Consultation on proposed end-date to some prescribed qualifications

The accreditation of prescribed qualifications for a number of dental specialist scopes of practice ended on 31 December 2023. The following programmes withdrew from NZ accreditation: 

• University of Otago Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in oral and maxillofacial surgery
• University of Otago Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in oral medicine
• University of Otago Doctor of Clinical Dentistry in special needs dentistry
• Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia Fellowship in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.

These programmes had no enrolled students at the time, so there was no impact on student learning.

In addition, from 2024 students interested in the University of Otago Bachelor of Dental Technology (Honours) programme will complete their undergraduate degree, and then enrol and continue their postgraduate studies – rather than enrolment being integrated with the undergraduate programme. Accordingly, the Bachelor of Dental Technology (Honours) is no longer required as a prescribed qualification for registration as a dental technician – and will be end-dated for 31 December 2023. This does not impact the Bachelor of Dental Technology prescribed qualification.

Earlier graduates from these programmes will continue to be eligible to apply for registration.

The Council is now consulting on the administrative changes, proposing to end-date these prescribed qualifications as of 31 December 2023. 

Consultation on the draft gazette notice is a requirement of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003.

Further information and details on how to provide feedback can be found in the consultation document.

Submissions close 19 August 2024.

Consultation on proposed end-date to dental specialist prescribed qualifications