair)

Keynote address - What patients want: competent oral health therapists (Ron Paterson, Professor of Law, University of Auckland)

Keynote presentation - What patients want: competent oral health therapists (Ron Paterson, Professor of Law, University of Auckland)

Risk based health practitioner regulation in Australia (Paul Shinkfield - National Director, Strategy and Research, AHPRA)

Speaking notes, plenary session, David Crum, New Zealand Dental Association

Speaking notes, plenary session, Arish Naresh, New Zealand Dental & Oral Health Therapists' Association