Dental specialists
See below for your:
- scope of practice - the health service a practitioner is permitted to perform
- competencies - the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours needed to deliver the scope of practice
- prescribed qualifications - the qualifications that have gone through a formal accreditation or approval process and recognised by the Council.
The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA Act) describes a scope of practice as the health service that a practitioner registered in that scope of practice is permitted to perform, subject to any conditions for the time being imposed by the responsible authority.
The Dental Council publishes a scope of practice as a Notice in the New Zealand Gazette under section 11 of the HPCA Act. See below for the scopes of practice, competencies and prescribed qualifications for each dentist speciality.
Scope of practice
Endodontic specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the morphology and pathology of the pulpo-dentine complex and periradicular tissues. Its study and practice encompass the basic clinical sciences including the biology of the normal pulp, and the aetiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries to the pulp and associated periradicular tissues.
Specialist endodontics is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Practice in this context goes wider than clinical dentistry to include teaching, research, and management, given that such roles influence clinical practice and public safety. Areas of endodontic practice which were not included in a practitioner’s training should not be undertaken unless the practitioner has completed appropriate training and practises to the standards required by the Standards framework for oral health practitioners.
Competencies
Competencies for endodontic specialists
Prescribed qualifications
New Zealand accredited programmes
- MDS (Endodontics) University of Otago1
- DClinDent (Endodontics) University of Otago
1 Accreditation expired
Competent authority - qualification
Australia
- An ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent programme in endodontics2.
-
An Australian educational institution specialist qualification approved by the Dental Board of Australia for the purposes of specialist registration in endodontics in Australia3.
2 Before 30 June 2010, and before 17 October 2010 for Western Australia.
3 From 1 July 2010 onwards, and 18 October 2010 onwards for Western Australia.
Competent authority – registration (from 1 November 2026)4
- Current full/unrestricted/unconditional registration appropriate for practice as an endodontic specialist with one or more competent authority(s) recognised by the Dental Council5; and
- Clinical practice6 in specialist endodontics in one or more of the recognised competent authority(s) for at least 24 months (working 20 hours or more per week) in the past five years, including 12 months within the 18 months immediately prior to application.
4 Upon commencement of practice in New Zealand, practitioners registered under the competent authority registration pathway will practise under the oversight of a Dental Council approved practitioner for a period of at least six months under the terms of the oversight protocol.
5 United Kingdom (General Dental Council), Canada (provincial dental regulators), United States of America (state dental boards), Australia (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) for the purposes of endodontic specialist practice.
6 Clinical practice means the maintenance of health through the assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment, and prevention of any disease or condition of the orofacial complex and associated structures.
New Zealand examination
- Two years or more of full-time equivalent postgraduate endodontics specialist qualification, evidence of research activity and a pass in the New Zealand Dental Specialist Registration Examination.
Limited registration: Teaching and research (from 1 November 2026)7, 8
Current registration with a recognised overseas oral health registering or licensing body in a Dental Council recognised scope of practice, that allows the practitioner to conduct oral health research and/or teaching relevant to the oral health profession.
7 To apply for registration in the teaching and research scope of practice, the practitioner must have confirmation of employment by a New Zealand tertiary education and/or research provider for New Zealand accredited oral health programmes.
8 Upon commencement of practice in New Zealand, the practitioner must work under the supervision of a Dental Council approved practitioner. Supervision is a permanent feature of the teaching and research scope of practice; this pathway does not lead to unconditional registration and the practitioner cannot undertake any individual or private clinical practice, including under supervision.
Scope of practice
Oral and maxillofacial surgery specialists practise in the branch of dentistry in that part of surgery which deals with the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects of the human jaws and associated structures.
Specialist oral and maxillofacial surgery is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Practice in this context goes wider than clinical dentistry to include teaching, research, and management, given that such roles influence clinical practice and public safety. Areas of oral and maxillofacial surgery practice which were not included in a practitioner’s training should not be undertaken unless the practitioner has completed appropriate training and practises to the standards required by the standards framework for oral health practitioners.
Competencies
Competencies for oral and maxillofacial surgery specialists
Prescribed qualifications
New Zealand accredited programmes
- MDS/MBChB (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) University of Otago1.
