A discussion of qualification frameworks, work-readiness and dental education in Australia

Professional entry-level dental qualifications in Australia are classified according to the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF),which follows the global trend to implement national qualifications frameworks. Although it was introduced by the AQF Council in part to underpin national regulatory arrangements, the quality assurance of qualifications and greater mobility of graduates,1 there has been little research on the impact of the AQF on dental education. With respect to the impacts of similar comprehensive national qualification frameworks internationally, they have been reported as slowly emerging, inconclusive or “smaller than expected”.