TAFE NSW
4 to 12 months depending on study option
Become a qualified dental assistant with nationally recognised training. This course combines classroom learning with 350 hours of practical work placement, preparing you to assist dental practitioners and support patient care in dental practices across Australia.
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification. However, you should have fine motor skills, great communication and teamwork abilities, and the capacity to multi-task. You'll need access to the internet and a computer or mobile device, and adequate fitness and mobility to perform manual lifting and CPR. Language, Literacy and Numeracy skills at a Year 10 high school level are recommended. You must be able to perform uninterrupted CPR for two minutes on adult and infant mannequins at floor level. Completion requirements include a National Police Check, Working with Children Check, vaccination and health screenings, and a Language, Literacy and Numeracy skills test.
The course comprises 10 units of competency: 8 core units and 2 specialty units. Core units cover applying basic principles of infection prevention and control, assisting with dental administration, dental radiography, preparing for and assisting with dental procedures, communicating in health services, working with diverse people, processing reusable medical devices, and participating in workplace health and safety. Specialty units are customised by TAFE NSW and may include working legally and ethically, constructing models and thermoformed bases, sterilising loads, providing First Aid, clinical photography, assisting during dental emergencies, providing oral hygiene instruction, using business software, transporting emergency patients, using medical terminology, and working effectively with others.
TAFE NSW is a nationally recognised registered training organisation (RTO 90003) offering accredited qualifications that are portable across Australian states. The course is delivered by experienced educators in state-of-the-art facilities, including the Sydney Dental Hospital, providing authentic workplace experience. TAFE NSW offers comprehensive support services including disability support, language and literacy assistance, counselling, and career pathways guidance. The qualification is nationally recognised, allowing graduates to work in any state without additional upskilling.
Graduates pursue careers as dental assistants, dental nurses, or dental practice administrators. The role offers strong employment growth with 8,200 workers in Australia, predominantly female (98%), with median weekly earnings of $900 for full-time positions working 40 hours per week. The average age of workers is 35 years. Graduates can advance their careers by pursuing the Diploma of Dental Technology or Certificate IV in Dental Assisting with specialisations in radiography, oral health promotion, or general anaesthesia and conscious sedation.
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