Important: Registration Status
Dental technicians (also known as dental laboratory technicians) are not currently regulated by the Dental Board of Australia under AHPRA. This means there are no mandatory CPD requirements for dental technicians.
However, dental prosthetists (who fit and supply dentures directly to patients) ARE regulated and must complete 60 hours of CPD per three-year cycle.
Dental Technician vs Dental Prosthetist: What's the Difference?
According to AHPRA's register of practitioners, it's important to understand the distinction between these two roles:
Dental Technician
- •Works in a dental laboratory
- •Creates crowns, bridges, dentures, orthodontic appliances
- •No direct patient contact
- •Not AHPRA registered
- •No mandatory CPD
Dental Prosthetist
- •Works directly with patients
- •Fits, supplies, and repairs dentures
- •Takes impressions and measurements
- •AHPRA registered
- •60 hours CPD required
CPD Requirements for Dental Prosthetists
If you are a registered dental prosthetist, you must comply with the Dental Board of Australia's CPD Registration Standard:
- 60 hours of CPD over each three-year cycle
- 48 hours minimum (80%) must be clinically or scientifically based
- 12 hours maximum (20%) can be non-scientific activities
- Current cycle: 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2026
Voluntary CPD for Dental Technicians
Although dental technicians don't have mandatory CPD requirements, engaging in professional development is highly recommended for:
- Keeping up with advances in dental materials and technology
- Learning new digital dentistry techniques (CAD/CAM, 3D printing)
- Improving quality and efficiency of laboratory work
- Career advancement and specialisation
- Meeting employer or industry association expectations
Professional Associations for Dental Technicians
Consider joining professional associations that offer CPD and networking opportunities:
- Australian Dental and Laboratory Association (ADLA) - Offers courses, conferences, and professional development resources
- Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA) - Industry events and educational programs
Relevant Training Areas for Dental Technicians
Even without mandatory CPD, dental technicians can benefit from courses in:
- Digital dentistry and CAD/CAM systems
- 3D printing for dental applications
- Advanced ceramics and materials science
- Implant prosthetics
- Orthodontic appliance fabrication
- Quality management systems
- Infection control in dental laboratories
Official References
For information about regulated dental practitioners:
Disclaimer: This information is provided as general guidance only and was accurate at the time of publication. Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with theDental Board of Australiaand AHPRAfor the most up-to-date information.