The Dental Board of Australia (DBA) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) work in partnership to regulate all Australian health practitioners, including dental professionals and students. They work closely together to ensure that Australia’s registered health practitioners are suitably trained, qualified and safe to practise with the overarching mission to protect the public.
The Dental Board of Australia (DBA) regulates dental practitioners in Australia under the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (the National Scheme). The members of the DBA are appointed by the Australian Workforce Ministerial Council and are supported by Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) is a risk-based regulator that ensures our registered health practitioners are suitably trained, qualified and safe to practise. They work to protect public safety and support a safe and professional health workforce for Australia.
Ahpra works with 15 National Boards (including the DBA) to implement the National Scheme and ensure a safe health workforce across all registered professions. Ahpra decisions are guided by the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law as in force in each state and territory.
Registration
Manage registration and renewal processes for local and overseas-qualified health practitioners and student registration. This ensures that only health practitioners with the skills and qualifications to provide competent and ethical care are registered to practise.
Notifications
Manage complaints and concerns raised about the health, performance and conduct of individual health practitioners on behalf of the National Boards, except in New South Wales. In Queensland, we jointly consider notifications with the Office of the Health Ombudsman. You can learn more about what to do if you receive a notification here.
Accreditation
Work with accreditation authorities and committees to ensure that graduating students are suitably qualified and skilled.
Compliance
Monitor and audit registered health practitioners to make sure they are complying with Board requirements.
Professional Standards
Provide policy advice to the National Boards about registration standards, codes and guidelines for health practitioners.
The DBA and Ahpra are part of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (the National Scheme). Established in 2010, the scheme introduced consistent legislation across all Australian jurisdictions. The National Scheme regulates health professions (including dentistry), helping to protect the public by setting standards and policies that all registered health practitioners must meet. Each health profession that is part of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme is represented by a National Board.
Our service provides free and confidential support for dental professionals and students Australia- wide. If you are concerned about your own health or the health of another dental practitioner or student, you can call our free and confidential 24/7 support line on 1800 377 700.