For domestic students, start your study journey here.
National code: HLT35021 | CRICOS Code: 108534F
Certificate III in Dental Assisting
OverviewAbout this course
Launch a fulfilling career in the dental industry with the Certificate III in Dental Assisting. Learn a range of skills, including how to comply with infection control policies and procedures, how to communicate effectively in the workplace and how to work with a diverse range of people.
You'll learn to contribute to the smooth running of a dental practice from assisting dental procedures and oral health care, sterilising equipment, radiography and administration to and workplace health and safety.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learn new skills
Through a mix of theory and coursework, 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 procedures
- Apply workplace health and safety
Gain practical experience
Build your experience and get practical skills in:
- Identifying oral hygiene products and aids for patients' treatment plans
- Preparing for dental radiography including processing an image as directed by the practitioner
- Maintaining high standards of infection prevention such as procedures for respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette
- Preparing instrument trays in accordance with workplace protocols
- Administration skills such as processing payments and making bookings along with other front office management skills
Develop your professional confidence
Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:
- People management skills
- Supportive and empathetic nature
- Teamwork skills and a collaborative spirit
- Service-oriented focus
- An interest in health care
Career pathways
This qualification could help you prepare for roles like:
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Nurse
- Dental Receptionist
- Dental Practice Administrator
SuitabilityInternational entry requirements
At TAFE NSW each course has entry requirements. These help us to make sure that your course choice is right for you and help determine your suitability for a course. We want you to be confident in your decision and successful in your studies.
Academic Requirements:
- Year 10 or equivalent
English Language Requirements:
- Academic IELTS 6.0 (with no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent
TAFE NSW makes every effort to ensure your Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) needs are met. The level of support you need may be assessed via a review of your LLN skills with written tasks and a one-on-one interview. If you need to strengthen your LLN skills, an individual training plan will be created with you.
Work Placement Hours
- During your course, you will undertake a mandatory 350 hours of work placement with a suitable industry employer.
- To ensure you have the practical skills and confidence to undertake this work placement, up to 50 hours of skills practice in a simulated environment can be counted towards your work placement hours.
Work placement is a learning opportunity, which means you cannot be paid for your time there. Work placements generally only begin after you have had a reasonable amount of contact with your teacher and they are satisfied that you are ready to benefit from workplace learning and perform workplace duties. TAFE NSW will secure a work placement for you and assist with coordinating the workplace learning and other workplace activities you will undertake. This is in line with TAFE NSW policy.
Before you start work placement
Prior to the first clinical placement, students must provide evidence of:
- Working with Children Check (WWCC)
- An Australian National Police Check
- Immunisation status
- Students will also need to complete CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on a hard surface to complete the unit HLTAID011 and provide first aid successfully.
Additionally, if you are engaging in a work placement with NSW Health, you will also need to:
- Sign the NSW Health Code of Conduct form and any other forms, as required by NSW Health
- Complete mandatory online modules as required by facilities
- Undertake an occupational assessment, screening and vaccination against infectious diseases and provide your health care worker/student vaccination record card
To be prepared for this course, it is recommended 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
If you need help preparing for study, contact us about your options.
No occupational licencing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
Fees and locationsStarting dates, course fees and locations
As an international student, you can choose from a range of different courses, offered at various locations. Experience vibrant spaces, libraries, cafes and gyms, as well as places to make friends and socialise with other students.
| Locations | Starting dates | Course fees |
|---|---|---|
| Randwick | Feb, Jul | $11,110 AUD |
| Locations | Starting dates | Course fees |
|---|---|---|
| Randwick | Feb, Jul | $11,560 AUD |
Additional costs
Additional costs for uniforms, equipment, textbooks and materials (if applicable) range from $300 - $1,000 AUD per course.
Structure and unitsWhat you will study
At the start of your course, you will receive your timetable. You will need to study all core units and a range of additional units.
8 core units 2 elective units from the electives listed below. All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.
Core units are the required units that you must complete.
Communicate and work in health or community servicesCHCCOM005
Work with diverse peopleCHCDIV001
Prepare for and assist with dental proceduresHLTDEN015
Assist with dental radiographyHLTDEN016
Assist with administration in dental practiceHLTDEN017
Comply with infection prevention and control policies and proceduresHLTINF001
Process reusable medical devices and equipmentHLTINF002
Participate in workplace health and safetyHLTWHS001
PathwaysContinue your studies
At TAFE NSW, you can develop your skills or build your expertise by studying a single course. You can also continue your studies with one of the following pathway options:
Vocational study pathway
Enrol in a range of TAFE NSW courses designed to help you kick-start your career and education goals. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
TAFE NSW degree pathway
From certificates to diplomas, to a TAFE NSW degree, continue your studies with us to help build your success. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
TAFE NSW - university partnership pathways
TAFE NSW has partnerships with a number of Australian universities. These universities offer guaranteed entry and credit transfer to eligible students. How much credit you are eligible for varies depending on the course and university you choose. You can apply for a Student Visa that will cover the duration of your study.
Other university pathways
You may gain entry to another university using your TAFE NSW qualifications. Acceptance and the amount of credit transfer may vary depending on the university and course studies. Check your credit eligibility.
Keep learning with TAFE NSW
Strengthen your expertise with a TAFE NSW Dental study pathway:
ServicesCampus facilities and support services
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the resources, counselling and facilities to support you while you are studying.
We offer a range of support services including:
- TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
- TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
- TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
- Smarthinking - online access to a tutor
- LinkedIn Learning - an online resource that offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
We're here to help
If you have more questions about your course choice or study plans contact us today.
Contact TAFE NSW International