- DClinDent (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) University of Otago2,3.
- Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)4.
1 Accreditation expired.
2 Entry criteria require completed undergraduate dentistry and medical degrees.
3 Accreditation periods: 1 January 2012–31 December 2018, and 7 December 2020–31 December 2023. Graduates during the accredited periods are eligible for registration.
4 Accredited RACDS oral and maxillofacial surgery training programme conferred from 15 March 2012.
Competent authority - qualification
Australia
- An Australian ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent programme in oral and maxillofacial surgery5, and a medical degree from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools6.
- An Australian educational institution specialist qualification approved by the Dental Board of Australia for the purposes of specialist registration in oral and maxillofacial surgery in Australia7, and a medical degree from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
5 Before 30 June 2010, and before 17 October 2010 for Western Australia.
6 WHO World Directory of Medical Schools replaced by Avicenna since August 2008, and the Faimer IMED Directory signed an agreement in March 2012 with WFME’s Avicenna Directory to collaborate in single directory – World Directory of Medical Schools.
7 From 1 July 2010 onwards, and 18 October 2010 onwards for Western Australia.
United Kingdom
- Registration in oral and maxillofacial surgery with the General Medical Council, United Kingdom.
United States of America
- Board certification in oral and maxillofacial surgery in a United States of America state and possession of a medical degree from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and dental degree.
Canada
- Board certification in oral and maxillofacial surgery in a Canadian province and possession of a medical degree from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and dental degree.
New Zealand examination
- Two years or more of full-time equivalent oral and maxillofacial surgery specialist qualification, evidence of research activity and a pass in the New Zealand Dental Specialist Registration Examination.
Limited registration: Teaching and research (from 1 November 2026)8, 9
Current registration with a recognised overseas oral health registering or licensing body in a Dental Council recognised scope of practice, that allows the practitioner to conduct oral health research and/or teaching relevant to the oral health profession.
8 To apply for registration in the teaching and research scope of practice, the practitioner must have confirmation of employment by a New Zealand tertiary education and/or research provider for New Zealand accredited oral health programmes.
9 Upon commencement of practice in New Zealand, the practitioner must work under the supervision of a Dental Council approved practitioner. Supervision is a permanent feature of the teaching and research scope of practice; this pathway does not lead to unconditional registration and the practitioner cannot undertake any individual or private clinical practice, including under supervision.
Scope of practice
Oral medicine specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the oral health care of patients with chronic and medically related disorders of the oral and maxillofacial region, and with their diagnosis and non-surgical management.
Specialist oral medicine is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Practice in this context goes wider than clinical dentistry to include teaching, research, and management, given that such roles influence clinical practice and public safety. Areas of oral medicine practice which were not included in a practitioner’s training should not be undertaken unless the practitioner has completed appropriate training and practises to the standards required by the Standards framework for oral health practitioners.
Competencies
Competencies for oral medicine specialists
Prescribed qualifications
New Zealand accredited programmes
-
MDS/MBChB (Oral Medicine) University of Otago
-
DClinDent (Oral Medicine) University of Otago and a medical degree from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools1,2.
1 Conferred from 2013. Accreditation ended 31 December 2023.
2 WHO World Directory of Medical Schools replaced by Avicenna since August 2008, and the Faimer IMED Directory signed an agreement in March 2012 with WFME's Avicenna Directory to collaborate in single directory - World Directory of Medical Schools.
Competent authority - qualification
Australia
- An ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent programme in oral medicine and a medical degree from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools3.
- A Dental Board of Australia approved programme of study providing a qualification for the purposes of specialist registration in oral medicine in Australia and a medical degree from a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools4.
3 Before 30 June 2010, and before 17 October 2010 for Western Australia.
4 From 1 July 2010 onwards, and 18 October 2010 onwards for Western Australia.
New Zealand examination
- Two years or more of full-time equivalent postgraduate training in the specialty, evidence of research activity and a pass in the New Zealand Oral Medicine Specialist Examination.
