Accredited Training with the College

The RACDS has been accredited by the Dental Council of New Zealand to provide accredited training in Oral Medicine, Paediatric Dentistry and Special Needs Dentistry in Aotearoa New Zealand. The training programs will provide pathways to Fellowship and Specialist Registration with the Dental Council.

Why Choose the College?

The RACDS training program offers numerous advantages, especially for those interested in the hospital-based aspect of the specialty. Training through the College ensures exposure to a wide range of clinical cases, including those with medical comorbidities. This experience is crucial for developing a greater understanding of how systemic health issues can affect dental development and treatment. It provides a unique opportunity to be exposed to a wide range of dental and, importantly, non-dental clinicians, all of whom play an important role in optimising the oral and general health and well-being of patients. Furthermore, the national selection process ensures a fair and transparent pathway to specialisation, with clear guidelines based on merit. The structure of the College’s program emphasises both clinical and academic achievement, preparing you for a successful career as a specialist in your chosen discipline.

To find out more about the RACDS Training Program, click here.

Selection & Eligibility

To apply for selection into a Training Program, applicants must have completed the following pre-requisites:

1. Dental degree with registration as a general dental practitioner with the Dental Council of New Zealand with unconditional registration to practice dentistry in New Zealand.
2. For Oral Medicine, a Medical degree.
3. At least three years of general dental practice. It is desirable that trainees have worked in a tertiary unit/hospital dental unit for at least one of those three years.
4. Citizenship or permanent resident status of New Zealand.
5. Completed the RACDS Primary Dental Sciences Examination.

In addition, it is highly desirable for applicants to have:

1. For Oral Medicine, unconditional registration to practice medicine in New Zealand.

Application Process

The application process is predetermined, transparent, and objective. It comprises a range of approaches to ensure validity and reliability, involves multiple raters, contains criteria for marking and allocates weighting for each tool to permit the ranking of the applicants. The tools include curriculum vitae scoring, professional performance appraisal referee reports, and a structured panel interview.

Applicants progress to the interview stage if they meet the benchmark for the combined CV and PPA scores. Furthermore, applicants who identify as Māori, Pacific Peoples, Aboriginal, or Torres Strait Islander and meet eligibility requirements automatically proceed to the interview stage.

Training Selection and Start Dates

• Stage 1: Applications Open – May 2026
• Stage 2: Applications Close – 14 June 2026
• Stage 3: CV scoring – June/Early July 2026
• Stage 4: Referee collection and scoring – July/Early August 2026
• Stage 5: Structured panel interviews – 30 August 2026 (TBC)
• Stage 6: Offer announcements – September 2026

The availability of training positions is subject to confirmation and funding arrangements with participating training sites and health services. The College reserves the right to amend, postpone, or cancel the selection process or commencement of training positions where circumstances require.  Please refer to the refund terms and conditions for further details.

The Trainee Selection Policy and Guide can be located on the College Policy page.

For any enquiries, or to start your application by requesting a unique link, please contact the College at atpnz@racds.org.

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Ready to Apply?

Here are your first steps for your application:

If you have any enquiries, please contact atpnz@racds.org.