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MA000027 Compliance Checklist

The Dental Industry Award reclassification changes pay rates, overtime rules, and penalty structures for every DA in your practice. This checklist covers exactly what you need to update.

19 action itemsFair Work compliantTakes 2 minutes

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What's in the checklist

19 specific action items across 4 categories to make sure your practice is compliant before the new rates take effect.

1

Pay Rates — DA Transition Table (1 Apr → 31 Dec 2026)

  • DA Level 3 — new/unqualified, < 12 months: $27.79/hr ($34.74 casual)
  • DA Level 5 — unqualified, 1–4 years: $27.83/hr ($34.79 casual)
  • DA Level 6 — Cert III or 4+ years: $29.24/hr ($36.55 casual)
  • DA Level 7 — Cert IV: $30.23/hr ($37.79 casual)
  • Recalculate casual loading rates (25% on new base)
  • Update Saturday penalty rates (150% full-time, 175% casual)
  • Update Sunday penalty rates (150% full-time, 175% casual)
  • Update public holiday rates (250% full-time, 275% casual)
  • From 1 Jan 2027 — DAs move to general Support Services rates (plan the step-up)
2

Overtime & Hours

  • Set overtime trigger at 38 hours/week or 10 hours/day
  • First 2 overtime hours at 150%, then 200%
  • Casual overtime starts at 187.5%
  • Review part-time staff contracted hours vs actual hours
3

Classification

  • Reclassify DAs under the new DA-specific transition table
  • Audit each DA's qualifications and years of experience
  • Map existing staff to correct new level (3, 5, 6, or 7)
  • Update employment contracts with new classification
  • Remember: non-DA staff (receptionists, practice managers) use the general Support Services rates, not the DA transition table
4

Compliance

  • Update payroll system with new rates before April 1
  • Brief practice manager on new penalty structure
  • Document classification decisions for Fair Work audit trail
  • Review break entitlements (30 min unpaid after 5 hours)
  • Check rest period between shifts (minimum 10 hours)

Fair Work penalties are serious

Non-compliance with the Dental Industry Award can result in penalties of $19,800 per breach for individuals and $99,000 per breach for companies. Getting your rates right isn't optional.