Dental Specialist (ANZSCO 252311)

    Updated

    What a Dental Specialist does

    Diagnoses and treats diseases, injuries, irregularities and malformations of teeth and associated structures in the mouth and jaw using surgery and other specialist techniques. Registration or licensing is required.

    Specialisations
    Endodontist, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Oral Pathologist, Orthodontist, Paedodontist, Periodontist, Prosthodontist

    Key facts

    ANZSCO code
    252311
    Skill level
    1Bachelor degree or higher
    Visas that list it
    190491482186494
    Assessing authority
    ADC
    National shortage
    Shortage

    Visa options

    Occupation eligibility is one requirement; each visa page links to the rest.

    Main tasks

    • diagnosing dental diseases using a range of methods such as radiographs, salivary tests and medical histories
    • providing preventative oral health care such as periodontal treatments, fluoride applications and oral health promotion
    • providing restorative oral care such as implants, complex crown and bridge restorations, and orthodontics, and repairing damaged and decayed teeth
    • providing oral surgical treatments such as biopsy of tissue and prescription of medication
    • performing routine orthodontic treatment
    • restoring oral function with removable and fixed oral prostheses
    • assisting in diagnosing general diseases having oral manifestations such as diabetes
    • educating patients to take care of their mouth and teeth
    • leading a dental team which may comprise Dental Hygienists, Dental Therapists, Dental Assistants and other Dental Specialists

    Shortage by state

    • NationalShortage
    • ACTShortage
    • NSWShortage
    • NTShortage
    • QLDShortage
    • SAShortage
    • TASShortage
    • VICShortage
    • WAShortage

    State and territory nomination

    For the 190 and 491, each state and territory also has its own occupation list.

    Common questions

    What does a Dental Specialist do?

    Diagnoses and treats diseases, injuries, irregularities and malformations of teeth and associated structures in the mouth and jaw using surgery and other specialist techniques. Registration or licensing is required. (ABS ANZSCO description.)

    Is Dental Specialist on the skilled occupation list?

    Yes. Dental Specialist (ANZSCO 252311) is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and Regional Occupation List (ROL) (lists in force from 14 December 2024). It is listed for the 186, 190, 482, 491 and 494 visas.

    What is the ANZSCO code for Dental Specialist?

    252311. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.

    How can a Dental Specialist migrate to Australia?

    The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Dental Specialist for the Subclass 186, Subclass 190, Subclass 482, Subclass 491 and Subclass 494 visas. Being on a list is one requirement among several; each visa's page links to Home Affairs for the rest.

    Who assesses Dental Specialist for an Australian visa?

    ADC, the skills assessing authority listed for 252311.

    Is Dental Specialist in demand in Australia?

    Jobs and Skills Australia rated it "Shortage" nationally in its 2025 Occupation Shortage List, with ratings for each state and territory shown above.

    Sources

    1. 1Department of Home Affairs, skilled occupation listimmi.homeaffairs.gov.au
    2. 2Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO – Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, 2022, CC BY 4.0abs.gov.au
    3. 3Jobs and Skills Australia, Occupation Shortage List, 2025 listjobsandskills.gov.au