Pay Increases from 1 April 2026
Following the Fair Work Commission’s gender-based undervaluation review, the Health Professionals and Support Services Award is being amended to introduce higher minimum pay rates and a new classification structure for support staff.
These changes are set to take effect from 1 April 2026. To ensure compliance and avoid underpayments, practices will need to review pay rates, reclassify affected staff, and update payroll systems.
What’s Changing and Why?
The Fair Work Commission found that the work of support staff, particularly dental assistants, has historically been undervalued due to gender-based reasons, given that it is a predominantly female workforce. In making these findings, the Commission ordered reclassifications and pay increases.
In practical terms, these amendments mean affected staff will be classified under a different pay scale. A dedicated classification structure with new experience- and qualification-based levels will be implemented. In many cases, existing dental assistants will move to a higher classification level with corresponding pay increases.
Dental Assistants – New Rates
The current award classifies dental assistants broadly. The new classification structure introduces more specific categories based on qualifications and experience.
Table: Dental Assistants – New Rates
| Classification | Previous Level (Indicative) | New Level | New Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unqualified, less than 12 months’ experience | Level 1–2 ($25.74–$26.76/hr) | Level 3 | $27.79/hr |
| Unqualified, 12 months to less than 4 years’ experience | Level 2 ($26.76/hr) | Level 5 | $27.83/hr |
| Certificate III (or equivalent experience / 4+ years unqualified) | Level 4 ($28.12/hr) | Level 6 | $29.24/hr |
| Certificate IV (or equivalent experience) | Level 5 ($29.07/hr) | Level 7 | $30.23/hr |
For dental assistants previously at Level 1, this translates to an increase of up to $2.05 per hour. For those moving from Level 4 (qualified) to the new Level 6 classification, the increase is $1.12 per hour.
Classification Translation
The amendments will introduce a classification transition arrangement that maps each dental assistant’s current classification to their new level. Practices will be required to reclassify affected staff in accordance with this table from 1 April 2026. This translation is based on the employee’s classification as at 31 March 2026.
Table: Classification Translation
| Previous Classification (as at 31 March 2026) | Translated Classification |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 3 ($27.79/hr) |
| Level 2 — unqualified, less than 12 months’ experience | Level 3 ($27.79/hr) |
| Level 2 — unqualified, 12 months to less than 4 years’ experience | Level 5 ($27.83/hr) |
| Level 2 — Certificate III (or 4+ years’ unqualified experience) | Level 6 ($29.24/hr) |
| Level 4 | Level 6 ($29.24/hr) |
| Level 5 | Level 7 ($30.23/hr) |
As a practical example, a qualified dental assistant currently classified as a Support Services Level 4 employee ($28.12 per hour) will move to Level 6 ($29.24 per hour). An entry-level unqualified dental assistant currently classified as a Support Services Level 1 employee will move to Level 3 ($27.79 per hour).
Two-Stage Phase-In
The pay increases are being introduced in two stages and will not be implemented in full immediately.
The rates set out above apply from 1 April 2026 to 31 December 2026. From 1 January 2027, dental assistants will move to the full rates for their new classification levels, resulting in further increases.
The Stage 2 rates have not yet been specified by the Fair Work Commission. ClinLegal will monitor the Award for updated rates in the second half of 2026.
Employer Discretion on Equivalency
Employers retain some discretion in assessing experience-based equivalency.
For progression to Level 6, while the benchmark is four years’ industry experience for an unqualified dental assistant to be considered equivalent to a Certificate III holder, employers may assess equivalency with less than four years’ experience.
For Level 7, the employer has discretion to assess whether an unqualified or Certificate III-qualified dental assistant has experience equivalent to that of a Certificate IV-qualified dental assistant.
When Does This Take Effect?
The amendments come into operation on 1 April 2026. However, under the Fair Work Act, the changes do not take effect for an individual employee until the start of their first full pay period on or after 1 April 2026.
The second stage takes effect from 1 January 2027, when the full rates will apply.
Practical Tips for Practices
- Audit your workforce: Identify all dental assistants and confirm each employee’s qualifications and length of industry experience to determine their correct new classification under the amended award.
- Update payroll systems: Ensure pay rates are updated to reflect the new minimum rates from the first full pay period on or after 1 April 2026. Remember to update penalty rate and overtime calculations as well.
- Communicate with staff: Inform affected employees of their reclassification and any pay increase. Transparency builds trust and demonstrates compliance.
- Review employment contracts and records: Ensure contracts, position descriptions, and time and wages records reflect the updated classification levels.
ClinLegal can guide you through the process, help draft communications to staff, and advise on Award requirements and termination entitlements. Members can book a consultation by emailing [email protected]. To commence membership and access our services, JOIN NOW.
Hugh Oxbrough
Workplace Relations Advisor
Yasmine Healy
Head of Legal Services
This Circular is produced for guidance purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice. Legal advice should be sought for individual circumstances. For tailored advice for your practice, please contact us at [email protected].
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