Are dentists doctors? In Australia, dentists are registered health practitioners in their own profession. They are not medical doctors, but most use the courtesy title “Dr”. This guide explains what the title means, how dentists train, who else works in a dental team, and what dentists can prescribe.
Is a dentist a medical doctor?
No. Dentistry and medicine are separate professions with separate university degrees. Dentists are registered with the Dental Board of Australia, and medical doctors are registered with the Medical Board of Australia. Both boards work with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra), which keeps the public register of practitioners.
Why are dentists called Dr?
“Doctor” is not a legally protected title in Australia, and dentists have long used “Dr” as a courtesy title. Advertising rules for health practitioners require anyone who uses “Dr” and is not a medical practitioner to make their profession clear. That is why you will often see a name written as “Dr Lee (Dentist)”.
What training does a dentist have?
Dentists complete a university dental degree that includes several years of supervised clinical work on patients. In Australia there are two main pathways:
- an undergraduate degree such as a Bachelor of Dental Surgery or Bachelor of Dental Science, usually five years
- a graduate-entry degree such as a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), usually four years after a first degree
A Doctor of Dental Medicine is a dental degree. It qualifies the graduate to register as a dentist, not as a medical practitioner. After graduating, dentists must register with the Dental Board of Australia and complete continuing professional development to stay registered.
What does a dentist do?
A dentist diagnoses, prevents and treats problems of the teeth, gums and mouth. That includes check-ups, X-rays, fillings, crowns, root canal treatment, extractions, gum care, dentures and checks for oral cancer. Dentists also give local anaesthetic and can perform minor surgery in the mouth.
Who else is in the dental team?
The Dental Board of Australia registers several kinds of dental practitioner:
- Dentists, who provide the full range of general dental care
- Dental specialists, who are dentists with additional years of university training in one field, such as orthodontists, periodontists, endodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons
- Oral health therapists, dental hygienists and dental therapists, who provide check-ups, preventive care, cleaning and, within their training, fillings and other treatment
- Dental prosthetists, who make and fit dentures
Specialist titles are protected. Only a practitioner with specialist registration can call themselves an orthodontist or a periodontist, for example.
Can dentists prescribe antibiotics and pain medication?
Yes. Dentists can prescribe medicines that are needed for dental treatment, including antibiotics and pain relief. They cannot prescribe medicines for conditions that are unrelated to dentistry.
Antibiotics are not a treatment for most toothaches. Dental pain usually comes from a problem that needs dental treatment, such as a filling, root canal treatment or an extraction. Antibiotics are used when an infection is spreading or when there are signs such as fever or facial swelling.
FAQs about dentists and their titles
Do dentists go to medical school?
No. Dentists study at a university dental school. Dental and medical students learn some of the same basic sciences, but the degrees are separate.
Is a dental surgeon the same as a dentist?
Yes. “Dental surgeon” is another term for a dentist. An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is different and is a registered specialist.
How long does it take to become a dentist in Australia?
Usually five years through an undergraduate dental degree, or about seven years in total through a first degree followed by a four-year graduate dental degree.
How can I check that a dental practitioner is registered?
Search for their name on the public register at ahpra.gov.au. The register shows the profession they are registered in and any specialist registration.
Dental care in Penrith
At Penrith Dental Care, treatment is provided by registered dental practitioners. You can meet our team, see our dental services, or book an appointment.
Source: Ahpra and National Boards, Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service. This article is general information only and does not replace an assessment with a registered dental practitioner.
Looking for more dental health tips? Browse all articles on the Penrith Dental Care blog, or meet the Penrith Dental Care team. Have a question? See our dental FAQ.
Reviewed by Mina Gibryal, Penrith Dental Care, October 2026. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own dental practitioner.