Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003
Notice of Replacement Scopes of Practice and Prescribed Qualifications
This notice is issued by the Dental Council pursuant to sections 11 and 12 of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003.
This notice shall come into effect 7 January 2010.
The following scope replaces the Scope of General Dental Practice published in the
New Zealand Gazette, 7 December 2006, No. 167, page 4856.
Scope of Practice for General Dental Practice
The scope of practice for general dental practice is the practice of dentistry as set out in the documented "Detailed Scope of Practice for General Dental Practice" produced and published from time to time by the Dental Council.
It involves the maintenance of health through the assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment and prevention of any disease, disorder or condition of the orofacial complex and associated structures within the scope of the practitioner's approved education, training and competence.
Prescribed Qualifications
" Bachelor of Dental Surgery, University of Otago; or
" an Australian Dental Council (ADC) accredited undergraduate dental degree from an ADC accredited dental school in Australia; or
" a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited undergraduate dental degree from a CDA accredited dental school in the USA or Canada; or
" a General Dental Council (GDC) accredited undergraduate dental degree from a GDC accredited dental school in the UK, or Commonwealth as listed below:
Dental School Dates
of recognition
Western Cape Before 1 January 1998
Hong Kong Before 1 January 2001
Singapore Before 1 January 2001
Witwatersrand Before 1 January 2001
Pretoria Before 1 January 2001
Stellenbosch Before 1 January 2001
Medical University of South Africa Between 1 January 1997
and 31 December 2000
Malaysia Between 1 January 1997
and 31 December 2000;
or
" a five year undergraduate dental degree; a pass in the New Zealand Dental Registration Examinations; or
" a five year undergraduate dental degree; a pass in the Australian Dental Council licensing examinations; or
" a five year undergraduate dental degree; a pass in the USA licensing examinations.
The following scope replaces the Scope of Practice for Endodontic Specialists published
in the New Zealand Gazette, 11 December 2008, No. 192, page 5099.
Scope of Practice for Endodontic Specialists
Endodontic Specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the morphology and pathology of the pulpo-dentine complex and periradicular tissues. Its study and practice encompasses the basic clinical sciences including the biology of the normal pulp, and the aetiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries to the pulp and associated periradicular tissues.
Specialist Endodontics is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Dental Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
" MDS (Endodontics) University of Otago; or
" DClinDent (Endodontics) University of Otago; or
" an ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent degree in Endodontics from an ADC accredited dental school in Australia; or
" two years or more of full time equivalent postgraduate training in the specialty at a recognised tertiary academic institution or equivalent; evidence of research activity; a pass in the New Zealand Endodontic Specialist Examination.
The following scope replaces the Scope of Practice for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialists published in the New Zealand Gazette, 20 May 2005, No. 81, page 1927.
Scope of Practice for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialists
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialists practise in that part of surgery which deals with the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects of the human jaws and associated structures.
Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
" MDS/MBChB (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) University of Otago; or
" an ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from an ADC accredited Australian University; a medical degree from a medical school listed in the WHO World Directory of Medical Schools or the ECFMG Faimer Directory; or
" registration in oral and maxillofacial surgery with the General Medical Council, UK; or
" Board certification in oral and maxillofacial surgery in a USA or Canadian state and possession of a medical degree from a medical school listed in the WHO World Directory of Medical Schools or the ECFMG Faimer Directory and dental degree; or
" two years or more of full time equivalent postgraduate training in the specialty at a recognised tertiary academic institution or equivalent; evidence of research activity; a pass in the New Zealand Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist Examination.
The following scope replaces the Scope of Practice for Oral Medicine Specialists published in the New Zealand Gazette, 20 May 2005, No. 81, page 1927.
Scope of Practice for Oral Medicine Specialists
Oral Medicine Specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the oral health care of patients with chronic and medically related disorders of the oral and maxillofacial region, and with their diagnosis and non-surgical management.
Specialist Oral Medicine is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Dental Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
" MDS/MBChB (Oral Medicine) University of Otago; or
" an ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent degree in Oral Medicine from an ADC accredited dental school in Australia; a medical degree from a medical school listed in the WHO World Directory of Medical Schools or the ECFMG Faimer Directory; or
" two years or more of full time equivalent postgraduate training in the specialty at a recognised tertiary academic institution or equivalent; evidence of research activity; a pass in the New Zealand Oral Medicine Specialist Examination.
The following scope replaces the Scope of Practice for Oral Pathology Specialists published in the New Zealand Gazette, 11 December 2008, No. 192, page 5099.
Scope of Practice for Oral Pathology Specialists
Oral Pathology Specialists practise in the branch of pathology which deals with that nature of diseases affecting the oral, maxillofacial and adjacent regions.
Specialist Oral Pathology is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Dental Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
" MDS (Oral Pathology) University of Otago; or
" DClinDent (Oral Pathology) University of Otago; or
" an ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent degree in Oral Pathology from an ADC accredited dental school in Australia; or
" two years or more of full time equivalent postgraduate training in the specialty at a recognised tertiary academic institution or equivalent; evidence of research activity; a pass in the New Zealand Oral Pathology Specialist Examination.
