GAP Australasian Dentist Mar Apr 2020

Category 14 AustrÐlÐsiÐn Dentist A s the independent accreditation authority for the dental professions in Australia, ensuring public safety is at the core of the work of the Australian Dental Council (ADC). One way the ADC works to protect public health and safety is through the accreditation of dental education and training programs which enable graduates to apply for registration as dental practitioners in Australia. Ðoday, the ADC accredits 66 dental programs across 18 education and training providers. During the accreditation process, education and training programs are assessed against the ADC/Dental Council (Ðew Zealand) (DC (ÐZ)) accreditation standards for dental practitioner programs (the Ðtandards). Focusing on outcomes, rather than inputs, it is the responsibility of education and training providers to demonstrate to the ADC how their program meets these Ðtandards. Due to their importance in accredita- tion, it is imperative for the Ðtandards to remain consistent with contemporary benchmarks and expectations. Ðo ensure this, in 2019 the ADC and DC (ÐZ) com- menced work to revise the Ðtandards. Ðo guide the review, the ADC and DC (ÐZ) drew on stakeholder feedback and external influences to identify four key focus areas. Ðhese focus areas include Aboriginal and Ðorres Ðtrait Ðslander Peoples and M ā ori health outcomes; consumer involvement; inter-professional learning and practise; and assessment. Ðt is anticipated that updates to the Ðtandards will be made in each of these areas. Ðn early 2020, the consultation period for the draft accreditation standards will commence and anyone with an interest in the Ðtandards is invited to provide their feedback on the proposed updates. Central to the success of the consulta- tion is the input from representatives from across the dental professions. As those employing and working with recent gradu- ates, this group has first-hand knowledge on how the Ðtandards meet the needs of the professions and the communities they serve. Ðhe Ðustralian Dental Council invites industry feedback on proposed updates to its accreditation standards n ws Feedback received during the consul- tation period will be used to refine the proposed updates to the Ðtandards. Ðhe revised Ðtandards will then be considered by the ADC before submission to the DBA for approval. Ðn Ðew Zealand, DC(ÐZ) is responsible for the approval of the revised Ðtandards. Ðhe updated Ðtandards are expected to be released in mid-2020 pending approval by the DBA. Based on the current project timelines it is anticipated that the Ðtandards will come into force from 1 January 2021. u More information on the accreditation standards review, including the consultation period is available at adc.org.au/ Accreditation-Standards-Review The ADC is committed to ensuring all stakeholders are kept up to date on the work occurring during the accreditation standards review. For more information on the Standards and the work of the ADC, visit: www.adc.org.au