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ADC Warriors Academy is helping fully qualified migrant dentists negotiate the paths to become registered in Australia. By Kerryn Ramsey
ADC Warriors Academy has a clear mission—to empower migrant dentists with the skills, confidence, and preparation needed to succeed in the Australian Dental Council (ADC) exams and beyond. Through hands-on training and real-time coaching, it fosters effective communication, clinical excellence, and cultural fluency, essential for thriving as a dentist in Australia.
The Academy was started in 2018 by Nazia Ali who has firsthand experience with the challenges of registering in Australia. Originally from Pakistan, she moved to the UK, working as a dentist there after passing the Overseas Registration Exam.
In 2013, Dr Nazia Ali and her husband, Dr Kamran Ali, relocated to Australia. Upon arrival, they learned that while her husband—then a registered GP—could transition into clinical practice seamlessly, Nazia would need to repeat a licensing process under the ADC pathway.
“It felt like starting again,” she recalls. “I had already studied, registered and worked clinically in the UK so beginning again wasn’t easy, especially with young children and no clear roadmap.”
Recognising the emotional and professional challenges other migrant dentists were facing, she started a Facebook support group to help overseas dentists improve their patient communication, clinical judgement, and cultural integration.
“Many overseas-trained dentists have deep clinical knowledge,” she explains, “but often need help understanding the expectations around communication, especially active listening, compliance, and patient interaction in the Australian context.”
What began as a modest gesture of support quickly turned into a movement. In just one year, the group grew from one member to over 1000.
The Academy
From that seed, ADC Warriors Academy grew. The Academy supports candidates through every stage of the journey, from initial assessment to Part 1 and Part 2 preparation, CPD support and post-registration mentorship.
Courses offer preparation for both written and clinical assessments, with mock exams, role-play, feedback-based coaching, and real-time cultural support.
“We have an amazing set-up in Brisbane with 16 state-of-the-art simulation chairs and three consultation rooms,” Dr Ali says. “The training is a mix of hands-on and online work. Some of our dentists complete the course and become registered in Australia within 12 months.”
With qualifications that include BDS, MDS, PGCE (Endodontics), FPFA (USA) and MSc Endodontics UK (Resident), Disha Gupta is preparing for her registration exams at ADC Warriors Academy. “The Academy’s well-equipped chair set-up provides a real exam-like experience that gives students the confidence and practical familiarity they need for success. As an international dentist with experience in Dubai and India, I aspire to serve the community with a strong patient-centred mindset, ensuring every individual feels cared for, heard and understood. Beyond clinical practice, I want to be part of initiatives that raise oral health awareness and make dentistry more accessible.”
One of the biggest challenges facing many migrant dentists is gaining an understanding of Australian culture and systems—from private health insurance and the child benefits scheme to Australia’s sense of humour.
“While they’re incredible dentists in their own country, they need to be able to connect with patients here,” Dr Ali says. “I train them in active listening and how to ask the right questions. I walk them through all the different systems. So much more than just clinical skills are needed to become a successful dentist in Australia.”
Costly exercise
While a rigorous registration system ensures only quality dentists complete the program, Dr Ali believes that too many talented migrant dentists give up the accreditation process, overcome by all the steps they need to take.
“It’s an expensive and emotionally draining process,” she says. “Whether you’re onshore or offshore, the financial pressure is real. Preparing for the exams often means taking time off work while still needing to pay rent, childcare, or support a family. And that’s on top of the emotional toll. Many of these dentists are already qualified back home, but now they have to navigate an entirely new system, which can feel overwhelming.”
Giving back
Most of the mentors at ADC Warriors Academy are migrant dentists who have been through the same process and cleared their ADC exams. Many of them were once students at the Academy, trained and mentored by Dr Ali. Now working in practices across Australia, they return to help others succeed.
“The most important thing for them is to give back,” Dr Ali says. “Training also helps improve their clinical skills. While working in a clinic is great, when you’re teaching, you’re learning.”
While Dr Ali no longer practises clinically, she leads the Academy’s strategic, educational, and mentorship programs, with ADC-registered trainers delivering technical and clinical content.
Dr Priya Dasarathan is a mentor trainer at ADC Warriors Academy. “When I successfully cleared my ADC exams, Nazia offered me the opportunity to join the teaching team and I didn’t hesitate for a moment. Being able to support and guide other overseas-trained dentists through this challenging process is incredibly rewarding. Without such initiatives, we risk missing out on exceptionally skilled clinicians who often struggle to navigate the unique rules, regulations and infection control guidelines that differ from country to country.”
Increasing reach
ADC Warriors Academy has more than 800 people currently going through its various programs. In the past seven years, it has helped more than 1500 overseas trained dentists successfully register in Australia.
“As much as I enjoyed working as a dentist overseas, there are many clinicians who can do a better job than me,” says Ali. “I’ve found my niche in teaching, mentoring and building systems of support. Our ability to empower individuals beyond clinical skills is what sets us apart from other learning academies.”
The Academy also continues to grow its CPD offerings, career placement assistance, and partnerships that aim to connect their students to existing real-world opportunities.
“Without proper guidance, many dentists will spend years repeating exams and lose hope,” Dr Ali says. “That would be to Australia’s detriment. Our goal is to add outstanding, compassionate and culturally competent dental professionals to the workforce.”
ADC Warriors Academy is an independent education and support platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Australian Dental Council or AHPRA.
