GAP Australasian-Dentist Issue 80 Jul-Aug 19

Category 18 AustrÀlÀsiÀn Dentist n wÀ À he Australian Dental Council (ADC)/Dental Council (Àew Zealand) (DC(ÀZ)) Accreditation Àtandards for Dental Practitioner Programs (the Àtandards) are a crucial tool in ensuring dental education and training programs deliver graduates that are competent to practise. Àegular review of the Àtandards ensures they remain fit for purpose now and into the future, writes ADC President, Conjoint Associate Professor, Deborah Cockrell. As an independent accreditation authority, assigned the accreditation functions for the dental professions by the Dental Board of Australia under the Àational Àegistration and Accreditation Àcheme, the ADC is responsible for the accreditation of education and training programs leading to registration as a dental practitioner in Australia. We do this by assessing programs against our Àtandards. Àhe Àtandards are developed to protect the health and safety of the Australian public. During the accreditation process, it is the responsibility of program providers to demonstrate how their program meets the Àtandards to ensure they become, or remain, accredited. We have the ability to put in place conditions on programs failing to meet one, or more, of the Àtandards and, if a program fails to meet our Àtandards, we can refuse or revoke accreditation. Àhe Àtandards play a central role in assuring the quality of education programs producing tomorrow’s dental practitioners. Àhey focus on ensuring programs produce graduates who meet the professional competencies for their discipline. By focusing on outcomes, the Àtandards avoid making unnecessary or prescriptive requirements of education providers. Àhis allows dental educators to be innovative in how they design and deliver their programs. We share the Àtandards with the DC (ÀZ) to ensure a consistent approach to accreditation across both countries. Àhis approach also supports the mobility of practitioners across the Àasman. As dental education and practice constantly evolves, so must our work. We have commenced a review of the Àtandards to ensure they continue to be fit for purpose. We are working to make sure there are plenty of opportunities throughout the review for you to provide your opinion. Dental practitioners, like myself, understandably have a high level of interest in the education providing the gateway into our professions. Àhe standards play a vital role in helping us ensure the ongoing quality of that education. À strongly encourage anyone with an interest in this area of our work to let us know your thoughts as the review progresses. u We will work throughout the review to keep you updated of our progress. More information about the review and the Standards can be found on our website adc.org.au/Accreditation-standards-review Àhe Australian Dental Council commences review of Àccreditation Standards People with a passion. That’s the Credabl way. credabl.com.au 1300 CREDABL (1300 27 33 22) Practice Purchase • Commercial Property • Goodwill Loans • Overdraft Facilities • Home Loans • Car Loans • Equipment & Fitout Finance The issuer and credit provider of these products and services is Credabl Pty Ltd (ACN 615 968 100) Australian Credit Licence No. (ACL) 499547. Our specialist lending team has deep experience in the dental sector so we understand what you need. We’re here to support you at every step of your professional and personal journey. From building your practice to growing your investments, discover the difference that Credabl can deliver for you.