National Legislation
Under National Law dental hygienists, oral health therapists and dental therapists must maintain current registration as a health practitioner to be able to practice. This includes meeting a professional code of conduct and minimum requirements as well as attending regular continuing professional education.
So what are the requirements? And where are they found?
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) www.ahpra.gov.au
AHPRA is the overarching organisation responsible for registering all health professionals within Australia. They work closely with the Dental Board of Australia to implement the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme and ensure the safety of the public. All dental professionals including dental hygienists, oral health therapists and dental therapists must maintain current registration with AHPRA to practice within Australia.
The primary role of the Dental Board or Australia (DBA) is to regulate dental practitioners. This is done through standards, guidelines and codes of conduct which each practitioner must meet. The Dental Board also handles any notifications or complaints against a health practitioner.
The Australian Dental Council (ADC) is an independent accreditation body. They provide accreditation and review of dental education and training programs in Australia and assessment of overseas dental practitioners who are moving to Australia to work.
The Poisons Standards Oct 2021
Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisions - View
Dental Benefits
Dental Benefits
Dental Benefits Act 2008 - View
Dental Benefits Rules 2014 - View
State Legislation
In addition to meeting the requirements set by National Law, each state and territory has areas of legislation which apply to health practitioners when working in that state.