How Many Dentists Are in Australia? (2023/2024 Statistics & Trends)

Reviewed for accuracy and dental expertise by Dr. Joe Dental, BDSc (Hons), Australia

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: My Experience with Australia’s Dental Workforce

I’ve spent years working in and around the dental field here in Australia. Whether talking with workmates, sitting through lots of rules meetings, or just hearing from patients who can’t get an appointment, one question shows up again and again—how many dentists are there in Australia? And, more importantly, is that enough?

Looking into this topic made me see it’s about more than just a number. It’s about getting dental care, public health for all, and what sort of chances people have if they want to become a dentist. I’ve put together facts from places like AHPRA and AIHW, and heard clear stories straight from dental groups. In this article, I’ll show you what I found out, with stories and stats that changed how I see Australia’s dental jobs.

2. The Current Snapshot: Registered Dentists in Australia

Let’s just get straight to it. When people ask about dentist numbers, they usually want a clear answer—something they can tell friends or use for school. Here it is:

• Total Registered Dentists (2023/2024): About 10,000 to 11,000 dentists
• Dentists Actually Seeing Patients: About 8,000 to 9,000 are working with patients on a regular day

This number means everyone with a dental license, like those taking a break, working in research, retired folks who still have a license, or those in government jobs or teaching.

Growth: Is the number of dentists going up?

Here’s something I’ve noticed: the number is slowly going up. A few years ago, there were only about 8,000–9,000. Now it’s at least a thousand more. There are more people graduating dental school, and new dentists joining each year.

But just because the numbers are up, doesn’t mean it’s easy. Not all with a registration are working every day. Some step out for a while, others work in research or teach. That’s why it matters if you ask about people “on the books” or actually seeing patients.

3. Dentist-to-Population Ratio: How Does Australia Compare?

When I talk about how many dentists there are, I like to use the dentist-to-population ratio. It makes a big number easier to get. Here’s what the numbers show—and what I’ve seen myself:

• Australia’s Average: About 32–34 dentists for every 100,000 people
• OECD Average: Pretty close, maybe a little higher in places like Germany or Japan.
• WHO Recommendation: We’re doing okay, but we’re not at the top.

If you live in Sydney or Melbourne, getting a dental checkup probably isn’t too hard. But if you’re out in regional or faraway areas, it can be really tough.

What does the ratio really mean?

Here’s a story. A good friend of mine runs a country dental clinic in regional New South Wales. She cares for people in a huge area, driving between towns because there just aren’t enough dentists nearby. It’s more than just a hassle—it changes people’s health, leads to long waits, and means some people miss easy, early care.

4. Geographic Distribution: City, Country, and the Dental Divide

Looking at where dentists really work, things get very mixed up. There’s a big gap between the cities and the country.

City vs. Country & Faraway Places

• Big cities: Most dentists work in big cities. Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane have more dentists per person.
• Country and faraway places: In parts of Western Australia, Northern Territory, or outback Queensland, the number drops. Sometimes it’s way less than in the cities.

I remember meeting a dentist at a conference—she moved from Sydney to Darwin for some adventure and the bonus pay. She soon found out she was one of just a few dentists for hundreds of kilometers. It’s exciting, but the amount of work can be huge.

State and Territory Snapshot

Here’s a quick look, from the latest health reports and AHPRA lists:

• New South Wales (NSW): Has the most dentists, since it has the most people.
• Victoria (VIC): Next in line, with lots working in city areas.
• Queensland (QLD), Western Australia (WA): Both are growing, especially near the coast.
• South Australia (SA), Tasmania (TAS), ACT, NT: Smaller numbers, and real problems with enough dentists in rural spots, mostly NT.

Not every state is the same. Dentist numbers and how easy it is to get care are very different. All my friends who have worked in country areas say the same thing.

Why is the distribution uneven?

There isn’t just one reason, but from what I’ve seen, dentists often move to cities for a better lifestyle, more pay, family, or better resources—like a great digital dental lab. Country towns often can’t keep dental workers, even with government help or special offers.

5. Demographics of the Dental Workforce

Things look really different now than they did years ago. If you look more closely, you’ll see patterns that shape how dentists work and how patients get help.

Men and Women

When I started, dentistry was mostly men. Now, close to half the dentists in Australia are women (around 48–50%). Each new group of graduates shows a nice mix—sometimes even more women.

Age Groups

Here’s a fun fact: the average age of dentists is about 45–50 years. There are lots of young new dentists, but plenty of older ones with years in the job. Many are close to retirement, opening fresh slots and making things a bit tougher for the rest.

Where Dentists Trained

One thing I’ve seen, especially while studying after uni—the big part overseas-trained dentists play here:

• Around 30–35% of dentists working in Australia trained in other countries, mostly the UK, New Zealand, India, and Southeast Asia.