Limited registration: Teaching and research (from 1 November 2026)5, 6
Current registration with a recognised overseas oral health registering or licensing body in a Dental Council recognised scope of practice, that allows the practitioner to conduct oral health research and/or teaching relevant to the oral health profession.
5 To apply for registration in the teaching and research scope of practice, the practitioner must have confirmation of employment by a New Zealand tertiary education and/or research provider for New Zealand accredited oral health programmes.
6 Upon commencement of practice in New Zealand, the practitioner must work under the supervision of a Dental Council approved practitioner. Supervision is a permanent feature of the teaching and research scope of practice; this pathway does not lead to unconditional registration and the practitioner cannot undertake any individual or private clinical practice, including under supervision.
Scope of practice
Oral pathology specialists practise in the branch of dentistry which deals with that nature of diseases affecting the oral, maxillofacial and adjacent regions.
Specialist oral pathology is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate, qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Practice in this context goes wider than clinical dentistry to include teaching, research, and management, given that such roles influence clinical practice and public safety. Areas of oral pathology practice which were not included in a practitioner’s training should not be undertaken unless the practitioner has completed appropriate training and practises to the standards required by the Standards framework for oral health practitioners.
Competencies
Competencies for oral pathology specialists
Prescribed qualifications
New Zealand accredited programmes
- MDS (Oral Pathology) University of Otago1.
- DClinDent (Oral Pathology) University of Otago.
- Fellowship in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology from the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia2.
1 Accreditation expired.
2 Conferred from 2016. Accreditation ended 31 December 2023.
Competent authority - qualification
Australia
- An ADC accredited MDS or MDSc programme in oral pathology3.
- An Australian educational institution specialist qualification approved by the Dental Board of Australia for the purposes of specialist registration in oral pathology in Australia4.
3 Before 30 June 2010, and before 17 October 2010 for Western Australia.
4 From 1 July 2010 onwards, and 18 October 2010 onwards for Western Australia.
Competent authority – registration (from 1 November 2026)5
- Current full/unrestricted/unconditional registration appropriate for practice as an oral pathology specialist with a competent authority(s) recognised by the Dental Council6; and
- Clinical practice7 in specialist oral pathology in the recognised competent authority(s) for at least 24 months (working 20 hours or more per week) in the past five years, including 12 months within the last 18 months immediately prior to application.
5 Upon commencement of practice in New Zealand, practitioners registered under the competent authority registration pathway will practise under the oversight of a Dental Council approved practitioner for a period of at least six months under the terms of the oversight protocol.
6 United Kingdom (General Dental Council), Canada (provincial dental regulators), United States of America (state dental boards), Australia (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) for the purposes of oral pathology practice.
7 Clinical practice means the maintenance of health through the assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment, and prevention of any disease, disorder or condition of the orofacial complex and associated structures.
New Zealand examination
- Two years or more of full-time equivalent postgraduate oral pathology specialist qualification, evidence of research activity and a pass in the New Zealand Dental Specialist Registration Examination.
Limited registration: Teaching and research (from 1 November 2026)8, 9
Current registration with a recognised overseas oral health registering or licensing body in a Dental Council recognised scope of practice, that allows the practitioner to conduct oral health research and/or teaching relevant to the oral health profession.
8 To apply for registration in the teaching and research scope of practice, the practitioner must have confirmation of employment by a New Zealand tertiary education and/or research provider for New Zealand accredited oral health programmes.
9 Upon commencement of practice in New Zealand, the practitioner must work under the supervision of a Dental Council approved practitioner. Supervision is a permanent feature of the teaching and research scope of practice; this pathway does not lead to unconditional registration and the practitioner cannot undertake any individual or private clinical practice, including under supervision.
Scope of practice
Oral surgery specialists practise in the branch of dentistry concerned with the diagnosis and surgical management of conditions affecting the oral and dento-alveolar tissues.
Specialist oral surgery is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Practice in this context goes wider than clinical dentistry to include teaching, research, and management, given that such roles influence clinical practice and public safety. Areas of oral surgery practice which were not included in a practitioner’s training should not be undertaken unless the practitioner has completed appropriate training and practises to the standards required by the Standards framework for oral health practitioners.
