Application to be assessed to sit the written examination of the New Zealand Dental Hygiene Registration Examination (NZDHREX)

To have your eligibility assessed to enter the NZDHREX pathway and to sit the written examination, you need to submit the following:

1. An eligibility application form
2. All the supporting documentation listed in the eligibility application form
3. The assessment of eligibility fee

Applying to sit the written examination

Applying to sit the examination

We will assess your eligibility to enrol in the written examination.

Eligibility application closing dates

Your eligibility application form must reach us during the open application periods, but no later than the closing dates listed on the Examinations Timetable. We will not accept late applications.

Applications to sit the written examination are only valid for the next available examination session.

If you do not sit the first available written examination, or if you fail the examination, you will have to send us a new application form. You will also need to send any supporting documentation that has expired, and the fee to enrol for and sit the next available written examination.

The eligibility application form and documents required

You will be required to submit the following application form to assess your eligibility to enter the NZDHREX pathway and to sit the written examination:

Assessment of eligibility for enrolment in the New Zealand dental registration examination: written examination

You have to submit various supporting documentation with the application form and assessment fee. The supporting documents relate to the assessment of your qualifications and skills, and fitness for registration matters such as character, health and communication skills.

The details of the required documentation is explained in the form, with a checklist at the end to assist you to ensure that you’ve included all the necessary documentation, the checklist includes reminders of time-sensitive documents to ensure that they remain valid.

Keep copies of your application form and all the accompanying documents.

Getting your documents certified

We need certified copies of most of your supporting documents.

Refer to our guide for certifying your documents and verifying your identity.

Getting your documents translated

If any documents are not in English, you are required to submit an official English translation together with a certified copy of your original document.

Certificate of good standing

You are required to submit an original Certificate of Good Standing from each Board or Council where you have been registered during the last seven years.

Certificates of Good Standing must be no more than three months old at the time your application is received.

English language requirement

If you require a pass in a Dental Council approved English test to meet the English language requirement, you will need to submit your pass test results with your application form. 

Please remember:

• Results must be obtained in one sitting.
• A pass is valid for two years for new applications, or three years for those repeat examination candidates who can demonstrate that they have continuously lived and worked in a country where English is the first language.

If you are not sure about your specific English Language requirements, refer to the Policy on English language requirements.

Fees

The examination fee is payable at the time of application. The fee is set at a threshold of 4 applicants writing the examination, which will reduce where there are a total of 5 or more applicants enrolled for the written examination. In this case, enrolled applicants will be refunded the difference after the registration closing date.

If you repeat the examination, you need to reapply, and pay the fee again.

Examination withdrawal fees

If you cancel your application 40 working days before the examination date, then a partial refund of the fee may be granted on a case-by-case basis for limited circumstances, including medical conditions.

If you cancel inside the 40 working days, you will forfeit your application fee. If there are exceptional circumstances, we will work with you to re-schedule your examination.