Industry Update: Fair Work Commission Recognises Undervaluation of Dental Assistants. A re-evaluation of classification levels for dental assistants and phases in wage increases coming from 1 April 2026 onward.
On 24 December 2025, the Fair Work Commission formally recognised that dental assistants are highly skilled health professionals whose work has been historically undervalued.
This recognition occurred as part of the Commission’s Gender Undervaluation – Priority Awards Review, which examined whether certain female-dominated occupations had not been fairly classified or paid when compared to the skill, responsibility, and conditions involved. Dental assistants were specifically considered under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020, the modern award covering dental assisting roles across Australia.
What the Commission found
The Fair Work Commission accepted evidence that dental assisting roles involve:
- Clinical and technical skills
- Direct responsibility for patient safety and infection control
- Exposure to health and safety risks
- Emotional labour and patient care
- Ongoing training, compliance, and regulatory obligations
The Commission determined that these factors were not adequately reflected in existing classifications and minimum pay rates. This finding represents an important shift in how the profession is formally viewed within Australia’s industrial relations framework.
What changes as a result
As a result of the decision:
- Classification structures are being updated to better reflect skill levels, experience, and responsibility
- Wage increases will be implemented in line with the revised classifications
- Changes are being phased in through the award system, rather than applied informally or at employer discretion
- These are structural changes to the award, not one-off adjustments.
Why this matters for dental practices
For dental practices, this decision has practical implications:
- Pay structures and classifications will need to be reviewed for compliance
- Budgeting and workforce planning should account for award changes
- Clear role definitions and progression pathways will become increasingly important
From a workforce perspective, the decision supports:
- Improved retention of experienced dental assistants
- Greater clarity around career development
- Stronger recognition of the value dental assistants bring to patient care and practice operations
This is an important step — not the end point
While this milestone is worth acknowledging, it is not the final outcome for the profession.
Ongoing consultation and review will be required to:
- Strengthen career pathways
- Ensure advanced skills are consistently recognised
- Align expectations, training, and remuneration across the sector
ADAAMA will continue to monitor developments, interpret changes for managers, and provide practical guidance to support compliant and sustainable practice management.
Next steps for managers
- Review current dental assistant classifications
- Stay informed about award updates and implementation timelines
- Prepare for conversations with owners about workforce planning and pay structures
Further updates and practical resources will be shared with ADAAMA members as information becomes available.
LEARN MORE
FWC Gender Undervaluation – Priority Awards Review
New classification levels + Wage increases for Dental Assistants from 1 April 2026