Competencies
Competencies for oral surgery specialists
Prescribed qualifications
New Zealand accredited programmes
- DClinDent (Oral Surgery) University of Otago1
1 Conferred from 2016.
Competent authority - qualification
Australia
- An Australian educational institution specialist qualification approved by the Dental Board of Australia for the purposes of specialist registration in oral surgery in Australia2.
2 From 1 July 2010 onwards, and 18 October 2010 onwards for Western Australia.
Competent authority – registration (from 1 November 2026)3
- Current full/unrestricted/unconditional registration appropriate for practice as an oral surgery specialist with a competent authority(s) recognised by the Dental Council4; and
- Clinical practice5 in specialist oral surgery in the recognised competent authority(s) for at least 24 months (working 20 hours or more per week) in the past five years, including 12 months within the last 18 months immediately prior to application.
3 Upon commencement of practice in New Zealand, practitioners registered under the competent authority registration pathway will practise under the oversight of a Dental Council approved practitioner for a period of at least six months under the terms of the oversight protocol.
4 United Kingdom (General Dental Council), Republic of Ireland (Dental Council of Ireland), Australia (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) for oral surgery specialist practice.
5 Clinical practice means the maintenance of health through the assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment, and prevention of any disease, disorder or condition of the orofacial complex and associated structures.
New Zealand examination
- Two years or more full-time equivalent postgraduate oral surgery specialist qualification, evidence of research activity and a pass in the New Zealand Dental Specialist Registration Examination.
Limited registration: Teaching and research (from 1 November 2026)6, 7
Current registration with a recognised overseas oral health registering or licensing body in a Dental Council recognised scope of practice, that allows the practitioner to conduct oral health research and/or teaching relevant to the oral health profession.
6 To apply for registration in the teaching and research scope of practice, the practitioner must have confirmation of employment by a New Zealand tertiary education and/or research provider for New Zealand accredited oral health programmes.
7 Upon commencement of practice in New Zealand, the practitioner must work under the supervision of a Dental Council approved practitioner. Supervision is a permanent feature of the teaching and research scope of practice; this pathway does not lead to unconditional registration and the practitioner cannot undertake any individual or private clinical practice, including under supervision.
Scope of practice
Orthodontic specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the supervision, guidance and correction of the growing and mature dentofacial structures and includes the diagnoses, prevention, interception and treatment of all forms of malocclusion of the teeth and associated alterations in their surrounding structures.
Specialist orthodontics is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training, and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Practice in this context goes wider than clinical dentistry to include teaching, research, and management, given that such roles influence clinical practice and public safety. Areas of orthodontic practice which were not included in a practitioner’s training should not be undertaken unless the practitioner has completed appropriate training and practises to the standards required by the Standards framework for oral health practitioners.
Competencies
Competencies for orthodontic specialists
Prescribed qualifications
New Zealand accredited programmes
- MDC (Orthodontic) University of Otago1.
- DClinDent (Orthodontic) University of Otago.
1 Accreditation expired.
Competent authority - qualification
Australia
- An ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent programme in orthodontics2.
- An Australian educational institution specialist qualification approved by the Dental Board of Australia for the purposes of specialist registration in orthodontics in Australia3.
2 Before 30 June 2010, and before 17 October 2010 for Western Australia.
3 From 1 July 2010 onwards, and 18 October 2010 onwards for Western Australia.
Competent authority – registration (from 1 November 2026)4
- Current full/unrestricted/unconditional registration appropriate for practice as an orthodontic specialist with a competent authority(s) recognised by the Dental Council5; and
- Clinical practice6 in specialist orthodontics in the recognised competent authority(s) for at least 24 months (working 20 hours or more per week) in the past five years, including 12 months within the last 18 months immediately prior to application.
4 Upon commencement of practice in New Zealand, practitioners registered under the competent authority registration pathway will practise under the oversight of a Dental Council approved practitioner for a period of at least six months under the terms of the oversight protocol.
5 United Kingdom (General Dental Council), Republic of Ireland (Dental Council of Ireland), Canada (provincial dental regulators), United States of America (state dental boards), Australia (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) for the purposes of orthodontic specialist practice.
