Frequently Asked Questions
AHSR FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
This section contains the most common questions handled by our support staff. Please select a topic from the menu below
If you can't find the answer to your query send us an email and we will endeavour to answer your question asap info@ahsr.com.au
º Australian Dental Council
º Bursary Competition
º Certificate of Good Standing
º Dental Boards
º Dental Nursing in the UK
º Hygienists
º Insurance
º Medicare Provider/Prescriber Number
º Migration
º Radiation Licence Aust/Nz
º Registration
º Remuneration
º Sponsorship
º Taxation
º Therapists
º UK dentists
º Overseas dentists in the UK
º UK work Permits
º Visas
º Wages
FAQ #1
Australian Dental Council
The ADC is responsible for maintaining the standard of graduating Australian dentists and overseas dentists wishing to migrate to Australia. They also set the exams for overseas dentists whose degrees are not recognised in Australia to allow them to be registered here.
Australian Dental Council
Dr Ross King, Executive Secretary, ADC
Level 2, 112 Wellington Pde
East Melbourne, VIC 3002
Tel- int+ 61 3 9415 1638
info@dentalcouncil.net.au
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FAQ #2
Bursary Competition
The Australian Health Sector Recruiting Rural and Regional Elective Bursaries.
The year 2001 was the inaugural year for the AHSR Rural and Regional Elective Bursary Competition. The competition was introduced to give students an incentive to explore dentistry outside the major metropolitan areas.
The problem of attracting dentists to work outside the major capital cities is well recognised. We hope that the AHSR Rural and Regional Elective Bursary Competition will encourage students to explore the career options available in country areas. At the very least we know it will make the option seem less threatening and give an insight into the different situations facing rural and regional practitioners.
The competition is open to the final year dental students of all Australian universities. Two winners are chosen with a prize of $700.00 awarded to each winner.
To be eligible to apply for the bursary the students will need to have arranged a placement in rural or regional Australia at least three hours drive from the dental hospital at which they are studying. They must also submit a short statement or explanation as to why many dentists do not want to work outside the major cities. Where an elective is not part of the final year curriculum, fifth year students may apply if they arrange a similar placement within a holiday period during their final year. Any student seeking a mentor or ideas for such a placement next year is welcome to contact AHSR. Likewise, any employers interested in mentoring or supervising a final year student during their final year elective are encouraged to contact us.
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FAQ #3
Certificate of Good Standing
A Letter or Certificate of Good Standing is the document provided by the Dental Boards in each state of Australia and by the NZDC to declare you are registered with them. In Australia you need to be registered with the Board of each state in wish you wish to work. One of the registration requirements is the provision of a current Certificate of Good Standing. For UK dentists, the GDC has a similar standard document. It is very important and must have been issued within the three months prior to the application for Australian registration. UK dentists cannot be registered in Australia without it.
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FAQ #4
Dental Boards
Registration with the Dental Board of the relevant state is a legal requirement for working in Australia. The New Zealand and UK equivalents are the New Zealand Dental Council and the General Dental Council respectively.
For email contacts, please see our links page
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FAQ #5
Dental Nursing in the UK
Any Australian / New Zealander who obtains a working holiday maker visa, and has previous dental nursing experience, can easily obtain temporary and permanent dental work with a dental agency as this is not seen as furthering their career. There is a huge amount of work. Dental Nurses can earn between £5.00-£9.00 per hour. Many work for an agency to start with and then if they are staying long term then accept a more permanent job once they arrive.Some nurses will spend their whole two year visa working as a temporary nurse with a few different clients through the agency. The bulk of work is in London although other areas can be arranged.
A student visa can also be obtained from the department of Immigration based at Croydon in London or possibly the British Consulate in Australia.
Dental Assistants do NOT need to register with any governing body.
Many UK agencies can organise work, both temporary and permanent. Accommodation can be arranged but is often very basic by Australian standards.
To work as a temporary dental nurse you need to have at least two years practical chairside experience. The temporary work is varied and plentiful. The contracts are to suit you. One day/ month / week, several months it is the nurse's choice. Many travellers find it fun as they meet different people and learn new skills. You may well decide that you would like to work in a hospital in a specialist department; conservation, orthodontics, oral surgery and periodontics just to name a few.
