Back to Healthcare

National code: HLT45021

Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography)

Ask a question

Overview About this course

Specialise your dental assisting skills with a course in dental radiography. You'll grow the knowledge and practical skills to safely take radiographic images. Gain experience while you build your portfolio of diagnostic radiographs.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Set up for oral healthcare procedures

  • Process reusable medical devices

  • Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection

  • Take dental radiographs

  • Produce a diagnostic radiographic image

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • Pathways to further study

  • An EPA licence to operate radiographic equipment

  • Advanced skills and knowledge to open career opportunities in the dental industry

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • This course is offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.

  • That you have achieved the Certificate III in Dental Assisting as evidenced by a copy of your transcript or certificate

  • Are currently employed (at least one day a week) in the industry and can evidence this with a signed letter from your employer

  • Traineeship

  • TAFE NSW also offers the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography) as a traineeship. In addition to meeting the above requirements, trainees must:

    • Be employed in the dental industry as this course is delivered in the workplace
    • Have a signed traineeship contract

  • Thinking about a traineeship? Enquire today.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • A genuine interest in oral health care

  • A particular interest in radiography

  • The ambition to step-up your skills to offer an advanced level of assistance

  • The motivation to work in a fast-paced environment

  • Good time management skills

  • An interest in advancements in the dental industry

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.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: dental assistant, dental radiography assistant, oral health assistant and dental administration assistant.

Licensing

Jurisdictional legislative radiation licensing requirements apply to candidates who undertake the units HLTDEN021, HLTDEN022 and HLTDEN023 which are taught in the Dental Radiography specialisation. Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this qualification can vary between states, territories and industry sectors. Visit the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for licensing requirements and guidelines before applying to study this qualification.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 0 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

The Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography) does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Further study 1 Course

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 1 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.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 8 units of competency, including 6 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.

  • Sterilise loads HLTSTE003

  • Maintain work health and safety HLTWHS003

TAFE NSW services Facilities 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

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.