For domestic students, start your study journey here.
National code: HLT45021 | CRICOS Code: 109361C
Certificate IV in Dental Assisting
OverviewAbout this course
The Certificate IV in Dental Assisting prepares you to provide advanced dental assistance care across the dental services industry with job outcomes including dentist assistant and oral health assistant.
Learn how to prepare and assist dental health practitioners with oral health practices and promotion and learn to work in a range of dental settings. This may include assisting with dental radiography, anaesthesia and sedation, applying infection control procedures and sterilising reusable medical devices.
TAFE NSW has developed this course in consultation with peak bodies and industry partners. Our extensive network gives you the opportunity to learn in diverse workplaces and improve your technical and professional dental assisting skills.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learn new skills
Through a mix of theory and practical coursework, learn to:
- Prepare sterilisation equipment including cleaning and checking steriliser and accessories
- Select sterilisation method for reusable medical devices (RMD) following manufacturer requirements
- Contribute to the development of risk control strategies in line with workplace procedures and policies
- Provide information about Work Health and Safety (WHS) policies and procedures to the work team
- Prepare Work Health and Safety (WHS) incident records according to workplace and legislative requirements
Gain practical experience
Build your experience and get practical skills in:
- Cleaning sterilisation equipment
- Setting up for oral healthcare procedures
- Assisting with dental practice administration
- Processing reusable medical devices
Develop your professional confidence
Develop the qualities you need to get ahead in this industry:
- Excellent communication skills
- Good people skills
- An interest in helping people
- The ability to problem-solve
- Attention to detail
Career pathways
This qualification could help you prepare for roles like:
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Oral Health Assistant
- Dental Radiography Assistant
- Dental Administration Assistant
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.
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 require 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.
To be prepared for this course, it is recommended that you have:
- Prior experience working in the dental industry
- An interest in oral health care
- The motivation to offer an advanced level of assistance in a fast-paced environment
If you need help preparing for study, contact us about your options.
No occupational licensing, 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 | $13,650 AUD |
| Locations | Starting dates | Course fees |
|---|---|---|
| Randwick | Feb, Jul | $14,200 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.
2 core units 6 elective units, consisting of at least 4 units from the electives listed below. up to 2 units from the electives listed below or any other endorsed Training Package or accredited course.
Core units are the required units that you must complete.
Sterilise loadsHLTSTE003
Maintain work health and safetyHLTWHS003
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
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