There are also a number of permanent vacancies, in a variety of surgeries. This is always changing, as there are so many surgeries in London - approximately 5000.These clients will expect some dental nursing experience but not all expect two years. Once again it will depend on where you would like to be and exactly what you wish to do. Full and part time vacancies are available. A client would need a commitment of at least one-year.
The above information on UK dental nursing was provided by Southern Cross Dental, UK.
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FAQ #6
Hygienists In Australia
Must be registered in Australia. For information contact the Dental Board of the relevant state.
UK and NZ hygienists- require Australian exams to be passed to be registrable. Email Joy for details - joym@torrens.tafe.sa.edu.au
Or check their website - www.tvtafe.sa.edu.au/dental
Exams include a written exam ($550) which may be taken before coming to Australia and a three day practical exam ($1100). They are arranged for a couple of times per year( May and November) dependent on demand.
Hygienists in New Zealand
The NZDA website has some information on hygienists working in New Zealand
Dental Hygienists in New Zealand operate under the exemption provisions of Section 11 of the Dental Act 1988, which states that -'Nothing in Section 4 (which restricts the practise of dentistry to registered persons) prevents any persons from -
- Removing deposits from teeth, or
- Applying materials to teeth for the purpose of preventing diseases or
- Giving advice on oral health care, or- Carrying out any other similar work
under the direction of a dentist who is present on the premises at which the work is carried out.'
When the Act was passed in 1988 there was no dental hygiene training programme - people who therefore worked as hygienists at that time were either trained by dentists on the premises or were ex-dental therapists. Some of these people still work as hygienists but the workforce is being augmented by graduates of Otago Polytechnic's dental hygiene programme. Some dentists have employed overseas dentists in hygienist positions.
At present, provided an overseas trained hygienist meets Immigration requirements there are no problems with working in New Zealand.
Please be aware that the Dental Act is being reviewed and hygienists are seeking registration. Therefore the situation may change in the future. For more information contact the New Zealand Dental Council. inquiries@dentalcouncil.org.nz
Overseas dentists working as hygienists in NZ
There are a number of overseas dentists currently working as hygienists in New Zealand as they prepare for the registration examinations. The situation is likely to change in the future if hygienists gain registration. Everyone who wanted to work as a hygienist would have to apply to be registered. It would be likely that many overseas dentists would be able to satisfy the requirements for registration - but one can't prejudge what a hygienist registration board might decide. This may therefore affect whether overseas dentists can work as hygienists in NZ in the future. You need to contact NZ Immigration directly for information on their requirements.
Their website address is www.immigration.govt.nz
Hygienists in UK
With regard to working in the UK, Hygienists also need to be registered. To date Australian and New Zealand Hygienists cannot practice in the UK, although that may change in the future. If they have originally qualified in a different country such as a European Community, then it may be different.
To qualify you would need to attend one of the dental schools (two in London and about ten others in the UK) and a further course lasting approx. six months. This can vary for each student. I've been told that a potential student needs to submit an application and then the dental school and General Dental Council decide on length of course needed. They take into account grades and experience. It can take up to one year full time study. The cost of this is around £5,000- £10,000. Student visas are fairly straightforward to obtain from the immigration office. Gaining registrations with the General Dental Council as a hygienist does NOT however automatically qualify a person for a work permit. There is a huge shortage of Dental Hygienists in the UK so providing a potential employer will support a work permit application then it can be obtained. You can view the GDC website for further information - www.gdc-uk.org
Dental Hygienists can earn around £35-40 per hour and easily have work 36 hours per
week. There is a huge demand and short supply of Hygienists.
British Dental Hygiene Association -
Business: 01934 876389 (always answering machine)
01954 231599 information officer
Web Page: http://www.bdha.org.uk
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FAQ #7
Insurance
Check with your insurance provider to see if you are covered for the state/country in which you intend to work. If you are only two years out of dental school some are able to charge you a concessional rate of about $350.00.
Approximate costs provided to us include the following - $600pa for dentists billing
out < $70Kpa. Quarterly instalments @$167.00
They may have a discount if you have under two years experience.
