Registration
Background
Dental hygienists have been practicing in Queensland since 1988.
Initially, a dentist would apply to the Queensland Dental Board for approval to register the dental hygienist and the dental hygienist could register with several employers, but a dentist was only then able to register one dental hygienist.
Then from July 2004, a dental hygienist would apply to the Queensland Dental Board for approval to register as a dental hygienist and renew this registration every year.
Today
From July 2010, to work as a dental hygienist in Australia, the dental hygienist must apply for approval and hold current registration with the Dental Board of Australia and renew this registration every year.
The Dental Board of Australia has developed codes and guidelines to provide guidance to the profession. These also help to clarify the Board's views and expectations on a range of issues.
Registration standards define the requirements that applicants, registrants or students need to meet to be registered.
The legislation that governs dental practitioners in Australia is the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009.