Fluoride varnish CEO Approval

Fluoride varnish (marketed as Duraphat®) is classified as a prescription medicine, because it contains high levels of fluoride. This means fluoride varnish can only be used by a dentist or a dental professional, working under a dentist’s supervision. However, provided formal Approval is issued by the Director General of the Department of Health, fluoride varnish can be applied to children’s teeth by health professionals who are not dental practitioners.

The Approval (PDF 1.07MB) was updated on 31 July 2025 (previous version issued on 11 February 2022). The Approval allows dental assistants, registered nurses, aboriginal health practitioners and aboriginal health workers, who are employed by a Health Service Provider (HSP) or an Aboriginal health service, to apply fluoride varnish to clients aged 18 months and over. Health professionals approved to use fluoride varnish must have undertaken competency-based training in oral health and use of the product. The Approval also includes specific storage and recording requirements.

This Approval supports the Smiling Starts Early Childhood Dental Program (https://smilingstarts.health.wa.gov.au/) and is supported by the Chief Dental Office.