Werner Otto Schwarz, 79, allegedly sexually assaulted two boys, aged as young as nine and 15, in the early 1980s while they were patients in his dental surgery.

The boys were allegedly assaulted multiple times between 1981 and 1982.

Mr Schwarz has issued no plea to 12 counts of indecent assault and three counts of sexual intercourse without consent.

He was arrested by Armidale police in his home on September 24 following a police investigation Strike Force Holbeach which was instigated after complaints were made to police about Mr Schwarz's dental practice late last year.

The NSW Sex Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett, praised the victims for taking the "courageous" step of coming forward and alerting police to the alleged assaults.

Mr Schwarz was granted bail, which will continue under varied conditions: he must report to Armidale local police weekly, surrender his passport and not attempt to communicate with the victims.

He is also forbidden to attend any school, approach any children under the age of 16 or have any further involvement with the Armidale District Football Association.

The matter will return to court on December 17.