The rule for dentists in Australia
The Dental Board of Australia is covered by Ahpra’s common English standard. Dentists looking at an older four-B checklist should check the sitting date: from 23 April 2026, Reading and Speaking each require 360. The accepted-tests table permits any profession-specific OET version, although Dentistry materials offer the closest practice for dental consultations and referrals. When considering two results, check the Writing floor carefully; a previous C+ Writing result is not rescued simply by reaching B in a later test.
| Requirement | Dental Board of Australia / Ahpra |
|---|---|
| Listening | 350 (B) |
| Reading | 360 (B) |
| Writing | 350 (B) |
| Speaking | 360 (B) |
| One sitting / combining | Up to two sittings within 12 months can be combined. You must sit all four sub-tests each time, and neither sitting can go below Listening 320, Reading 340, Writing 350 or Speaking 350. Results from a different English test can't be mixed in. |
| Validity | 2 years. If you combine two sittings, the 2 years run from the earlier one. |
| OET@Home accepted? | Not accepted. Paper-based tests and computer tests at a test venue are accepted; the boards have accepted the remotely delivered Speaking part of a venue computer test. |
| Profession version | Ahpra accepts any profession-specific OET test; these practice links use dentistry. |
Last checked 21 Oct 2026. Official rule ↗
What to aim for in practice
Make your dental practice reflect the two higher targets. For Reading, scan for the reason a procedure is being requested before looking for supporting details. For Speaking, try a role-play with a nervous patient, establish the source of the anxiety and explain the next step in plain language. Draft an orthodontic or specialist referral from the linked Dentistry notes, preserving the current findings and what you need the recipient to assess. Review purpose and selection alongside spelling.
| Skill | Official component target / floor | OETAce conservative practice guide |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 350 (B) | 32/42 gives an estimated 350–370 |
| Reading | 360 (B) | 33/42 gives an estimated 360–380 |
These raw-mark ranges use the same estimate as our test marker. They are a study aid, not an official OET conversion or registration decision. Part A alone cannot predict a score for a full 42-question test. Review Writing and Speaking feedback separately.
Matching Dentistry practice
Dentistry guide and sample tasks · Dentists role-play cards · Sample letter task
Speaking cards
- Bleeding gums in pregnancy Dental clinic
- Painful wisdom tooth before an overseas flight Dental clinic
- Dentist: early childhood tooth decay and a defensive parent Dental clinic
Writing case notes
- Orthodontic assessment for increased overjet referral letter
- Update to the regular dentist: periodontal abscess drained in a patient with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes update letter
- Persistent white patch on the tongue referral letter
Free full Listening test · Free Reading Part A · Practice plans and prices
Questions candidates ask
What OET score do dentists need in Australia?
Australia Dental Board of Australia / Ahpra: dentists need Listening 350 (B), Reading 360 (B), Writing 350 (B) and Speaking 360 (B) for tests from 23 April 2026; OET@Home is not accepted.
Can dentists combine OET sittings for Australia?
Up to two sittings within 12 months can be combined. You must sit all four sub-tests each time, and neither sitting can go below Listening 320, Reading 340, Writing 350 or Speaking 350. Results from a different English test can't be mixed in.
How long are OET results valid for dentists in Australia?
2 years. If you combine two sittings, the 2 years run from the earlier one.
Other destinations for dentists: all verified score rules.
Sources
Last checked 21 Oct 2026. Rules and prices change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
OETAce is an independent practice site. OET is a registered trademark of Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment (CBLA); we are not affiliated with or endorsed by CBLA. All practice material here is original.