Updated- 6.2001
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FAQ #8
Medicare Provider Number
Allows you to refer patient for specific procedures such as OPGs so that the cost is covered by Medicare and not by the patient. You must be registered and have a job lined up prior to applying for a number.
Medicare Prescriber Number
Allows you to prescribe certain medications. Again, registration and a place of employment are required prior to application.
Both Provider and Prescriber numbers can be arranged through the Health Insurance Commission, Provider Liaison Section. NSW Branch Tel: 132 150. Fax 02 9895 3439 GPO Box 9822 Sydney NSW Australia 2001.
www.hic.gov.au
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FAQ #9
Migration
All dentists (other than NZ dentists) wishing to migrate to Australia must be assessed by the Australian Dental Council- even if they have an Australian Qualification (Cth Dentists Act 1 July 1999). This assessment may involve exams at the discretion of the ADC.
For advice on visa and Immigration issues, AHSR works with an agent in Adelaide (Jessi Jin). She has indicated that she is happy to speak to AHSR's clients and give them general advice for no fee. She can also advise as to the costs and benefits of having a migration agent do paperwork for you. Jessi's email address is zhejx@hotmail.com
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FAQ #10
Radiation Licence
Australia
Most states require dentists to hold a radiation licence. This is a simple process with a small fee. Dental board registration is required prior to application.
For email contact see our links page
NZ
A radiation license is required and can be obtained on arrival in NZ , cost $190. Details from The National Radiation Laboratory www.nrl.moh.govt.nz
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FAQ #11
Registration
Australia
Registration must be obtained with the Dental Board in each state you intend to practice in. Requirements may differ slightly from state to state. Provider and prescriber numbers are required and radiation licences may also be required depending on the state. For contact emails or websites see our links page.
Registration requirements - Degrees recognised
Unless previously registered in Australia or NZ, the most important thing when it comes to registration in Australia is with regards to where your primary dental degree was obtained. The Australian Dental Boards only recognize dental degrees from Australia, NZ, the UK and certain Universities in Ireland, however, things are starting to change (see also paragraph below). Dentists who receive their degree elsewhere must pass the Australian Dental Council exams or complete a number of years at a recognised dental school and thereby graduate with a BDS from that school before they can register in Australia. Dentists registered in NZ may register in most Australian states and vice versa under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition agreement.
Changes to the registrability of UK dentists in Australia.
Some states are in the process of passing legislation to limit the registrability of UK dentists who received their degree after December 2000 in those states. UK dentists who graduate after this date will need to be assessed and may or may not have to sit exams.
Tasmania (Oct 2001) and Queensland (Dental Practitioners Registration Act on Jan 1st 2002) are the only states to have passed any legislation on this to date. However, we recommend that UK dentists contact the dental board in the state in which they wish to work to ascertain any changes.
In Tasmania, UK dentists who graduated after December 2000 may still register through mutual recognition if they can gain registration in another Australian state or if they hold NZ registration.
In Queensland, UK dentists who have qualified for their BDS after 2000 will continue to be eligible for full QDB registration until 2004. Dentists registered by 2004 will be able to continue working after 2004 as long as they continue to pay their reg fees and ensure they don't let their registration lapse. They will also be able to register/work in other states by mutual recognition. However UK dentists who apply for registration after December 31st 2004 will need to be examined by the Australian Dental Council and awarded a certificate before they will be granted registration.
New Zealand
The requirements are about to change and it is essential that all new applicants either contact the NZDC or visit its website immediately prior to application for the most up to date information.
Overseas dentists seeking registration in NZ need to complete and submit an application form (this can be downloaded along with an information booklet from www.dentalcouncil.org.nz) to the New Zealand Dental Council along with supporting documentation, certificates, referee report and fee. The application is assessed along with your skills and experience. Dentists may have to sit exams depending on the extent of their qualifications. For more information email inquiries@dentalcouncil.org.nz
Registration in NZ allows the dentist to practice and write prescriptions etc. A Certificate of Temporary Registration may be applied for. Sometimes an examination may need to be taken, depending on the qualification of the overseas dentist. Dentists registered in Australia are able to be registered in New Zealand and vice versa under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition agreement.
