TAFE NSW is training the next generation of dental assistants with government subsidised courses, as employment forecasts indicate the skills demand will boom in the next few years.

TAFE NSW Kingswood graduate Shay Hooper is a proud indigenous woman who studied a Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Radiography).

“I work as a Dental Nurse in Coonamble and wanted to upskill through TAFE NSW, It’s a great field to work in, I have a positive impact on people’s lives in a small community,” said Shay.

While the majority of dental services are found in metropolitan areas, regional and rural towns are typically underrepresented.

A recent report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare stated that those in rural and remote areas see the dentist less, have difficulty paying the bill and underwent more procedures than those in urban areas.

TAFE NSW is combatting this by offering self-paced, digital and part-time courses which are subsidised.

“I balanced studying, work and raising two kids at the same time. It wasn’t easy, but the teachers at TAFE NSW Kingswood are so welcoming and supportive. I would recommend looking to enrol if they are in the same boat.

“Next, I plan to follow the pathway to university and become an oral therapist,” said Shay.

According to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee, employment projections to 2025 indicate strong growth in the sector to 36,400 jobs.

Rhonda Mulligan TAFE NSW Health Services Head Teacher said “We know that good dental health and hygiene is incredibly important to overall health, especially in regional locations where dental practises can be scarce, and it’s great to see graduates like Shay contributing to the quality of local oral health care in a community”.

“TAFE NSW is the leading provider of vocational education and training, Students get the practical, in-demand skills and real-world work experience vital for the job”.

“By studying at TAFE NSW, students gain the skills and confidence they need to hit the ground running and support patients of all ages in dental practices across our communities.” Said Rhonda.

TAFE NSW offers Certificates III and IV in Dental Assisting at various locations across the state. For more information a

TAFE NSW is training the next generation of dental assistants with government subsidised courses, as employment forecasts indicate the skills demand will boom in the next few years.

TAFE NSW Kingswood graduate Shay Hooper is a proud indigenous woman who studied a Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Radiography).

“I work as a Dental Nurse in Coonamble and wanted to upskill through TAFE NSW, It’s a great field to work in, I have a positive impact on people’s lives in a small community,” said Shay.

While the majority of dental services are found in metropolitan areas, regional and rural towns are typically underrepresented.

A recent report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare stated that those in rural and remote areas see the dentist less, have difficulty paying the bill and underwent more procedures than those in urban areas.

TAFE NSW is combatting this by offering self-paced, digital and part-time courses which are subsidised.

“I balanced studying, work and raising two kids at the same time. It wasn’t easy, but the teachers at TAFE NSW Kingswood are so welcoming and supportive. I would recommend looking to enrol if they are in the same boat.

“Next, I plan to follow the pathway to university and become an oral therapist,” said Shay.

According to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee, employment projections to 2025 indicate strong growth in the sector to 36,400 jobs.

Rhonda Mulligan TAFE NSW Health Services Head Teacher said “We know that good dental health and hygiene is incredibly important to overall health, especially in regional locations where dental practises can be scarce, and it’s great to see graduates like Shay contributing to the quality of local oral health care in a community”.

“TAFE NSW is the leading provider of vocational education and training, Students get the practical, in-demand skills and real-world work experience vital for the job”.

“By studying at TAFE NSW, students gain the skills and confidence they need to hit the ground running and support patients of all ages in dental practices across our communities.” Said Rhonda.

TAFE NSW offers Certificates III and IV in Dental Assisting at various locations across the state. For more information about the range of courses on offer at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601.

Media contact: Callum Darby-Linfitt, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7921 1823 callum.darbylinfitt@tafensw.edu.au