Make Your Move: What Dentists Need to Know About Migrating to Australia via the Skilled Independent Pathway

3 Minutes Read

Make Your Move: What Dentists Need to Know About Migrating to Australia via the Skilled Independent Pathway 🇦🇺

If you’re a qualified dentist dreaming of a life in Australia, you’re not alone. Sunshine, clean beaches, better work-life balance, and a long-term future where you’re in control — it’s no wonder so many professionals are looking to call Australia home. But when it comes to migration, dentists face a very specific pathway — and it’s not the same as it is for other healthcare professionals.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about migrating independently to Australia as a dentist. No myths. Just the real facts, and the strategy it takes to get there successfully.

Why Independent Migration Appeals to Dentists

Let’s face it — relocating your whole life isn’t something you do lightly. And for many dentists, the idea of being tied to one employer or going through years of visa renewals with no security is a dealbreaker.

That’s where skilled independent migration stands out.

It’s permanent residency. That means:

  • You can live, work, and settle in Australia long-term.

  • Your family can come with you.

  • You don’t need to rely on an employer to stay.

  • You have freedom and choice — to work in private practice, in the public sector, in a regional community, or even start your own clinic one day.

But it doesn’t happen automatically. And not every dentist is eligible.

The Catch: Dentists Are Only Eligible Under the 491 Visa

Unlike nurses, engineers or teachers, dentists are not currently eligible for the Subclass 189 or 190 visas under the skilled migration program.

Instead, you need to pursue the Subclass 491 visa — a regional skilled visa that still leads to permanent residency but requires you to live and work in regional Australia for three years.

Let’s break that down.

  • Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional) Visa

    • This is a points-tested visa — meaning you’ll be ranked based on your age, qualifications, English test scores, experience, and other factors.

    • You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory that participates in the 491 program for dentists.

    • Once granted, you and your family must live and work in a designated regional area for at least three years.

    • After that, you can apply for permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa.

And don’t let the word “regional” scare you off. It doesn’t mean remote.

What Counts as Regional Australia? (And Why You’ll Probably Love It)

Regional Australia includes some of the most desirable places to live — with lower costs of living, less traffic, better housing options, and access to amazing communities and schools.

Some examples of regional cities and towns where dentists are welcomed include:

  • 🌞 Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast (QLD) – coastal lifestyle, major infrastructure, and growing populations.

  • 🌿 Geelong (VIC) – just an hour from Melbourne, with a booming health sector and family-friendly vibe.

  • 🌊 Wollongong and Newcastle (NSW) – vibrant beach cities, excellent for families or professionals wanting coastal life.

  • 🏙️ Adelaide (SA) – affordable, relaxed, and full of opportunity.

  • 🌅 Perth and all of Western Australia – the whole state is classed as regional, with a growing need for dental professionals.

  • 🌄 Darwin and the Northern Territory – for the more adventurous, there’s strong demand and government support.

These areas aren’t just eligible — they’re actively looking for skilled healthcare professionals to help meet growing needs.

What You Need to Qualify

If you’re serious about pursuing this path, you need to be realistic about the requirements. These are not shortcuts. They’re regulated, competitive programs — and you need to prove you meet the criteria before you even get an invitation to apply.

Here’s what you’ll generally need:

  • A positive skills assessment from the Australian Dental Council (ADC) confirming your qualifications and professional competency.

  • A high level of English, proven through an accepted test like IELTS or OET.

  • Enough points to be competitive — usually through a combination of age, qualifications, English, and work experience.

  • A state or territory nomination from a region that accepts dentists under the 491 program.

You’ll also need to meet Australia’s strict health and character requirements. And if you’re migrating with a partner, their English level and skills can impact your overall points — or your eligibility for nomination in some states.

Why Strategy Matters

Here’s where most people go wrong: they assume that once they tick the boxes, a visa grant will follow.

But with the skilled independent system, you need a nomination before you can even apply for the visa. And nominations are competitive.

Each state or territory has its own rules. These change throughout the year. Some only accept offshore applicants. Some prioritise candidates who already have job offers. Others require specific documents at the EOI stage — and if you miss them, your application is automatically rejected.

Without strategy, you can lose your chance before you even know it.

We’ve seen qualified dentists left waiting for years because their EOI wasn’t competitive, or they failed to upload the right evidence at the nomination stage.

You can’t afford to get this wrong. Not when your future — and your family’s — is on the line.

Why It’s Worth It

Despite the challenges, this pathway is still one of the most empowering ways to migrate to Australia.

You’re not tied to a single employer. You’re not locked into a contract. You have the power to:

  • Choose your lifestyle

  • Grow your career

  • Bring your partner and kids with you

  • Build a permanent life in Australia — on your own terms

It starts with investing in yourself. Getting clear on the rules. And getting expert help when it matters.

Is Skilled Independent Migration Right for You?

If you’re a dentist considering the Skilled Independent pathway, the first step is determining whether your qualifications, English level, points profile and family circumstances align with Australia’s requirements.

👉 Complete Our Free 60-Second Eligibility Check

 

About Rhea Fawole

Rhea's passion to establish SOLVi Migration came from 20 years of working in the Australian Government, including senior roles at the Australian Immigration Department, the Immigration Minister's office and as a Director in the Department of Health. She also gained an abundance of government liaison and Australian government policy experience in other agencies. SOLVi Migration has been founded with a vision to collaborate with Australian healthcare businesses and skilled workers who want to migrate to Australia.

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