In addition to NZDC registration, dentists wishing to work in NZ or register in Australia under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act must hold a current Annual Practising Certificate from the NZDC.
UK
Check GDC website. www.gdc-uk.org
Currently, Australian and NZ dentists who have received their degree prior to Jan 2001 will always be registrable in the UK without sitting exams.
Other overseas dentists do not necessarily automatically gain registration with the GDC. We always recommend that each dentist either contacts or goes in person to the GDC. Dentists who are not eligible for full registration may be granted temporary registration which entitles them work in a hospital but there are not many of these posts and they are always oversubscribed.
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FAQ #12
Remuneration
Remuneration for dentists in Australia varies enormously. There are dentists working for $45Kpa and dentists earning $250Kpa or more. For further information see ' Wages' further down.
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FAQ #13
Sponsorship
Sponsorship allows dentists from countries other than Australia and New Zealand to work in Australia.
Sponsors of overseas dentists are mostly located in country areas. There are few sponsors in the major cities. Generally a minimum 12 months commitment is required before anyone here will consider sponsoring you. Once you agree to a job the employer here must put in a sponsorship application which, if approved will enable you to work here as a temporary resident.
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FAQ #14
Taxation
Australia
Depends on whether you are here as a non-resident (working holiday visa) or resident (sponsored by an employer, permanent resident, citizen). There is no tax-free threshold for those who work as non-residents, otherwise the tax-free threshold of $6000 may apply.
The Australian Tax Office can provide you with an application form for a Tax File Number. A TFN is needed by anyone who wishes to work in Australia and does not want every cent they earn to be taxed at the highest marginal rate (currently 47% + 1.5% Medicare levy). You will need to have received your Visa prior to applying for a TFN.
UK and NZ dentists will want to put in a tax return form, probably before they leave Australia but certainly prior to the end of October in each year. They can pick up a "Taxpack" free from the newsagent. It contains a tax return form and instructions (that no one understands) to fill it in. It is usually advisable to have an accountant assist you in preparing your tax return.
Keep all receipts for your indemnity insurance and licences and for other things (stationery, protective eyewear etc) that you need to buy for work purposes, as many may be legitimately deductible.
For more information on residency status of individuals entering Australia please refer to Taxation ruling 98/17 by clicking on the following link http://law.ato.gov.au/atolaw/view.htm?docid=TXR/TR9817/NAT/ATO/0001
New Zealand
Our information indicates that a locum could handle tax matters in two ways. Either way the locum needs to register with The IRD and get an IRD number, easily done on arrival. Web site: www.ird.govt.nz
Firstly and most simply, they could be paid as an employee with PAYE tax deducted by the employer. This avoids the need to register for GST, saves time and paperwork, but has the disadvantage of allowing no deductions for work-related expenses. It is probably the best short-term option.
Secondly, the locum could act as a self-employed contractor. The locum would submit a Tax Invoice for the amount owed to them by their employer, and be responsible for submitting a set of accounts to the IRD at the end of the tax year (usually 31 March). The locum would have to register for GST and charge GST on the amounts paid to them if the total amount for the year exceeds a certain level, NZ$40,000 at present I think. The main advantage of this method is that it allows all work-related expenses to be tax-deductible, and if GST registered, to be able to claim back GST on work-related expenses. Most employed dentists in NZ fit in this category. The disadvantages are the extra administration and paperwork, and the need for an accountant. GST is 12.5%
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FAQ #15
Therapists
NSW
Under the current Dentists Act NSW 1989, dental therapists are not registered in NSW, but are approved for employment within the New South Wales Department of Health.
QLD
Therapist are allowed to work in private under the direction and control of a dentist. They may work on children from 4 years of age to teenagers that have not yet completed school year 10.
UK therapists
Each State works under a different Act therefore there may be different criteria for registration in each State. Check with the Dental Board of the relevant states for confirmation.
