Accreditation of Training Settings is a collaborative process between colleges, Training Providers, health departments, and training institutions across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Together, we share a commitment to delivering high-quality specialist medical training that meets community needs.
The College accredits training posts within hospitals, and oral health centres, to ensure they provide a safe, supportive, and effective learning environment for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) trainees. Accreditation involves reviewing applications, documentation, data, and conducting on-site assessments to evaluate each setting against clearly defined standards, and is conducted every five years. Each criterion is rated as Met, Substantially Met, or Not Met, based on evidence of compliance and alignment with the standards. This structured approach promotes transparency, consistency, and opportunities for continuous quality improvement.
Accreditation decisions are guided by principles focused on each Training Setting’s capacity to deliver the program safely and effectively. Decisions are risk-based and proportionate, ensuring timely responses to urgent issues affecting trainee health and safety. Accreditation fosters open communication, innovation, and shared responsibility – enhancing training outcomes and supporting workforce sustainability.
Accreditation of Training Posts
The College accredits training posts within settings (e.g., hospital, oral health centre, private practice) in Australia and New Zealand. The accreditation process ensures that all training posts provide an appropriate learning environment that fosters the training of safe and competent Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
The following training posts are currently accredited:
- Dunedin Hospital and Southland Hospital
- Middlemore Hospital and Auckland City Hospital
- Christchurch Hospital
- Waikato Hospital
- Hutt Hospital
- Townsville University Hospital
- Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
- Princess Alexandra Hospital
- Gold Coast University Hospital
- Logan Hospital
- Queensland Children’s Hospital and Mater Hospital
- Ipswich Hospital and Toowoomba Hospital
- Fiona Stanley Hospital
- Royal Perth Hospital
- Perth Children’s Hospital
- Oral Health Centre of Western Australia
- Canberra Hospital
- John Hunter Hospital
- Westmead Hospital
- Prince of Wales Hospital
- Chris O’Brien Lifehouse
- Nepean Hospital
- University Hospital Geelong
- Western Health – Footscray Hospital, Sunshine Hospital and Williamstown Hospital
- Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne
- Royal Melbourne Hospital
- Austin Health – Austin Hospital and Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital
- The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne
- St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
- Monash Health Dandenong Hospital
- Royal Adelaide Hospital and Adelaide Dental Hospital
- Royal Hobart Hospital
Accreditation Process Overview
Click here to view the Standard Accreditation Process for New and Existing OMS Training Posts.
How to Apply
Hospitals and institutions seeking accreditation, reaccreditation, or an increase in training numbers must:
- Review the RACDS OMS Training Setting Accreditation Procedures & Guide, which outlines the steps the College follows to accredit Training Settings and provides Training Settings with clear guidance on the accreditation assessment process.
- This document should be read in conjunction with the RACDS Accreditation Standards.
- Complete the FOMS 18 Training Setting Accreditation Self-Assessment Form.
Accreditation outcomes are determined using a risk-based framework and reflect how well each Training Setting meets the accreditation criteria. Outcomes vary depending on whether the setting is new or existing.
New Training Settings
- Provisionally Accredited: Granted for up to 12 months; reassessed once trainees commence.
- Not Accredited: Criteria not met; reapplication required after addressing deficiencies.
Click here for a detailed flowchart of the accreditation decision-making process.
Existing Training Settings
- Accredited: Granted for up to five years; low overall risk.
- Conditionally Accredited: Granted for one to five years; criteria to be met within a defined timeframe.
- Not Accredited (Revoked): Accreditation withdrawn due to extreme risk or unmet conditions.
Click here for a detailed flowchart of the accreditation decision-making process.
The College aims to ensure all accreditation decisions are fair, transparent, and made in consultation with Training Settings. Final accreditation reports are shared with key stakeholders, including the Head of Department, Supervisor, Director of Training, and relevant health departments.
If a Training Setting disagrees with an accreditation decision, early discussion is encouraged to resolve concerns wherever possible. When resolution cannot be reached, the setting may request a formal review under the College’s Reconsideration, Review and Appeals (RRA) Policy. This applies to decisions such as refusal or revocation of accreditation, timeframes, or conditions placed on accreditation.
Complaints not directly related to the accreditation decision itself are exempt from a fee. This could include delays or procedural issues – may be raised under the College’s Complaints Policy or Administrative Complaints Policy.
To submit a complaint, please refer to the following links:
In cases where accreditation may be revoked, the College works closely with the Training Setting to develop a support plan that prioritises trainee welfare, continuity of training, and service delivery.
RACDS supports individuals who have concerns that a Training Setting may not meet accreditation standards. Concerns can be raised through:
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- Direct contact: Speak with College staff or an appropriate representative (e.g., Fellow, Trainee Representative, or Registrar).
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- Formal complaint processes: Submit via the College’s Whistleblower Policy, Complaints Policy, or Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Policy.
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- Survey feedback: Provide input through biannual Trainee surveys or the annual Supervisor survey.
Concerns can be raised confidentially or anonymously, and disclosures can be made directly to the CEO. Relevant policies and disclosure channels are available here.