Dental Therapist
A Dental Therapist provides preventive dental care and basic restorative treatment to patients, primarily children and young adults, under a scope of practice defined by regulatory authorities. In Australia, dental therapists are registered with AHPRA and may work in school dental services, community health settings, and private practice.
Full-time AUD, 2025 indicative. Wide bands reflect variation by employer, experience, and location.
Steady demand, particularly in community health and school dental services programs across both metropolitan and regional areas.
Occupation list membership
Which Department of Home Affairs skilled lists this occupation currently appears on.
- ROLRegional Occupation List
Occupations eligible for regional visas such as Subclass 491 and 494.
- CSOLCombined Skilled Occupation List
The merged skilled list that consolidates previous MLTSSL and STSOL eligibility under the Skills in Demand program.
Assessing authority
The body that assesses skills for migration purposes for this occupation.
- VETVETASSESSVisit official site →
Visa pathways
Australian visa subclasses for which this occupation is currently eligible.
- 186Learn more →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 482Learn more →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 491Learn more →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Learn more →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations
States and territories that currently nominate this occupation for skilled migration.
| Code | State / Territory | Details |
|---|---|---|
| QLD | Queensland | View nomination → |
| WA | Western Australia | View nomination → |
| SA | South Australia | View nomination → |
| NT | Northern Territory | View nomination → |
| ACT | Australian Capital Territory | View nomination → |
Key duties
- Provide preventive dental care including examinations, scaling, and fissure sealing
- Perform basic restorations such as fillings within the regulated scope of practice
- Administer local anaesthesia and perform extractions of primary teeth where permitted
- Educate patients on oral hygiene practices and dietary advice
Skills required
- Clinical dental assessment and preventive care skills
- Knowledge of paediatric and general dental procedures within scope of practice
- Patient communication and behaviour management techniques
- Understanding of AHPRA registration requirements and practice guidelines
Typical qualifications pathway
A Bachelor of Oral Health or Diploma in Dental Therapy is required for AHPRA registration. VETASSESS is the assessing authority for migration purposes.
Visa & occupation list information
This occupation appears on the ROL and CSOL. Eligible Australian skilled visa pathways include subclasses 186, 482, 491, and 494. State nominations are available from nominating states and territories. For advice on which pathway suits your circumstances, consult a registered MARA migration agent.
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