NSW
For information with regard to further particulars from candidates who have trained overseas contact Westmead Centre for Oral health (Ph: 02 9633 2333). You can also contact Barbara Cameron at the NSW Dental Board dentalboardnsw@ozemail.com.au
VIC
To register as a dental therapist in Victoria with qualifications from the UK it would be necessary to re-train or sit re-entry exams from DHSV. Email Faye Taylor at the Dental Board of Victoria for further enquiries - faye@dentprac.vic.gov.au
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FAQ #16
UK dentists
For general info on working in Australia, see Tips
AHSR has just negotiated a discount for UK dentists coming to Australia or NZ with Austravel in London. They have indicated that they will honour discounts as follows:
2% discount on flights
15% discount on Insurance
5% discount on any land arrangements.
Please note the above discounts will only apply on bookings made with Lesley either via email or phone 01179 330453, Lesley's email is Lesley.King@austravel.com. Tell Lesley you have been referred by AHSR and ask for the discount
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FAQ #17
Overseas dentists working in the UK
Under a UK Working holiday visa Australian and NZ dentists may not work in any area seen as 'furthering their career'. UK employers must therefore apply for Work Permits to enable them to employ Australian or NZ dentists. Dentists need to register with the GDC before a work permit can be obtained. The following addresses should prove helpful with answering any questions.
British Dental Association -
37 WimpoleStreet
London, W1M 8DQ
Business: 02079350875
Business Fax: 020 7487 2643
Web Page: http://www.bda-dentistry.org.uk
Home Office, Immigration & Nationality Directorate -
Lunar House Wellesley Road
Croydon, Greater London CR9 2BY
Business: 020 8686 0688
Business 2: 0870 606 7766
http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/
UK work Permits
Dept for Education and Employment Overseas Labour
Services Level 5
Moorfoot Sheffield S1 4PQ
Tel 0114 259 4071 Fax 0114 259 3707
Email: twes.ols@dfee.gov.uk
www.dfee.gov.uk/ols/
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FAQ #18
UK work Permits
Dept for Education and Employment Overseas Labour
Services Level 5
Moorfoot Sheffield S1 4PQ
Tel 0114 259 4071 Fax 0114 259 3707
Email: twes.ols@dfee.gov.uk
www.dfee.gov.uk/ols/
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FAQ #19
Visas
Visas-Sponsorship
It is illegal in Australia for foreign dentists to take jobs that suitable Australian dentists want.
Sponsors, who are unable to secure the service of Australian dentists, are required for any overseas dentist (other than from NZ) seeking employment in Australia. They are more difficult to find than regular employers and certainly there are only a few sponsors in the major cities. This is because of the time and monetary costs involved and the responsibilities placed on the employers. It is also because they need to prove to the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs that they have been unable to secure an Australian dentist. Generally to be sponsored, a dentist needs to give a minimum 12 months commitment before an employer would consider them. DIMA allows sponsorship under this visa for up to four years. Our understanding is that this is renewable and that dentists may apply for permanent residency on their own (and possibly with the help of your employer) while under the visa.
Under the business sponsorship visa, once an overseas dentist who is eligible for registration in Australia agrees to a job, the employer here must put in a sponsorship application. If approved, this enables them to work here as a temporary resident. They cannot work for other employers during this time unless they are contracted out by their sponsoring employer.
Visas- Working Holiday
DIMA requires that only 'citizens of arrangement countries' are eligible to apply for Working Holiday visas. Australia has reciprocal WHM (Working Holiday Maker) arrangements with eleven countries - the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malta, Germany, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. The arrangements with Sweden, Norway and Denmark are effective from 1 July 2001.
Citizens of the UK, Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland can apply at any Australian mission outside Australia. However, it's recommended that the applicants contact the Australian overseas mission for confirmation before they travel there to apply for WHV.
For those overseas dentists who can get one this is the easiest way to be able to work in Australia. This visa enables you to work for 12 months in total but for no more than three months per employer. You generally need to be under 30 year of age.
Please ensure that you apply for a working holiday visa as opposed to an ordinary holiday visa.
Working Holiday Visa Eligibility requirements and conditions
Only applicants aged between 18 and 30 years and 11 months without any dependant children are eligible to apply. The applicant needs to show that:
º They have not previously entered Australia on a Working Holiday Visa and their main reason for coming to Australia is to holiday (any work they do should be incidental to supplement funds);
º They will not undertake studies or training for more than 3 months other than an English language course.
