In a nutshell
HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting course is a fantastic way to up-skill and create new opportunities for people who have completed their Certificate III in Dental Assisting. This practical course is designed to ensure that you gain advanced skills in areas such as equipment sterilisation, managing reusable medical equipment and clinical photography. You will also gain an in-depth understanding of required medical terminology as well as practical skills such as first aid.
When completed, the course will give you access to a variety of dental care industry positions, such as Dental Assistant, Dental Therapy Assistant and Dental Sterilisation Nurse.
Practical component
There are no mandatory workplace hours to complete this qualification. However, Students must have access to a dental practice, equipment for sterilisation, imaging equipment and a qualified supervisor i.e. a person who holds Certificate IV in Dental Assisting or a higher relevant qualification to complete their course.
What you’ll need
Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who have achieved:
• HLT31812 Certificate III in Dental Assisting or
• HLT35015 Certificate III in Dental Assisting or
• HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting or equivalent.
Subject summary
In this dental assisting course, the subjects you will study include:
- HLTSTE003 - Sterilise loads
- HLTWHS003 - Maintain work health and safety
- BSBMED301 - Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
- HLTDEN0027 - Take a clinical photograph
- HLTSTE004 - Manage sterile stock
- HLTINF002 - Process reusable medical devices and equipment
- HLTAID011* - Provide first aid
- HLTDET001 - Construct models
*This course contains a core unit, HLTAID011 Provide first aid, which must be completed through an external RTO. Foundation Education has an agreement in place with Red Cross Australia (RTOID 3605) which allows students to receive training for this unit at a reduced price. Red Cross Australia is a third party training provider who conduct training and assessment services on behalf of Foundation Education.
Why Foundation Education?

Foundation Education is one of the few Registered Training Organisations (RTO) in Australia who endeavour to deliver flexible online training solutions designed to fit our students’ lifestyle. Since 1999, we’ve been focused on providing excellence in Vocational Education and Training and building partnership networks that drive the quality of graduates across each industry, with our partner RTO, the Australian Institute of Personal Trainers (AIPT). With more than 30 nationally recognised certificate and diploma level courses on offer, the Foundation Education difference means:
- Flexible Online Study – Courses that don’t require a practical placement are delivered 100% online so you can study whenever and wherever suits you. This also gives you the flexibility to choose your course length – whether that be the full term of your course or completing your study in as little as six months.
- Dedicated Student Support – Our industry experienced Subject Advisors, Assessors and Support Officers will support you from enrolment through to graduation. You can use them as often or as little as you like either via email or the telephone.
- Industry Relevant Courses – Course material is developed in consultation with industry experts to equip you with the job-ready skills and up-to-date knowledge required to support your career goals.
Foundation Education RTO# 22557
Foundation Education provides a dedicated student support team throughout your studies. Whether it is access to experienced Subject Advisors, Assessors or general Support Officers, we will support you from enrolment right through to graduation. You can use our team as often or as little as you like either via email or the telephone at no extra cost.