OverviewAbout this course
Sink your teeth into a fulfilling career as a dental assistant and make customers feel at ease. Contribute to the success of a dental practice assisting with procedures, sterilising equipment, radiography, oral hygiene and practice administration.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Maintain high standards in infection prevention and control
Process reusable medical devices and equipment
Prepare for and assist with oral healthcare procedures
Assist with dental radiography
Apply workplace health and safety
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A mandatory 350 hours of work placement
Skills practised in a simulated dental clinic environment or in a real workplace
Work with real clients during your work placement to gain confidence and valuable experience in the industry
Strong foundational skills to pursue a further study pathway with the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting, where you could specialise in radiography, oral health promotion or general anaesthesia and conscious sedation
SuitabilityIs this course right for you?
Entry requirements
Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.
This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
National Police Check
Working with Children Check (WWCC)
Vaccination and health screenings
The ability to perform uninterrupted CPR for two minutes on an adult and infant mannequin at floor level (Note: if you are unable to meet the physical requirements, you will not be able to successfully complete this course.)
- Any additional evidence your work placement provider requires
During your study, you will need to meet specific requirements to complete your coursework.
Your teacher will let you know when you need to take:
A Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test and achieve a score of Level 3 for Learning and Oral Communication and a score of Level 2 for Reading, Writing and Numeracy, and score of Level 1 for Digital Literacy.
This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs and to provide you with the appropriate support for your study success.
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
Fine motor skills
Great communication and teamwork skills
The ability to multi-task
Access to the internet and a computer or other mobile device
Time for self-paced study and assessment completion outside of scheduled class times
Adequate fitness and mobility to perform manual lifting and deliver First Aid, such as performing CPR while kneeling on the floor
- Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 10 high school level
If you need help preparing for study, contact us about your options.
TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test.
This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that supports your study success
and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.
If you need help preparing for study, contact us about your options.
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
PathwaysFuture career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like:
Dental Assistant
Dental Assistants prepare patients for dental examination and assist Dental Practitioners, Hygienists and Therapists in providing care and treatment.
Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).
47%
Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.
8,200 workers
Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.
35 years
Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.
$900
Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.
40 hours
Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.
Lower
Gender share
98% female
Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.
Strong Growth
Other jobs include: Dental assistant, Dental nurse, Dental assistant and receptionist and Dental practice administrator
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study0 Courses
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
The Certificate III in Dental Assisting does not have any pre-requisite courses.
Further study0 Courses
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
The Certificate III in Dental Assisting does not have any post-graduate courses.
Related study1 Course
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
Your experience counts
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
UnitsUnits taught in this course
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Dental Assisting qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 10 Units of competency, including 8 core and 2 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
Communicate and work in health or community servicesCHCCOM005
Work with diverse peopleCHCDIV001
Prepare for and assist with dental proceduresHLTDEN015
Assist with dental radiographyHLTDEN016
TAFE NSW servicesFacilities and support
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community