RxPG - Temporary Registration Policy for overseas dentists in New Zealand

Overseas dentists visiting New Zealand on a temporary basis may apply for temporary
registration. Each application for temporary registration and each applicant is considered by the
Council on a case by case basis and in accordance with the provisions of the Dental Act.

In assessing each application for temporary registration from overseas dentists Council
considers the statutory requirements of s35 of the Dental Act 1988, which require the Council
to be satisfied that the person:

•Is or will be temporarily visiting New Zealand and proposes to practise dentistry at any
institution or place in New Zealand; and

•Has sufficient knowledge and experience to practise dentistry subject to any restrictions the
Council may specify; and

•Is fit to practise dentistry (as set down in s22 of the Dental Act 1988); and
has a reasonable command of the English language.

In deciding whether a person has sufficient knowledge and experience to practise dentistry the
Council gives consideration to the same particulars as detailed on page 4 & 5 for full
registration.

If the Council is not satisfied that an applicant for temporary registration has sufficient
knowledge and experience to practise dentistry in New Zealand, it will require the applicant to
sit and pass the registration examinations.
In addition Council has passed the following temporary registration policy guidelines:

•Temporary registration will normally be issued for a period of up to 1 year in the first instance
with applications for extension for a further year to be considered on a case by case basis.

•In general temporary registration will be available for a maximum period of 3 years. Temporary registration extensions beyond 3 years will only be approved if Council is satisfied that
extraordinary circumstances exist.

•Temporary registration is available to overseas-qualified dentists who are seeking service
appointments or locum positions in independent practice subject to Council being satisfied that
the applicant has sufficient knowledge and experience to practise dentistry.

•Council may require an applicant for temporary registration to submit a statutory declaration stating that they are temporarily visiting New Zealand and indicating their intended period of stay.

•If the applicant intends to reside and practice in New Zealand then the applicant must forward
an application for full registration to the Dental Council and Council may require the applicant
to sit the registration examinations.

•Temporary registration will normally be restricted to allow the applicant to only practise
dentistry at a particular place or institution and may be restricted to a specialised area of
dentistry.

•Temporary registrants can apply for specialist registration (for the duration of their temporary
registration)

•In the case of applicants coming to New Zealand to demonstrate particular techniques or
procedures, the application must state the nature of the techniques to be demonstrated, the
number of patients to be treated, the consent of the institution or clinic at which this will occur
and the experience of the applicant in the particular techniques that will be demonstrated.

•Such applications need to be accompanied by a statement from the clinician who will have
responsibility for the patients’ follow up care confirming temporary registrants have been
advised to take out personal insurance and that documents informed consent procedures.