|
|
 |
Registration - Overview
The Dental Council of New Zealand is the body that registers dentists, dental specialists, dental hygienists (including
orthodontic auxiliaries), dental therapists, dental technicians and clinical dental technicians in New Zealand.
Links to registration information, application forms and policy guidelines for each practitioner group are
provided below.
All registration applicants will need to complete an application form, referee reports and the relevant self-assessment form.
Scopes of Practice
Under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCAA) oral health practitioners may be registered
in one or more scopes of practice. A "scope of practice" describes what a practitioner
is entitled to do. Practising outside a designated scope of practice will attract significant penalties.
Under the Act the Council has defined the following scopes of practice:
- General Dental Practice
- Dental Specialist Practice (10 specialist scopes)
- General Dental Hygiene Practice
- Orthodontic Auxiliary Practice
- Additional Scopes for Dental Hygiene and Auxiliary Practice
- General Dental Therapy Practice
- Additional Scopes for Dental Therapy Practice
- Dental Technology Practice
- Clinical Dental Technology Practice
To be registered in a scope of practice, applicants must:
- have a prescribed qualification for that scope of practice
- be competent to practise in the scope(s) of practice
- be fit for registration
Applicants who hold prescribed qualifications and satisfy all the competence and
fitness for registration requirements of the HPCAA can expect to gain registration in the scope of practice they apply for.
Qualifications and Examinations
A pass in the Dental Council Registration Examinations is a prescribed qualification for
registration. Overseas-qualified practitioners with non-prescribed undergraduate qualifications who meet the registration entry
criteria (including English language competence) may apply direct to the NZDREX examination process and avoid the costly
qualifications assessment process.
Applicants with non-prescribed qualifications can also apply for registration and individual
consideration by Council if they believe that special circumstances exist in respect of their
qualifications and that the Council might therefore consider these to be equivalent to a
prescribed qualification (s15(2)). Such applications are subject to additional fees to cover the
costs of the individual assessment of the applicant's qualifications and experience.
Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition
Oral health practitioners who are registered in Australia and who satisfy fitness and competence requirements
may apply for registration under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition
Act (TTMRA).
|
|
|
