Dental Graduate Handbook: your guide to the start of your career

Starting something new in life can often feel overwhelming, and it’s likely that your new career as a dentist won’t be exempt from that.

But as you stand on the cusp of an enriching future in an exciting profession, you can rest assured that your professional Association has your back with the Dental Graduate Handbook containing everything you need to launch successfully into what current ADA President, Dr Chris Sanzaro describes in his introduction as “an incredibly rewarding career”.

This comprehensive publication walks you through every stage of beginning to practice dentistry, from finalising registration to getting a provider number, indemnity insurance, and working out which role is right for you, along with the steps you need to take to land it and be brilliantly good at it.

“The Dental Graduate Handbook is a tangible example of the support you can expect from the ADA throughout your career - covering key aspects of the profession which you need to not only begin well but to continue successfully throughout the years ahead.” (Dr Chris Sanzaro, ADA President)

If it sounds like a lot to handle in a short amount of time, there's no need to be overwhelmed. You can relax because the ADA is here to make it much easier for you with this year’s Dental Graduate Handbook, containing highly informative insights, all of them designed to help you make the most of the opportunities before you.

Key things you should be aware of include:

1. Peer networking

Opportunities for networking abound, from ADA study clubs to face-to-face events organised by ADA Branches through to events such as the Australian Dental Congress (held every two years), and most particularly Peer.org.au, the ADA’s member-only place for you to connect, share, discuss and debate with your peers. (p. 80)

2. Professional support with ADA Resources

The support and resources available are considerable, ranging from a jobs board where members post positions available across the country, professional, practical advice on clinical issues, government programs, practice management and regulatory requirements, including an HR hotline, contract review service, medicines information and pharmaceutical advice service, and so much more. (p. 13)

3. Tips from those already practicing

Right now, you’re armed with a lot of knowledge but perhaps a little less real-world experience; this is where those who have graduated before you can provide you with practical tips and useful insights which will help you to avoid all those rookie mistakes and hit the ground running, shaping the kind of successful career you want to have right from the start. (pp. 24 & 44)

4. Government programs

In addition to the Child Dental Benefits Schedule and the Department of Veteran Affairs Program, state and territory governments may run schemes where patients are given vouchers to receive dental treatment from a private practitioner. For more details on public dental services in your state or territory, visit your state health department’s website or contact your ADA state/territory office for details on any additional schemes in place in your location. (p. 45)

5. Your wellbeing – simple stretches/healthy mind

Keeping your body and mind in shape is essential to a successful career, and the Dental Graduate Handbook contains a range of useful tips to put that into action, including how to cultivate a healthy body and a healthy mind. (p. 51)

6. Finding your graduate job

Once you’ve settled on the type of role you want, the next step is to find it with a comprehensive job search involving both proactive and reactive strategies to find roles. (p. 36)

7. Nailing your job interview

If you’ve made it to the interview stage, congratulations! You’ve already passed the written elements of the job application process. The next step is to perform well at interviews and land your dream job. (p. 41)

Use our interview tips to guide you in nailing your interview with a professorial and effective first impression!

"Whether you’re heading into private practice, public health, the defence forces, or even academia, your first year will stretch you in ways no handbook can prepare you for ... except maybe this one." (Dr Saloni Singh, 2025 Pierre Fauchard National Emerging Young Lecturer)

8. Employment contracts

There are a range of contracts you need to be aware of, depending on the basis on which you are employed. This section covers everything from full-time and part-time positions to retainer and commission roles, casual employee status and full and maximum term contracts. (p. 27)

9. Financial resources – HELP/HECS

Your guide to navigating debts incurred during your tertiary studies, with up-to-date figures reflecting the current repayment rates for this financial year. (p. 81)

10. Protecting yourself – Where to get insurance protection

Starting out as a graduate dentist is an exciting time, but it also means you face a number of new challenges. To ensure your future is as promising as you’re no doubt hoping for, it’s important to protect yourself against these risks and learn to use appropriate risk-management strategies. (p. 19)

Explore the 2025 Dental Graduate Handbook, available from either your ADA Branch or via your university