Dentist
Regional and rural dental shortages drive 491 sponsorship; metropolitan PR is more competitive.
Years from now to permanent residency
Metro pathway
Major-city study- Doctor of Dental Medicine (Graduate Entry) · 4 yr
- 485 Graduate Visa · 4 yr
- Australian Dental Council assessment · 0.4 yr
- EOI + visa grant (medium demand) · 1 yr
Regional pathway
Regional study + 491- Doctor of Dental Medicine (Graduate Entry) · 4 yr
- 485 Graduate Visa (regional, Cat 2 +1 yr) · 5 yr
- Australian Dental Council assessment · 0.4 yr
- EOI + 491 grant (medium demand) · 1 yr491 holders convert to PR via the 191 visa after 3 years working in regional Australia. The age clock stops once 491 is granted.
Are you near an age cap?
Australian skilled visas have hard age caps. Enter your age now and we'll flag any visa that would close before you complete this pathway.
Age caps that apply to this occupation
- 186Cap: 45. 186 generally requires under 45 with several concessions.
- 482No general cap. 482 has no general age limit, but the 482 → 186 PR transition typically requires under 45.
- 491Cap: 45. 491 requires under 45 at invitation. Once granted, the age clock stops; 491 → 191 PR has no further age cap.
- 494Cap: 45. 494 requires under 45 with limited exemptions.
Qualifications that lead here
The Australian Dental Council assessment is the gate. These are the qualifications most commonly accepted to clear it.
Doctor of Dental Medicine (Graduate Entry)
- ·Doctor of Dental Medicine — University of Sydney
- ·Doctor of Dental Surgery — University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
ADC exam required for internationally trained dentists.
- ·Bachelor of Dental Surgery — University of Adelaide
Visa subclasses this occupation unlocks
Employer Nomination Scheme
Skills in Demand
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional
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We don't take referral fees. We do recommend confirming your chosen pathway with a MARA-registered agent before paying course deposits; they'll know the latest assessing-authority quirks for your specific qualification.
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Skills assessments and visa criteria are set by individual authorities and the Department of Home Affairs and change regularly. Confirm requirements directly before enrolling in a course.