The following scope replaces the Scope of Practice for Orthodontic Specialists published in the New Zealand Gazette, 11 December 2008, No. 192, page 5099.
Scope of Practice for Orthodontic Specialists
Orthodontic Specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the supervision, guidance and correction of the growing and mature dentofacial structures and includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception and treatment of all forms of malocclusion of the teeth and associated alterations in their surrounding structures.
Specialist Orthodontics is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Dental Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
" MDS (Orthdontics) University of Otago; or
" DClinDent (Orthodontics) University of Otago; or
" an ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent degree in Orthodontics from an ADC accredited dental school in Australia; or
" two years or more of full time equivalent postgraduate training in the specialty at a recognised tertiary academic institution or equivalent; evidence of research activity; a pass in the New Zealand Orthodontic Specialist Examination.
The following scope replaces the Scope of Practice for Paediatric Dentistry Specialists published in the New Zealand Gazette, 11 December 2008, No. 192, page 5099.
Scope of Practice for Paediatric Dentistry Specialists
Paediatric Dentistry Specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with oral health care for children from birth through to adolescence. It includes management of orofacial problems related to medical, behavioural, physical or developmental disabilities. It may include management of adults with special needs.
Specialist Paediatric Dentistry is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Dental Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
" MDS (Paediatric Dentistry) University of Otago; or
" DClinDent (Paediatric Dentistry) University of Otago; or
" an ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent degree in Paediatric Dentistry from an ADC accredited dental school in Australia; or
" two years or more of full time equivalent postgraduate training in the specialty at a recognised tertiary academic institution or equivalent; evidence of research activity; a pass in the New Zealand Paediatric Dentistry Specialist Examination.
The following scope replaces the Scope of Practice for Periodontic Specialists published in the New Zealand Gazette, 11 December 2008, No. 192, page 5099.
Scope of Practice for Periodontic Specialists
Periodontic Specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases or abnormalities of the supporting tissues of the teeth or their substitutes.
Specialist Periodontics is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Dental Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
" MDS (Periodontics) University of Otago; or
" DClinDent (Periodontics) University of Otago; or
" an ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent degree in Periodontics from an ADC accredited dental school in Australia; or
" two years or more of full time equivalent postgraduate training in the specialty at a recognised tertiary academic institution or equivalent; evidence of research activity; a pass in the New Zealand Periodontic Specialist Examination.
The following scope replaces the Scope of Practice for Prosthodontic Specialists published in the New Zealand Gazette, 11 December 2008, No. 192, page 5099.
Scope of Practice for Prosthodontic Specialists
Prosthodontic Specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of patients with a range of clinical conditions involving missing or deficient teeth and/or craniofacial tissues, using biocompatible substitutes.
Specialist Prosthodontics is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Dental Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
" MDS (Prosthodontics) University of Otago; or
" DClinDent (Prosthdontics) University of Otago; or
" an ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent degree in Prosthodontics from an ADC accredited dental school in Australia; or
" certificate in Prosthodontics from a three year programme CDA accredited dental school in the USA or Canada; evidence of research activity; or
" two years or more of full time equivalent postgraduate training in the specialty at a recognised tertiary academic institution or equivalent; evidence of research activity; a pass in the New Zealand Prosthodontic Specialist Examination.

The following scope replaces the Scope of Practice for Public Health Dentistry Specialists published in the New Zealand Gazette, 20 May 2005, No. 81, page 1927.
Scope of Practice for Public Health Dentistry (or Community Dentistry) Specialists
Dental Public Health (Community) Specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the science and art of preventing oral disease, promoting oral health and improving the quality of life through the organised efforts of society.
(NB Existing specialists may apply to the Council to retain the previous title if they wish.)
Specialist Public Health (Community) Dentistry is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Dental Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
" MComDent University of Otago; or
" an ADC accredited MDS or MDSc degree in Public Health Dentistry from an ADC accredited dental school in Australia; or
" two years or more of full time equivalent postgraduate training in the specialty at a recognised tertiary academic institution or equivalent; evidence of research activity; a pass in the New Zealand Public Health Dentistry Specialist Examination.
The following scope replaces the Scope of Practice for Special Needs Dentistry Specialists published in the New Zealand Gazette, 11 December 2008, No. 192, page 5099.
Scope of Practice for Special Needs Dentistry Specialists
Special Needs Dentistry Specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the oral health care of people adversely affected by intellectual disability, medical, physical or psychiatric issues.
(NB: Special needs specialists who wish to identify their particular expertise in hospital dentistry can apply to the Council to use the specialist title "Special Needs Dentistry (Hospital)".)
Specialist Special Needs Dentistry is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Dental Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
" MDS (Special Needs) University of Otago; or
" DClinDent (Special Needs) University of Otago; or
" an ADC accredited MDS or MDSc degree in Special Needs Dentistry from an ADC accredited dental school in Australia; or
" two years or more of full time equivalent postgraduate training in the specialty at a recognised tertiary academic institution or equivalent; evidence of research activity; a pass in the New Zealand Special Needs Dentistry Specialist Examination.