Charting Your Path as a Dentist in Australia After the ADC Exam

May 13, 2024 3 min read
Dentist in Australia After ADC Exam

Key Takeaways

  • The ADC exam is an important milestone for foreign-registered dentists trying to set up a dental practice in Australia. 
  • Clearing the exam involves several steps, such as preliminary assessment, written examination, practical examination and English proficiency test. 
  • After clearing the written examination, you need to take the clinical or practical examination before you search for jobs and find a visa. 

Establishing a career as a dentist in Australia is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities. One crucial milestone in this path is passing the Australian Dental Council (ADC) examination, a rigorous assessment that validates the competency of overseas-trained dentists. Successfully clearing this exam opens the door to a world of possibilities in the Australian dental landscape.

In this blog, we will explore the steps and strategies to navigate your career as a dentist in Australia after conquering the ADC exam. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced practitioner looking to make a mark in a new environment, this guide aims to provide insights and guidance to help you chart your path to success.

About the ADC Exam

The Australian Dental Council (ADC) Exam is a series of assessments designed to evaluate the knowledge, skills, and competence of overseas-trained dentists who wish to practice dentistry in Australia. It is a rigorous process that ensures all dentists practising in Australia meet the required standards of education, training, and professional competence.

The exam consists of two parts- Written Examination and Clinical Assessment. You can take this exam only after you undergo a preliminary assessment of your qualifications and credentials by the ADC. The exam is mandatory for foreign-registered dentists trying to set up practice in Australia. 

Learn all you need to know about becoming a dentist in Australia in this video-

What's Next After ADC?

Congratulations on clearing the ADC Written Examination- you have successfully passed the first step to success. But what next? Here’s what you need to do to get registered and settled in Australia- 

Clinical Examination

Following the theoretical component of the ADC exam, candidates must undergo a clinical examination. This practical assessment evaluates their clinical skills and ability to perform dental procedures competently. The clinical examination typically consists of simulated patient scenarios or real patient cases under the supervision of examiners. Success in this phase is vital for demonstrating proficiency in dental practice and ensuring readiness for registration.

Registration with the Dental Board of Australia

Upon passing both the theoretical and clinical components of the ADC exam, dentists are eligible to apply for registration with the Dental Board of Australia. Registration is mandatory for legally practising dentistry in Australia and involves providing evidence of qualifications, passing criminal history checks, and meeting other regulatory requirements set by the board. Once registered, dentists can legally practice in the country, provided they adhere to the board's standards and guidelines.

Search for jobs (Find Sponsors)

With registration secured, the next step involves seeking employment opportunities in the Australian dental industry. Many overseas-trained dentists opt to work in regional or rural areas, where there may be a higher demand for dental professionals. Finding a job often entails networking with dental practices, attending job fairs, or utilising online job platforms such as Indeed, Seek, LinkedIn, etc. Moreover, securing a job offer from an employer willing to sponsor your visa application is essential for obtaining a work visa and beginning your practice in Australia.

Apply for Visa

Once a job offer with sponsorship is secured, dentists can proceed with applying for the appropriate visa to work and reside in Australia. Depending on individual circumstances and the specific visa pathway chosen, this may involve applying for a skilled work visa, such as the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa, or a regional visa, such as the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa. Navigating the visa application process requires careful attention to documentation, meeting health and character requirements, and complying with visa conditions.

Parting Words

In conclusion, pursuing a career as a dentist in Australia after passing the ADC exam requires determination, perseverance, and a strategic approach. By leveraging your skills, networking with industry professionals, staying updated on advancements in dental practice, and embracing opportunities for further education and specialisation, you can carve out a fulfilling and rewarding career in the Australian dental sector. 

Remember, the journey may have its challenges, but with dedication and a clear vision, you can make significant contributions to oral healthcare while thriving personally and professionally Down Under. So, take the leap, chart your path, and embark on an exciting adventure as a dentist in Australia. Your future in dentistry awaits!

In case you are searching for holistic guidance regarding ADC preparation and the complete dental registration process, Academically is the one-stop-solution for all your needs. Contact our experts today to kickstart your journey on the path to dental registration in Australia. 

Book a FREE one-on-one counselling session with our experts today! 

FAQs

Q- What to do after clearing the ADC exam?

Ans- After clearing the written assessment of the ADC exam, you must take the clinical assessment. Then, you need to get registered with AHPRA and search for an internship/job to get a visa.

Q- How to get a job after clearing the ADC exam?

Ans- After clearing the ADC exam, you can get a dental job in Australia through online platforms such as Seek, Indeed, Linkedin, Glassdoor, etc.

Q- How can I become a registered dentist in Australia after BDS?

Ans- To become a registered dentist in Australia right after BDS from any country, you need to clear the ADC exam.

Sheenu Sharma
Sheenu Sharma
about the author

Sheenu Sharma is a seasoned writer with several years of experience curating content in the EdTech and healthcare sectors. She believes in delivering information and facts to the readers by crafting compelling stories. Through the platform of Academically, she aims to help global healthcare professionals in their career aspirations and dreams!