RACDS is seeking accreditation from the Dental Council of New Zealand to provide accredited training in Oral Medicine, Paediatric Dentistry and Special Needs Dentistry in Aotearoa New Zealand. If successful, the training programs will provide pathways to Fellowship and Specialist Registration with the Dental Council. To find out more about the programs, click here.
Why Become a Specialist?
Becoming a specialist allows for a deeper and more focused expertise in a particular area of dentistry. As a specialist, you are equipped to handle complex cases that General Practitioners may not have the training or resources to address. Specialising in a discipline allows you to improve clinical outcomes and provide high-quality care to individuals with specific needs. Additionally, being a specialist offers professional recognition, the opportunity and confidence to become a leader within your field, and the ability to contribute to the advancement of your specialty through research and education. It also opens doors to other parts of the dental community that you may otherwise not engage with.
Why Choose Oral Medicine | Rongoā ā-Waha?
A specialist in Oral Medicine integrates dental and medical knowledge to diagnose and manage conditions affecting the mouth, jaws, salivary glands and other related structures, primarily through non-surgical (e.g. pharmacologic) means. Many of these conditions may be chronic, represent oral manifestations of a systemic disease, and broadly involve conditions of the oral mucosa, salivary glands and orofacial pain complaints. They also manage patients undergoing cancer treatment, provide care for those with complex medical conditions and work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.
Oral Medicine offers an intellectually stimulating career path allowing dentists to develop a highly integrated approach to diagnose and manage unique, complex and sometimes rare oral conditions from multiple angles. Interdisciplinary care with other healthcare professionals, including dermatologists, oncologists and rheumatologists, provides opportunities for collaboration and innovation, expanding medical knowledge and making the specialty a valued and key bridge between dental and medical groups in clinical care and education. As patients often have chronic or systemic conditions, such as those with cancer or autoimmune disease, there is significant reward in diagnosing underlying conditions or intercepting them before they progress to more serious consequences, ultimately improving patient quality and quantity of life. Specialising in Oral Medicine enables dentists to become leaders in managing oral-systemic health issues, making a significant impact on both patient care and public health. Find out more about the RACDS NZ training programs.
Why Choose Paediatric Dentistry | Mātai Niho Mātātahi?
A specialist in Paediatric Dentistry is an expert in children’s oral health, looking after children from birth to adolescence, and occasionally adults with special needs. They have undertaken further specialist training of three-years in duration to be able to manage all aspects of a growing child’s oral health needs. Their practice includes the management of orofacial problems related to medical, behavioural, physical or developmental disabilities. Paediatric Dentists advocate for children and their families, collaborate with other professionals, and inform and educate the profession and the public. Their aim is for all children to have excellent oral health for life and happy dental patients for life. Additionally, Paediatric Dentists interact with all cultures in Aotearoa New Zealand and come together with a common goal of helping children.
In New Zealand many children have medical or developmental conditions that require specialised dental care, and being trained in Paediatric Dentistry equips you to manage these complexities. It is rewarding to be part of a child’s growth and development, providing care that is tailored to their individual needs and ensuring that they have a positive experience at the dentist, which can impact their attitude towards oral health in the future. Find out more about the RACDS NZ training programs.
Why Choose Special Needs Dentistry | Mātai Niho Whaikaha?
A specialist in Special Needs Dentistry provides precision personalised oral health care for patients with physical, sensory, intellectual, medical, or emotional disabilities that make it challenging for them to receive routine dental treatment. They manage the oral health needs of individuals with complex medical conditions, elderly patients, or those with significant behavioural or psychological challenges. Special Needs Dentistry often involves adapting treatments, working in multidisciplinary teams, and using techniques like sedation or general anaesthesia to ensure patients receive appropriate and compassionate care tailored to their unique needs.
Special Needs Dentistry provides the opportunity to work with patients who have special needs, including physical, intellectual, or emotional challenges, making a meaningful impact on their oral health and overall well-being. The specialty involves treating a wide range of complex medical and behavioural conditions, offering varied and intellectually stimulating clinical experiences. Specialists in this field often advocate for better access to dental care for underserved populations, positioning themselves as leaders in promoting inclusivity and equality in oral healthcare. Special Needs Dentistry allows practitioners to adapt treatments to meet the unique needs of patients, often working closely with medical professionals, caregivers, and families to provide comprehensive care. Find out more about the RACDS NZ training programs.