Dentist (ANZSCO 252312)
Updated
What a Dentist does
Diagnoses and treats dental disease, injuries, decay and malformations of the teeth, periodontal tissue (gums), hard and soft tissue found on the mouth and other dento-facial structures using surgery and other techniques. Registration or licensing is required.
- Also called
- Dental Practitioner, Dental Surgeon
Key facts
- ANZSCO code
- 252312
- Skill level
- 1Bachelor degree or higher
- Assessing authority
- ADC
- National shortage
- Shortage
Visa options
Occupation eligibility is one requirement; each visa page links to the rest.
Points-tested
- Subclass 189 Skilled IndependentNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 190 Skilled NominatedNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
- Subclass 491, state or territory nominatedVia ROLEligible
- Subclass 491, family sponsoredNot on its occupation listsNot eligible
Employer-sponsored
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 Dentist do?
Diagnoses and treats dental disease, injuries, decay and malformations of the teeth, periodontal tissue (gums), hard and soft tissue found on the mouth and other dento-facial structures using surgery and other techniques. Registration or licensing is required. Also called: Dental Practitioner, Dental Surgeon. (ABS ANZSCO description.)
Is Dentist on the skilled occupation list?
Yes. Dentist (ANZSCO 252312) is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and Regional Occupation List (ROL) (lists in force from 14 December 2024). It is listed for the 186, 482, 491 and 494 visas.
What is the ANZSCO code for Dentist?
252312. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.
How can a Dentist migrate to Australia?
The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Dentist for the Subclass 186, 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 Dentist for an Australian visa?
ADC, the skills assessing authority listed for 252312.
Is Dentist 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.