Australian PR Points for Dentist, ANZSCO 252312
Dentistry is a highly respected and vital profession within Australia's healthcare sector. As an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), Dentists (ANZSCO 252312) have access to multiple skilled migration pathways. While the independent 189 visa remains a possibility, state-nominated visas (190 and 491) often provide a more practical route, as many states actively seek out qualified health practitioners to support their communities.
Subclass 189: Skilled Independent
Dentist, MLTSSL status
The 189 visa requires no state nomination, but invitations can be highly competitive. Exact cutoffs are not consistently published, so securing the highest possible points is essential.
→ Subclass 189 guideSubclass 190: State Nominated
With +5 state nomination points
A fantastic option for healthcare professionals. Almost all states periodically nominate Dentists, provided candidates meet local employment or residency criteria.
→ Subclass 190 guideSubclass 491: Regional
With +15 regional bonus points
If you are willing to live and work in regional Australia, the 491 visa offers a generous 15-point boost. Regional healthcare is heavily prioritised nationwide.
→ Subclass 491 guideYour Dentist Score Across All Three Visa Pathways
| Subclass 189 | Subclass 190 | Subclass 491 |
|---|
| Nomination bonus | +0 | +5 | +15 |
| Last cutoff (ANZSCO 252312) | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Occupation list | MLTSSL | MLTSSL | MLTSSL |
| Demand profile | High | High | Very High |
| Primary assessing body | ADC | ADC | ADC |
* Note: The Department of Home Affairs does not reliably publish occupation-specific invitation scores for Dentists. Historic cutoffs are not guaranteed to reflect future rounds.
→ See our monthly invitation round tracker for latest resultsSkills Assessment for Dentist
A positive skills assessment is mandatory before you can submit an EOI in SkillSelect.
Dentist (ANZSCO 252312) is assessed by the Australian Dental Council (ADC)
| Assessing body | Australian Dental Council (ADC) |
| Official portal | adc.org.au |
| Processing time | Approx. 8 weeks for Initial Assessment |
| Initial assessment fee | AUD $647 |
| Assessment type | Initial Assessment + Examinations |
| Qualification required | Recognised Bachelor degree (or higher) in dentistry |
Overseas-trained dentists typically need to undergo an Initial Assessment to verify their qualifications. Once approved, candidates must successfully pass both a written and practical examination. Note that the written (approx. $2,122) and practical (approx. $4,775) exams involve substantial additional fees and study time. Some practitioners from the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, or Canada may be eligible for a direct registration pathway through AHPRA.
⚠ Registration Requirement: For actual employment and state nomination, demonstrating full registration with the Dental Board of Australia (via AHPRA) is often just as critical as the skills assessment itself. Ensure you meet the strict English language requirements (usually IELTS 7.0 across all bands) for registration.
State Nomination for Dentists: Which States to Target
State nomination adds +5 points (190) or +15 points (491). Health occupations are highly prized by the states.
| State | 190 Status | 491 Status | Notes |
|---|
| NSW | Conditional | Conditional | Prioritises healthcare. Often requires strong points or regional employment. |
| VIC | Conditional | Conditional | Healthcare is a key sector. Registration of Interest (ROI) is required. |
| QLD | Conditional | Conditional | Strong demand for regional healthcare professionals. Check employment criteria. |
| SA | Conditional | Conditional | Very active in nominating healthcare workers, particularly local graduates. |
| WA | Conditional | Conditional | Medical and healthcare streams are highly active. |
| TAS | Conditional | Conditional | Favourable to Tasmanian graduates and those working in local healthcare. |
| ACT | Conditional | Conditional | Canberra matrix applies. Health roles generally score well. |
| NT | Conditional | Conditional | Preference given to those already living and working in the NT. |
Note: State occupation lists are updated periodically. Always verify at each state's official migration portal before applying.
Because healthcare is universally recognised as a priority, Dentists generally enjoy strong state nomination prospects across the board, provided they meet local licensure and employment demands. If your points are hovering around the lower end, targeting a 190 or 491 visa is a very smart strategy.
How to Improve Your Score as a Dentist
Strategic ways to boost your profile for ANZSCO 252312.
1. Superior English
You already need strong English for AHPRA registration. Pushing for Superior English (IELTS 8.0 or equivalent) gives you an additional 10 points. This is the most reliable way to jump ahead in the queue.
→ English points guide2. State Nomination (190)
Targeting a 190 visa adds 5 points immediately. Given the high demand for healthcare practitioners, aligning yourself with a state’s specific health shortages can significantly speed up your invitation.
→ 190 visa guide3. Regional Work (491)
Working as a Dentist in a regional area not only gives you a massive +15 point boost, but it also aligns perfectly with government efforts to attract healthcare to regional communities.
→ Regional points guide| Strategy | Points Gained | Time Required | Reform Risk |
|---|
| Superior English (if at Proficient) | +10 | 2-6 months | Low |
| State nomination (190) | +5 | 2-12 weeks | Low |
| Regional sponsorship (491) | +15 | 2-12 weeks | Low |
| Australian work exp (1 more year) | +5 | 1 year | Low |
| NAATI CCL (if bilingual) | +5 | 3-6 months | Medium |
How the 2026 Reform Affects Dentists
⚠ The 2026 points test reform is proposed, not yet legislated. The current Schedule 6D system remains fully in effect.
Healthcare professionals will continue to be heavily prioritised under any future migration programme. However, the proposed changes mean that relying on traditional points accumulation might change. The proposed increase of the minimum threshold to 70 points could affect some candidates. As high-income earners, experienced Dentists could benefit significantly if the proposed income-based points system is legislated.
→ Learn more about the 2026 points test reform