Consultation on proposed changes to the Accreditation Standards for dental practitioner programmes
The Dental Council (New Zealand) and Australian Dental Council (ADC) Accreditation Standards for dental practitioner programmes (2021) were scheduled for a 5-yearly review. The Council and Dental Board of Australia have confirmed that the standards must remain applicable in both Australia and New Zealand to facilitate the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997, which recognises New Zealand and Australia registration standards as equal and allows registered oral health practitioners to work in either country.
Consultation on proposed changes occurred from 17 December 2025 to Friday 27 February 2026.
The submission feedback informed final decisions on the changes required to ensure the accreditation standards remain contemporary and fit for purpose.
The Dental Council (New Zealand) and the Dental Board of Australia has approved the updated accreditation standards.
Read the updated accreditation standards coming into effect on 1 January 2027. We have also published guidance notes that include an overview of each domain, explanation of the criteria and examples of evidence.
You can view the current New Zealand Standards here.
Public consultation documents:
Submissions
Dentists and dental specialists
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Oral health therapists
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Dental hygienists
Clinical dental technicians
Professional associations
New Zealand Dental Association
Dental therapists
Others
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