6 Clinical practice means the maintenance of health through the assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment, and prevention of any disease, disorder or condition of the orofacial complex and associated structures.
New Zealand examination
- Two years or more full-time equivalent postgraduate orthodontic specialist qualification, evidence of research activity and a pass in the New Zealand Dental Specialist Registration Examination.
Limited registration: Teaching and research (from 1 November 2026)7, 8
Current registration with a recognised overseas oral health registering or licensing body in a Dental Council recognised scope of practice, that allows the practitioner to conduct oral health research and/or teaching relevant to the oral health profession.
7 To apply for registration in the teaching and research scope of practice, the practitioner must have confirmation of employment by a New Zealand tertiary education and/or research provider for New Zealand accredited oral health programmes.
8 Upon commencement of practice in New Zealand, the practitioner must work under the supervision of a Dental Council approved practitioner. Supervision is a permanent feature of the teaching and research scope of practice; this pathway does not lead to unconditional registration and the practitioner cannot undertake any individual or private clinical practice, including under supervision.
Scope of practice
Paediatric dentistry specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with oral health care for children from birth through to adolescence. It includes management of orofacial problems related to medical, behavioural, physical or developmental disabilities. It may include management of adults with special needs.
Specialist paediatric dentistry is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Practice in this context goes wider than clinical dentistry to include teaching, research, and management, given that such roles influence clinical practice and public safety. Areas of paediatric dentistry practice which were not included in a practitioner’s training should not be undertaken unless the practitioner has completed appropriate training and practises to the standards required by the Standards framework for oral health practitioners.
Competencies
Competencies for paediatric dentistry specialists
Prescribed qualifications
New Zealand accredited programmes
- MDS (Paediatric Dentistry) University of Otago1.
- DClinDent (Paediatric Dentistry) University of Otago.
1 Accreditation expired.
Competent authority - qualification
Australia
- An ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent programme in paediatric dentistry2.
- An Australian educational institution specialist qualification approved by the Dental Board of Australia for the purposes of specialist registration in paediatric dentistry in Australia3.
2 Before 30 June 2010, and before 17 October 2010 for Western Australia.
3 From 1 July 2010 onwards, and 18 October 2010 onwards for Western Australia.
Competent authority – registration (from 1 November 2026)4
- Current full/unrestricted/unconditional registration appropriate for practice as a paediatric dentistry specialist with a competent authority(s) recognised by the Dental Council5; and
- Clinical practice6 in specialist paediatric dentistry in the recognised competent authority(s) for at least 24 months (working 20 hours or more per week) in the past five years, including 12 months within the last 18 months immediately prior to application.
4 Upon commencement of practice in New Zealand, practitioners registered under the competent authority registration pathway will practise under the oversight of a Dental Council approved practitioner for a period of at least six months under the terms of the oversight protocol.
5 United Kingdom (General Dental Council), Canada (provincial dental regulators), United States of America (state dental boards), Australia (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) for the purposes of paediatric dentistry specialist practice.
6 Clinical practice means the maintenance of health through the assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment, and prevention of any disease, disorder or condition of the orofacial complex and associated structure.
New Zealand examination
- Two years or more of full-time equivalent postgraduate paediatric dentistry specialist qualification, evidence of research activity and a pass in the New Zealand Dental Specialist Registration Examination.
Limited registration: Teaching and research (from 1 November 2026)7, 8
Current registration with a recognised overseas oral health registering or licensing body in a Dental Council recognised scope of practice, that allows the practitioner to conduct oral health research and/or teaching relevant to the oral health profession.
7 To apply for registration in the teaching and research scope of practice, the practitioner must have confirmation of employment by a New Zealand tertiary education and/or research provider for New Zealand accredited oral health programmes.
8 Upon commencement of practice in New Zealand, the practitioner must work under the supervision of a Dental Council approved practitioner. Supervision is a permanent feature of the teaching and research scope of practice; this pathway does not lead to unconditional registration and the practitioner cannot undertake any individual or private clinical practice, including under supervision.
Scope of practice
Periodontic specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases or abnormalities of the supporting tissues of the teeth or their substitutes.
