Calcium phosphate research in Australia has originated from studies on natural minerals – biological deposits in teeth and in nature. This review surveys the research in the different regions in Australia and shows the most activity in Victoria and New South Wales concentrated on the theme of apatite. While the first research on calcium phosphate is reported from 1931, the interest in dentistry has been constant and directed to maintaining healthy teeth. The surge in research activity in orthopaedics commenced in the late 1980’s on sintering and coating metallic prostheses. This review investigates the development of hydroxyapatite from studies on sintered implants, scaffolds, porous bodies, coatings and particles for improved bone bonding and therapeutic applications. Most of the research has been directed to hydroxyapatite coatings using a variety of production methods and amorphous calcium phosphate for remineralization of teeth. Studies have shown the importance of crystallinity, crystal size, composition and orientation to improve the interaction of the calcium phosphate with the biological events in the body.