If you have recently graduated as an oral health practitioner, you need to apply for registration with the Dental Council before you can begin practising in New Zealand.

If you intend to practise in New Zealand, you will also need to apply for an annual practising certificate (APC).

If you won’t be practising immediately, you can maintain your registration by applying to have your name retained on the register. 

How to apply for registration

Recent New Zealand qualified graduates

If you are a recent graduate of the University of Otago or Auckland University of Technology (AUT) you can apply for registration and your first annual practising certificate (APC) or retention online.

This application process is for newly qualified oral health practitioners who have graduated from University of Otago or AUT within the last 12 months.

Click on the “Apply" tab that appears on the black banner on this page.

Other graduates

If you graduated as an oral health practitioner from the University of Otago or AUT more than 12 months ago, or from another local or overseas education provider, you should start your application process by using our online tool to assess which registration pathways are available for you. 

If you are unsure of the application process that applies to you, please contact us.

Voluntary bonding scheme

The Te Whatu Ora - New Zealand voluntary bonding scheme is a practical initiative to encourage newly qualified health professionals to:

• work in the communities and practices that need them most
• keep essential health professionals in New Zealand
• increase Māori and Pasifika within the health workforce.

Eligibility details and registration for 2024 are now available on the Te Whatu Ora website.