Specialist periodontics is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Practice in this context goes wider than clinical dentistry to include teaching, research, and management, given that such roles influence clinical practice and public safety. Areas of periodontology practice which were not included in a practitioner’s training should not be undertaken unless the practitioner has completed appropriate training and practises to the standards required by the Standards framework for oral health practitioners.
Competencies
Competencies for periodontic specialists
Prescribed qualifications
New Zealand accredited programmes
- MDS (Periodontics) University of Otago1.
- DClinDent (Periodontics) University of Otago.
1 Accreditation expired.
Competent authority - qualification
Australia
- An ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent programme in periodontics2.
- An Australian educational institution specialist qualification approved by the Dental Board of Australia for the purposes of specialist registration in periodontics in Australia3.
2 Before 30 June 2010, and before 17 October 2010 for Western Australia.
3 From 1 July 2010 onwards, and 18 October 2010 onwards for Western Australia.
Competent authority – registration (from 1 November 2026)4
- Current full/unrestricted/unconditional registration appropriate for practice as a periodontic specialist with a competent authority(s) recognised by the Dental Council5; and
- Clinical practice6 in specialist periodontics in the recognised competent authority(s) for at least 24 months (working 20 hours or more per week) in the past five years, including 12 months within the last 18 months immediately prior to application.
4 Upon commencement of practice in New Zealand, practitioners registered under the competent authority registration pathway will practise under the oversight of a Dental Council approved practitioner for a period of at least six months under the terms of the oversight protocol.
5 United Kingdom (General Dental Council), Canada (provincial dental regulators), United States of America (state dental boards), Australia (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) for the purposes of periodontic specialist practice.
6 Clinical practice means the maintenance of health through the assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment, and prevention of any disease, disorder or condition of the orofacial complex and associated structures.
New Zealand examination
- Two years or more of full-time equivalent postgraduate periodontic specialist qualification, evidence of research activity and a pass in the New Zealand Dental Specialist Registration Examination.
Limited registration: Teaching and research (from 1 November
2026)7, 8
Current registration with a recognised overseas oral health registering or licensing body in a Dental Council recognised scope of practice, that allows the practitioner to conduct oral health research and/or teaching relevant to the oral health profession.
7 To apply for registration in the teaching and research scope of practice, the practitioner must have confirmation of employment by a New Zealand tertiary education and/or research provider for New Zealand accredited oral health programmes.
8 Upon commencement of practice in New Zealand, the practitioner must work under the supervision of a Dental Council approved practitioner. Supervision is a permanent feature of the teaching and research scope of practice; this pathway does not lead to unconditional registration and the practitioner cannot undertake any individual or private clinical practice, including under supervision.
Scope of practice
Prosthodontic specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of patients with a range of clinical conditions involving missing or deficient teeth and/or craniofacial tissues, using biocompatible substitutes.
Specialist prosthodontics is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Practice in this context goes wider than clinical dentistry to include teaching, research, and management, given that such roles influence clinical practice and public safety. Areas of prosthodontic practice which were not included in a practitioner’s training should not be undertaken unless the practitioner has completed appropriate training and practises to the standards required by the Standards framework for oral health practitioners.
Competencies
Competencies for prosthodontic specialists
Prescribed qualifications
New Zealand accredited programmes
- MDS (Prosthodontics) University of Otago1.
- DClinDent (Prosthodontics) University of Otago.
1 Accreditation expired.
Competent authority - qualification
Australia
- An ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent programme in prosthodontics2.
- An Australian educational institution specialist qualification approved by the Dental Board of Australia for the purposes of specialist registration in prosthodontics in Australia3.
2 Before 30 June 2010, and before 17 October 2010 for Western Australia.
3 From 1 July 2010 onwards, and 18 October 2010 onwards for Western Australia.
Canada
- A Canadian educational institution specialist qualification in prosthodontics accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada and evidence of research activity.
United States of America (USA)
- A USA educational institution specialist qualification in prosthodontics accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and evidence of research activity.