º They will leave Australia at the end of their authorised stay and must have a return ticket or otherwise supply evidence of enough funds for an onward fare.
They meet health requirements outlined in the Working Holiday Visa application forms. Formal health examinations will be required in certain circumstances:
A chest x-ray (form 160) will be required:
*If you are a resident of, or have spent, in the last 5 years, more than 3 consecutive months in a country or countries considered to be very high risk countries in terms of tuberculosis.
*If you are likely to enter an Australian hospital or health care area (including nursing homes)
*If you are likely to be engaged in an Australian child care facility (including preschools or creches) as either an employee or trainee.
A chest x-ray and medical examination (using form 26) including any specialist reports may be necessary if there is any sign that you may not satisfy the health requirements
All applications must be made overseas. Form 1150 is required together with an application fee. A working holiday visa gives you 12 months to travel to Australia from the date the visa is granted, and allows you to stay in Australia for 12 months from the date you first enter Australia. You are permitted to enter/exit Australia on a WHV but if you leave Australia during your 12 months stay, you are not able to make up or recover the amount of time spent outside Australia. A working holiday visa cannot be extended under any circumstances. It is recommended that you take out private health insurance to cover yourself while in Australia unless there is a reciprocal health insurance agreement between Australia and your country of citizenship. It is best not to make travel arrangements before your WHV is granted. Visas are reviewed on a yearly basis and limits are sometimes imposed on the number of visas granted. Allow at least 4-6 weeks for your visa to be processed.
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FAQ #20
Wages
In Australia
Wages earned by dentists are enormously variable. In the public sector they often depend a lot on experience. They vary from approx $45Kpa for a grad in public sector to >$200Kpa in a very lucrative private practice. These are pre-tax.
An experienced dentist in private practice would probably want to be on at least $80Kpa in a country area. Most experienced dentists can earn much more if they want to. Country areas are often much more lucrative as there are less dentists around. This is not always the case, however. Some jobs can be very rewarding but pay a little less.
Private practice - how wages are usually calculated.
Wages are usually calculated as a percentage of the daybook (for a locum) or receipts (for permanent staff). The percentage is usually 35% or 40% but can vary from 30% to 45% and depends to a large degree on practice overheads. The percentage usually includes superannuation. If you are not sure then ask. Lab fees are usually deducted from the gross.
Some practices pay a salary or a commission with retainer (minimum weekly or monthly salary)
For example,
Say you bill out $1000.00 in a day and you are getting 40%. Say the lab fees for the day are $100.00
The lab fees are deducted from the $1000.00 leaving $900. Your 40% is calculated on the $900.00.
It can vary a little, say if you are paid a set amount every week and the difference is made up at the end of the month but that is basically the situation. Some practices pay superannuation on top of your percentage but most take it out of your percentage.
There is a compulsory superannuation contribution as part of everyone's salary in Australia. Currently it is 8% but it is about to go to 9%.
In other words, your 40% currently makes up 108% of your wage with the 8% being deducted and put in a superannuation fund for when you retire. Retirement age in this case is determined by Australian legislation.
Working with Children Checks
NSW legislation now requires all dentists seeking work in NSW undergo a Working With Children Check.
It is important that all dentists realise that it an offence for serious sex offenders to apply for jobs as dentists in NSW.
Dentists seeking work in NSW must sign a declaration form and a consent form. The declaration form is to declare that they are not serious sex offenders. The consent form gives consent to various checks being undertaken. The checks include a criminal record check as well as a check for Apprehended Violence Orders against children and relevant disciplinary proceedings. All dentists should check the Working With Children Check website for further details prior to signing the forms (www.kids.nsw.gov.au/check).
The checks will be arranged by their locum agency or employer and conducted by the NSW Department of Health.
In UK
NI (National Insurance) is a deduction as with the TAX deduction that the employer is responsible for deducting from the employees salary. The salary would be worked out as per the following example:
Gross £4000 (per month)
- lab fees (say lab fees were £500 for example)
= £3500
50% of this is = £1750 then on top of this their NI & Tax would be deducted
Please note, the gross of £4000 was chosen as a nice round figure for the example only. You would generally expect to gross more.
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