Australia is a top spot for skilled immigrants, and overseas dentists help cover gaps, especially where it’s hard to get enough local dentists. But the tests and checks they have to pass aren’t easy—a story for another day.

Specialists and General Dentists

In my own work, I’ve often sent tough jobs to dental specialists. Australia’s dentists include:

• General Dentists: Most people in the job.
• Specialists: About 15% are trained for special treatments like braces, root canals, gum problems, and making crowns.

There are a lot fewer specialists in country areas—or none at all—so some patients have to travel just to get the right help.

6. Factors Influencing Dentist Numbers in Australia

When people ask, “Why aren’t there enough dentists near me?” …well, it’s about more than just how many. Here are some main things I see all the time.

Training & Graduates

Australia has a few dental schools. Every year, about 500–600 new dentists finish and join the job market.

Talking with students now—some of whom remind me how tough it’s become—they mention longer courses, harder to get in, and student loans. With more grads, there are more dentists, but finding city jobs is tougher.

Coming and Going

At every dental meeting, people talk about overseas-trained dentists. They help with job needs. But the rules for signing up are tough—there are tests, English checks, and sometimes extra courses.

But also, some Australian dentists head overseas or quit clinical work altogether. Stress, wanting a new job, or other reasons can mean people leave.

Ageing and Leaving the Job

With many dentists in their late 40s or 50s, I expect a bunch to retire in the next 10 years. I’ve already seen mentors call it quits after long, full careers.

It’s not just about age. Some step away due to stress, injuries, or burnout. That’s why the registered number can look bigger than who’s really practicing.

Rules and Government

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Dental Board of Australia keep an eye on the job. You have to keep learning, renew your license, and meet job standards—all things that affect who keeps working.

Plus, rules shape where dentists work, public vs. private clinics, and rural jobs.

COVID-19 Stuff

Can’t forget COVID—it closed clinics for a while, stopped arrivals from overseas, and kept people out of dental chairs. Some turned to online care, while others re-trained or quit.

Most clinics are back now, but the effects are still being felt, especially in how new grads and overseas dentists get into the workflow.

7. Workforce Challenges and What the Future Holds

However you count the numbers, Australia has some big dental workforce problems. I’ve seen some of them myself—whether hiring is hard at my clinic, or hearing about patients on long waiting lists for public dental.

Access Problems

• Waiting times: In public clinics, waits can be weeks or even months.
• Cost: Private care is expensive for a lot of people, especially without insurance.
• Country-city gap: Like I said before, the dentist gap between regional and city places just won’t go away.

What’s Being Done About Shortages?

• Government help: There are scholarships and deals for those who work out bush.
• Oral health workers: Over 5,000 dental hygienists and therapists (in 2022) help by doing cleanings and advice, taking off some dentist workload, mostly in public clinics.
• New job roles: Dental therapists and oral health therapists are now key for helping with basic care and teaching about oral health, especially for kids.

Future Needs: Is It Getting Better?

Most experts agree—Australia’s population keeps growing, and more people want good teeth and gums. Plus, older people need more dental help, so demand will keep rising. Big job forecasts say we’ll need more graduates, and rural shortages probably won’t go away unless big changes happen.

The Dental Lab Angle

Here’s something from my own life: new technology is changing how dentists work. For example, easy links with a crown and bridge lab or a digital dental lab lets dentists save time, do things more quickly, and make better crowns and bridges. In rural clinics, these links are even more important, so dentists can focus on patients and let lab folks handle the rest.

8. Conclusion: Why These Numbers Matter to You and Me

Looking at these numbers, it’s easy to get lost in facts or totals. But really, what counts is what they mean for you, me, our loved ones, and our towns.

Over my years in practice, I’ve seen how having enough well-trained dentists—working in the right spots—can change lives for the better. Good planning isn’t just paperwork; it’s the base for good teeth and gums for all Aussies.

Australia’s dental team is growing and changing. With more women, more allied health workers, and better lab tools, there’s lots to feel good about—but only if we fix rural shortages and make sure everyone can see a dentist.

So next time you’re waiting for your dentist, or wondering why your family member drives hours for a check-up, remember—it’s not just about how many dentists there are. It’s about where they work, what support they have, and what it takes to keep healthy smiles.

If you want to learn more about day-to-day dental work, look at a dental practical guide or find out how to team up with a top digital dental lab. For patients, knowing these things helps you get better care—and maybe even gives you ideas for your own next job move.

For more advice on dental jobs in Australia or picking a dental clinic, just ask. I’m always happy to share what I know—because in the end, knowing more helps us care better for others.