Competent authority – registration (from 1 November 2026)4
- Current full/unrestricted/unconditional registration appropriate for practice as a prosthodontic specialist with a competent authority(s) recognised by the Dental Council5; and
- Clinical practice6 in specialist prosthodontics in the recognised competent authority(s) for at least 24 months (working 20 hours or more per week) in the past five years, including 12 months within the last 18 months immediately prior to application.
4 Upon commencement of practice in New Zealand, practitioners registered under the competent authority registration pathway will practise under the oversight of a Dental Council approved practitioner for a period of at least six months under the terms of the oversight protocol.
5 United Kingdom (General Dental Council), Canada (provincial dental regulators), United States of America (state dental boards), Australia (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) for the purposes of prosthodontic specialist practice.
6 Clinical practice means the maintenance of health through the assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment, and prevention of any disease, disorder or condition of the orofacial complex and associated structures.
New Zealand examination
- Two years or more of full-time equivalent postgraduate prosthodontic specialist qualification, evidence of research activity and a pass in the New Zealand Dental Specialist Registration Examination.
Limited registration: Teaching and research (from 1 November
2026)7, 8
Current registration with a recognised overseas oral health registering or licensing body in a Dental Council recognised scope of practice, that allows the practitioner to conduct oral health research and/or teaching relevant to the oral health profession.
7 To apply for registration in the teaching and research scope of practice, the practitioner must have confirmation of employment by a New Zealand tertiary education and/or research provider for New Zealand accredited oral health programmes.
8 Upon commencement of practice in New Zealand, the practitioner must work under the supervision of a Dental Council approved practitioner. Supervision is a permanent feature of the teaching and research scope of practice; this pathway does not lead to unconditional registration and the practitioner cannot undertake any individual or private clinical practice, including under supervision.
Scope of practice
Dental public health (community) specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the science and art of preventing oral disease, promoting oral health and improving the quality of life through the organised efforts of society.
Specialist public health (community) dentistry is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Please note: Existing specialists may apply to the Dental Council to retain the previous title if they wish.
Practice in this context goes wider than clinical dentistry to include teaching, research, and management, given that such roles influence clinical practice and public safety. Areas of public health dentistry practice which were not included in a practitioner’s training should not be undertaken unless the practitioner has completed appropriate training and practises to the standards required by the Standards framework for oral health practitioners.
Competencies
Competencies for public health dentistry (community dentistry) specialists
Prescribed qualifications
New Zealand accredited programme
- MComDent University of Otago.
Competent authority - qualification
Australia
- An ADC accredited MDS or MDSc programme in public health dentistry1.
- An Australian educational institution specialist qualification approved by the Dental Board of Australia for the purposes of specialist registration in public health dentistry in Australia2.
1 Before 30 June 2010, and before 17 October 2010 for Western Australia.
2 From 1 July 2010 onwards, and 18 October 2010 onwards for Western Australia.
Competent authority – registration (from 1 November 2026)3
- Current full/unrestricted/unconditional registration appropriate for practice as a public health dentistry specialist with a competent authority(s) recognised by the Dental Council4; and
- Practice in specialist public health dentistry in the recognised competent authority(s) for at least 24 months (working 20 hours or more per week) in the past five years, including 12 months within the last 18 months immediately prior to application.
3 Upon commencement of practice in New Zealand, practitioners registered under the competent authority registration pathway will practise under the oversight of a Dental Council approved practitioner for a period of at least six months under the terms of the oversight protocol.
4 United Kingdom (General Dental Council), Canada (provincial dental regulators), United States of America (state dental boards), Australia (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) for the purposes of public health dentistry practice.
New Zealand examination
- Two years or more of full-time equivalent postgraduate public health dentistry specialist qualification, evidence of research activity and a pass in the New Zealand Dental Specialist Registration Examination.
Limited registration: Teaching and research (from 1 November
2026)5, 6
Current registration with a recognised overseas oral health registering or licensing body in a Dental Council recognised scope of practice, that allows the practitioner to conduct oral health research and/or teaching relevant to the oral health profession.
5 To apply for registration in the teaching and research scope of practice, the practitioner must have confirmation of employment by a New Zealand tertiary education and/or research provider for New Zealand accredited oral health programmes.
