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English language

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English language requirements

The fitness for registration criteria of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 require that you must be able to demonstrate that you speak and understand English to a level sufficient to protect the health and safety of the public.

Effective English and communications skills are a prerequisite to practising as an oral health practitioner in New Zealand. Without such skills you cannot offer patients informed consent and ensure effective participation in treatment choices.

You satisfy the English language requirement if you meet one of the following:

  • you have graduated from a programme accredited by the Dental Council (New Zealand) or approved by the Dental Board of Australia; or
  • English is your first language and you completed your dental training in Australia, United Kingdom, USA, Ireland or Canada where English is the sole language of instruction and assessment; or
  • for at least 2-years in the 5-years immediately prior to your application for registration, you practised in a workplace in Australia, United Kingdom, USA, Ireland or Canada where English was the primary language of communication with both patients and a colleagues, and two practitioners whom you worked with during this period for at least 6-months, who speak English as their first language, can attest to your ability to comprehend and communicate effectively in English; or
  • you have passed a Dental Council-approved English test to the required level.

Dental Council-approved English tests

Council has approved the following two English tests:

  • International English Language Testing (IELTS)
  • Occupational English Test (OET)

Test levels and pass rates

IELTS – academic band

Dentists, dental specialists, oral health therapists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, clinical dental technicians.

 Score at least 7 in each band of the four individual components of listening, reading, writing and speaking

Dental technicians

 Average score of 7 or more across the four individual components of listening, reading, writing and speaking

Orthodontic auxiliaries

 At least 6 in each band of the four individual components of listening, reading, writing and speaking

OET

Dentists, dental specialists, oral health therapists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, clinical dental technicians and dental technicians 

A pass with A or B grades in each of the four components

Orthodontic auxiliaries

A pass with a minimum score of 250 in each of the four components*

* This includes a grade of A, B and a minimum score of 250 in the C band, in each of the four components 

A pass in the English test is only valid for two years.

For more information, refer to the Policy on English Competence and English Tests.