Certificate III in Dental Assisting

There are no formal entry requirements mandated by the training package. However, to achieve this qualification, students must complete at least 350 hours of dental assisting work as outlined below.

• Work Placement:

  • Minimum of 300 hours must be completed in a real dental clinic workplace.

  • Up to 50 hours may be completed in a simulated dental clinic environment.

  • Students must have access to a dental practice and a qualified supervisor.

• Workplace Supervisor Requirements:

  • Supervision must be provided by a Dental Practitioner registered with AHPRA, who will also be responsible for completing relevant assessment paperwork.

  • Optionally, students may also nominate a second supervisor with a minimum of a Certificate III in Dental Assisting for certain units (not mandatory).

• Residency Status:

  • Must be a permanent Australian resident (or equivalent), or have the right to study in Australia other than on a student visa.

• External Course Requirement:

  • HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid must be completed separately with an external provider.

• Parental Permission:

  • Students under 18 years of age must have signed consent from a parent or guardian to enrol.

• Working With Children Check (WWCC):
  • Some workplaces may require a WWCC and will be advised by the employer at
    either placement or commencement of employment.

• Radiation Use Licence (for Radiography Specialisation Only)

  • Required in QLD and NT:
    Students in Queensland and the Northern Territory must obtain a Student Radiation Use Licence before taking any radiographs in the Dental Radiography specialisation. A supporting letter from Foundation Education will be provided to assist with the licence application. This requirement applies to HLTDEN016 – Assist with dental radiography.

  • Other States and Territories:
    No licence required; students can be supervised by a qualified licensee.

In this dental assisting course, the subjects you will study include:

• CHCCOM005 – Communicate and work in health or community services
• CHCDIV001 – Work with diverse people
• HLTDEN015 – Prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures
• HLTDEN016 – Assist with dental radiography
• HLTDEN017 – Assist with administration in dental practice
• HLTINF002 – Process reusable medical devices and equipment
• HLTWHS001 – Participate in workplace health and safety
• *HLTAID011 – Provide first aid
• HLTDET001 – Construct models
• HLTINF006 – Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control

Study load

• 10 course units (note: HLTAID011 must be completed with an external
  provider)
• Submit 1 course unit every 5.5 weeks to graduate in 12 months.