Certificate III in Dental Assisting

HLT35021

Location

Online

Study Mode

Online

Outcomes

Dental Assistant, Dental Hygiene Assistant, Dental Receptionist, Dental Sterilisation Nurse, Dental Therapy Assistant

View All

Qualification

Certificate III

Awarded By

Foundation Education

Duration

12 months

Start Date

Enquire now for upcoming start dates

Payment Option

Payment plan, Upfront payment

This course meets the Nationally Recognised Training standards. It is listed on the Australian government's National Register for Vocational Education and Training (VET). Studying this course leads to a qualification that's recognised throughout Australia, and lets employers know that you have the right skills for the job.

How Much Will It Cost?

Payment plan

Flexible payment plans are available for this course, making it easier to invest in your future. Enquire now to find out more!

Course Rundown

The Certificate III in Dental Assisting prepares you to assist with oral health care procedures, assist in dental radiography and comply with infection control policies and procedures. This nationally recognised dental assisting qualification allows you to build on your existing communication skills and equips you with the skills required to assist with administration processes in dental practices.

Once you’ve obtained Certificate III in Dental Assisting, you will be qualified to work as a Dental Assistant for a variety of dental professionals, including a Dentist, Dental Hygienist or Dental Therapist. As a Dental Assistant, your key focus is to ensure patients are comfortable and experience a high level of care, whether that’s at the front of house or whilst undergoing treatment.

Students will complete a variety of assessments designed to test both theoretical knowledge and practical application. These may include quizzes, written assignments, case studies, short-answer questions, and supervised workplace observation tasks, along with a logbook to record practical hours.

Work Placement

This course also requires a minimum of 350 hours of work placement in a dental clinic and a suitable supervisor able to sign off on the practical demonstration elements.

Please note: This is a fee-for-service program, it is not government funded.

Eligibility

There are no formal entry requirements mandated by the training package. However, to achieve this qualification, students must complete at least 350 hours of dental assisting work as outlined below.

Work Placement:
- Minimum of 300 hours must be completed in a real dental clinic workplace.
- Up to 50 hours may be completed in a simulated dental clinic environment.
- Students must have access to a dental practice and a qualified supervisor.
- Your placement provider must have the necessary equipment, resources and/or documentation.
Workplace Supervisor Requirements:
- Supervision must be provided by a Dental Practitioner registered with AHPRA, who will also be responsible for completing relevant assessment paperwork.
- Optionally, students may also nominate a second supervisor with a minimum of a Certificate III in Dental Assisting for certain units (not mandatory).
Residency Status:
- Must be a permanent Australian resident (or equivalent), or have the right to study in Australia other than on a student visa.
External Course Requirement:
- HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid must be completed separately with an external provider.
Parental Permission:
- Students under 18 years of age must have signed consent from a parent or guardian to enrol.
Working With Children Check (WWCC):
- Some workplaces may require a WWCC and will be advised by the employer at
  either placement or commencement of employment.

FAQS

What You’ll Learn

In this dental assisting course, the subjects you will study include:

CHCCOM005 – Communicate and work in health or community services
CHCDIV001 – Work with diverse people
HLTDEN015 – Prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures
HLTDEN016 – Assist with dental radiography
HLTDEN017 – Assist with administration in dental practice
HLTINF002 – Process reusable medical devices and equipment
HLTWHS001 – Participate in workplace health and safety
*HLTAID011 – Provide first aid
HLTDET001 – Construct models
HLTINF006 – Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control

Study load

10 course units (note: HLTAID011 must be completed with an external
provider)
Submit 1 course unit every 5.5 weeks to graduate in 12 months.

Why study with Foundation Education

Foundation Education provides students with access to quality vocational education alongside their sister brand, the Australian Institute of Personal Trainers (AIPT), and a robust network of industry partners all around Australia.

With courses designed by industry experts, students gain the knowledge and experience to graduate with job-ready skills that employers seek. Plus, students can learn at their own pace and place through flexible online study.

Offering a wide range of Certificate and Diploma-level courses across Early Childhood Education and Care, Education Support, Allied Health, Dental Assisting, Health Services and more, Foundation Education has a vocational study option to take you where you want to go.

The Foundation Education difference means:

Flexible Online Study: Students can complete the theoretical component of courses online at their own pace.
Industry Relevant Courses: Course material is developed in consultation with industry experts to provide students with the comprehensive skills and knowledge required to graduate job-ready.
Dedicated Student Support: Our industry experienced Technical Advisors, Assessors and Support Officers can support students from enrolment through to graduation.
National Recognised Training: Every Certificate and Diploma offered is nationally recognised and accredited, meeting established industry needs and national quality assurance requirements.

Foundation Education is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO Number – 22557)

Student Support

Dedicated Student Support – Foundation Education's industry-experienced Subject Advisors, Assessors and Support Officers will support you from enrolment through to graduation.

Where Will It Lead Me?

Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a nationally recognised, accredited HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting from Foundation Education.

This practical course will give you the skills and knowledge to work effectively in a dental practice environment. You will learn how to provide a high standard of assistance to a dentist, dental hygienist or dental therapist during oral health care procedures.

Dental Therapy Assistant