As the private and public sectors further align and practice accreditation becomes mainstream, the information you need to apply for work is constantly changing.

If you are joining our locum or temp team and want to be considered for all roles, it’s a great idea to be fully credentialed so you can be placed into any clinic, private, corporate or government.

We understand that the amount of paperwork needed to apply for work can be overwhelming. As we provide work in different states and territories which all have different requirements, we have created a reference point for you so you can be better prepared for those short notice assignments.

For locums providing health care services and treating patients you will need:

• Updated resume
• An original or certified copy of your degree or diploma
• An original or certified copy of your AHPRA Registration
• An original or certified copy of your insurance and professional indemnity
• Working with children check as required by state
• National Criminal record check
• Proof that your vaccinations are up to date with serology
• 2 current references
• 100 points of ID

You may also need:

• CPD statement/certificate

If you are working in a supporting role you will need:

• Updated resume
• An original or certified copy of your Certificate or Diploma if you are qualified
• Working with children check
• Proof that your vaccinations are up to date with serology
• 2 current references
• 100 points of ID

You may also need:

• Criminal record check
• First aid certificate

If you have any questions regarding these requirements, please ask someone on staff.

I am a health care professional from another country, will my qualificatins be recoginsed?

This will depend on which country you come from. We have reciprocal arrangements with a few countries, but as a general rule, you will need to re-register to work as a Dentist, Dental Hygienist or Oral Health Therapist.  This comprises 3 exams; Occupational English Test, one Theory, and one Practical examination. The process usually takes about 2 years from start to finish for Dentist, and about 6-12 months to RDH and OHT. It is possible to finish in a shorter period of time depending on how quickly you can sit for the exams. We employ many overseas professionals while they are going through their registration process, once they have gained some local experience.

More information can be obtained from visiting the APRHA website

Dental Assistants do not need to be registered to work in Australia, and provided you have undertaken your training in English, you should be able find work easily

I am relocating from another country and would like to join your agency.  Can you provide me with employment?

We provide two types of employment services; temporary and permanent. Depending on what type of visa you have will determine which one will suit.

Temporary employment suits those on temporary visas. If you’re a Dental Assistant from an English speaking country, you must have at least 2 years’ prior work experience. If you’re a Dentist, RDH or OHT, or Dental Assistant who trained in a language other than English, you must have at least 1-2 months full-time local experience.

How do i gain local experience?

You can gain local experience by applying for work through positions advertised, or volunteer your services.  We do not arrange work experience for candidates unless they have undertaken training with our company.

I cannot find work locally; is there another option for me to gain experience?

We do offer training for overseas dental professionals and subsequent employment on completion of the program, provided assessments are passed and communication skills are sufficient. There are costs involved with the training. Email [email protected] for more information

Can I be sponsored from abroad before I arrive?

It is highly unlikely that this will happen; especially within the dental industry. Candidates need to be in the country, with a current work visa, even if only temporary, to attend interviews and work trials. If the client cannot meet you and assess your suitability for work, they will not sponsor you.
Cases where this may be possible is where organisation has an office in another country where you can be assessed prior to moving to Australia.

I have local experience in the dental industry.  Is it possible for me to be sponsored to work in Australia?

Yes. The immigration laws are constantly changing and each case is assessed on an individual basis. You need to meet certain criteria in order to be sponsored, and we suggest visiting an immigration lawyer if you would like to consider this option. Contact our office for additional information regarding this.

Do I need to sign a contract with your company and are there any costs involved?

There is no contract with AB Dental & Medical and there are no costs involved.

As a Traveler

If you are arriving in Australia from overseas on a working holiday or student visa, you may find it quite daunting to arrive in a new country. Here are a few tips to help you get started;

The public transport systems are easy to use and vary from state to state. Here are some websites which will assist you with getting around;

NSW: www.transport.info

VIC:     www.ptv.vic.gov.au

QLD:   www.translink.com.au

If walking or driving you can use;

• Whereis.com.au
• Google Maps    

For daily use in all capital cities in Australia, there is a large network of public transport. Many of the systems are ticketless and you are required to have a pre-paid card.

• NSW use a card called an OPAL card 
• VIC use a card called a MYKI
• QLD use a card called Go Card  

Accommodation:

Style

Hostel accommodation is not bound by a lease and is appropriate for short term.

Most people find a room in a flat/house share, either through friends or an advertisement on the net on a number of websites including;

• Gum Tree
• EasyRoomMate
• Flatmate Finders
• Domain

Payment

Many places require a deposit (bond) and up to month’s rent in advance, so be prepared for the cost to secure the place you want. Prices vary considerably depending on the area and the standard you require – try not to go for the first place you see, survey the market and find what you really want!

Roughly speaking, a room of your own, with share bathroom, kitchen and laundry will start at about $180-$200 per week but really depends on the number of people you are sharing with

Opening a Bank Account

You will need to open a bank account as soon as you arrive. You will need 100 points of identification. You can Google what documents are required to make up the 100 points of ID as a passport alone will not be enough.

Taxation and Superannuation

Tax is automatically deducted from your wages by your employer, under a PAYG Scheme (pay as you go). In order to be paid for services by an employer, you will need to provide a Tax File Number. You can apply online at www.ato.gov.au or you may visit the central taxation office in any capital city.

Everyone who works in Australia is entitled to Superannuation which is an additional 9.5% in addition to your hourly rate. This is our pension scheme. Once you earn over $450 per month with one employer, they are legally bound to pay superannuation. There are several Superannuation funds available, or this can set up by our agency if more convenient. Once you leave Australia on a permanent basis you will get all your Superannuation returned to you.

If you are here on a working holiday visa, you will pay less tax be subject to paying a higher tax rate than those on 457 working visa or student visa. Some tax rebates are also available on exit. AB Dental & Medical recommends that you utilise an accounting service (tax agent) in order to maximise the financial benefit. You will need to allow 2 to 4 week period for processing.

Visas & Sponsorship

Working Holiday Visa

A working visa in Australia is available to people 18-30 years without dependent children, and permits a 12 month stay in Australia from entry date. Extensions are available by working in rural areas for a period of 3 months after the initial 12 months.

Citizens of the United Kingdom, Canada, The Netherlands, Republic of Ireland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark may apply for a visa in any overseas country.

Applicants from Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta and Germany must apply in their own country of citizenship.

Charges apply and interviews and/or medical examinations may be required.

For Working Holiday Visas, applicants must demonstrate:

• Sufficient funds for the first part of the holiday stay
• Their main purpose for visiting Australia is to holiday
• Work undertaken whilst in Australia is for support while here
• A good chance of taking up temporary work to supplement holiday funds
• A return ticket of sufficient funds for a return or onward fare
• An intention to leave Australia at the conclusion of the holiday

Australia Working Holiday visas permit work with one employer for only 6 months. However AB Dental & Medical can provide work for you for the whole 12 month period providing your stay with any one practice or organisation does not exceed the equivalent of six months. Should you wish to extend your stay with one particular employer then AB Dental & Medical may assist you in finding a sponsor.

For full details of visa requirements go to:

www.immi.gov.au

Sponsorship

While AB Dental & Medical cannot provide sponsorship, we do have a large database of clients, some of whom have expressed an interest in utilising this process to hire staff. Unlike the Working Holiday Visa no specific age restrictions apply to sponsorship, although your eligibility will depend on your health, work experience, amongst other deciding factors.

We are able to provide relevant information to assist with the facilitating of sponsorship applications. We would be pleased to supply referrals for legal services for both sponsor and applicant.