6 Upon commencement of practice in New Zealand, the practitioner must work under the supervision of a Dental Council approved practitioner. Supervision is a permanent feature of the teaching and research scope of practice; this pathway does not lead to unconditional registration and the practitioner cannot undertake any individual or private clinical practice, including under supervision.
Scope of practice
Restorative dentistry specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with dental procedures in the dentulous or partially edentulous mouth. This may include operative, endodontic, periodontic, orthodontic and prosthetic procedures.
Specialist restorative dentistry is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Please note: Restorative Dentistry as a scope of practice is no longer available to new registrants. Only those practitioners who were registered in the scope on 18 September 2004 may practice in this scope.
Practice in this context goes wider than clinical dentistry to include teaching, research, and management, given that such roles influence clinical practice and public safety. Areas of restorative dentistry practice which were not included in a practitioner’s training should not be undertaken unless the practitioner has completed appropriate training and practises to the standards required by the Standards framework for oral health practitioners.
Competencies
Competencies for restorative dentistry specialists
Prescribed qualifications
New Zealand accredited programme
Specialist registration as a Restorative Dentist with the Dental Council New Zealand as at 18 September 2004.
Scope of practice
Special needs dentistry specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the oral health care of people adversely affected by intellectual disability, medical, physical or psychiatric issues.
Note: Special needs specialists who wish to identify their particular expertise in hospital dentistry can apply to the Council to use the specialist title “Special needs dentistry (hospital)”.
Specialist special needs dentistry is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Practice in this context goes wider than clinical dentistry to include teaching, research, and management, given that such roles influence clinical practice and public safety. Areas of special needs dentistry practice which were not included in a practitioner’s training should not be undertaken unless the practitioner has completed appropriate training and practises to the standards required by the Standards framework for oral health practitioners.
Competencies
Competencies for special needs dentistry specialists
Prescribed qualifications
New Zealand accredited programmes
- MDS (Special Needs) University of Otago1.
- DClinDent (Special Needs) University of Otago2.
1 Accreditation expired.
2 Accreditation ended 31 December 2023.
Competent authority - qualification
Australia
- An ADC accredited MDS or MDSc programme in special needs dentistry3.
- An Australian educational institution specialist qualification approved by the Dental Board of Australia for the purposes of specialist registration in special needs dentistry in Australia4.
3 Before 30 June 2010, and before 17 October 2010 for Western Australia.
4 From 1 July 2010 onwards, and 18 October 2010 onwards for Western Australia.
Competent authority – registration (from 1 November 2026)5
- Current full/unrestricted/unconditional registration appropriate for practice as a special needs dentistry specialist with a competent authority(s) recognised by the Dental Council6; and
- Clinical practice7 in specialist special needs dentistry in the recognised competent authority(s) for at least 24 months (working 20 hours or more per week) in the past five years, including 12 months within the last 18 months immediately prior to application.
5 Upon commencement of practice in New Zealand, practitioners registered under the competent authority registration pathway will practise under the oversight of a Dental Council approved practitioner for a period of at least six months under the terms of the oversight protocol.
6 United Kingdom (General Dental Council), Australia (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) for the purposes of special needs dentistry.
7 Clinical practice means the maintenance of health through the assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment, and prevention of any disease, disorder or condition of the orofacial complex and associated structure.
New Zealand examination
- Two years or more of full-time equivalent postgraduate special needs dentistry qualification, evidence of research activity and a pass in the New Zealand Dental Specialist Registration Examination.
Limited registration: Teaching and research (from 1 November 2026)8, 9
Current registration with a recognised overseas oral health registering or licensing body in a Dental Council recognised scope of practice, that allows the practitioner to conduct oral health research and/or teaching relevant to the oral health profession.
8 To apply for registration in the teaching and research scope of practice, the practitioner must have confirmation of employment by a New Zealand tertiary education and/or research provider for New Zealand accredited oral health programmes.
9 Upon commencement of practice in New Zealand, the practitioner must work under the supervision of a Dental Council approved practitioner. Supervision is a permanent feature of the teaching and research scope of practice; this pathway does not lead to unconditional registration and the practitioner cannot undertake any individual or private clinical practice, including under supervision.