Globalization in the dental practice: a perspective from down under

Dental education and practice in Australia and New Zealand are described by a dental dean who has practiced in South Africa, Canada, and Australia. Education is based on the English model, being a five-year program with entry from high school. Variations are being attempted on this approach, with an increasing number of dental students entering with advanced education, multiple degree alternatives, and combinations of auxiliaries including hygienists, therapists, and prosthetists. Dental boards do not examine dental graduates for licensure or actively investigate substandard skill levels or compromised practitioners. Practice is open to dentists trained in other countries based on service in needy areas and a two-part examination process. Specialty licensure is obtained based on examination by the national Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and advanced education normally leads to a degree, including an additional doctoral degree. The most challenging issues facing oral health in Australia and New Zealand remain workforce shortages, especially in remote rural areas, and the cost of dental education.