Dental Assistant Courses
Dental Assistants support dentists during treatments, manage equipment, advise on oral care, and may conduct x-rays if qualified.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Dental Assistant
Get qualified to work as a Dental Assistant with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
HLT45021
Duration
5 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
The HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting is for experienced dental assistants who are ready to take their career to the next level. This nationally recognised qualification helps you develop an advanced skill set that includes dental radiology, infection controls and sterilisation methods, sterilised stock control, anaesthesia and conscious sedation, business administration, oral health programs, fluoride treatments, construction of dental appliances, patient records management, using medical termi...
Career opportunities
Duration
5 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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HLT35021
Duration
6 months - 12 months
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
The HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting provides the knowledge and skills needed to assist a dentist, dental hygienist or dental therapist during all health care procedures. During the course students gain skills in maintaining high standards of infection control, working in health and community services, first aid and assisting in dental radiography.
Career opportunities
Duration
6 months - 12 months
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, RPL, Traineeship
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HLTSS00064
Study mode
On Campus, Online
The HLTSS00064 Infection Control Skill Set is a nationally recognised training course for anyone committed to a safer community and workplace. Over 30 days of training you will learn how to identify infection hazards, assess the risks to health, and take action to reduce viral transmission. The course also covers: using PPE, personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitation, waste disposal. It’s ideal for anyone working in aged care, community service, healthcare, hospitality, food preparation, and housekeeping.
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Career opportunities
Study mode
On Campus, Online
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HLTINF006
Duration
Half day - 3 days
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
If you administer infection controls in your workplace, try this nationally recognised short course. HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control will quickly get you up-to-speed on the latest techniques for preventing the transmission of viruses and harmful bacteria. The course covers: hazard identification, personal hygiene and handwashing, cleaning and sanitising, responding to exposure breaches, incident response, and documentation requirements. Enquire now for up...
Career opportunities
Duration
Half day - 3 days
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Dental Assistant.
Common questions
How much do Dental Assistants earn?
A full time Dental Assistant will earn $1,163 per week ($60,476 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should act as a guide only. Individuals with more experience can expect a higher salary than those new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for Dental Assistants?
31,900 workers were employed as Dental Assistants as of May 2019. According to the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, the projected employment growth over 5 years is 14.2% which is around 4,500 job openings. Job openings occur due to employment growth and job turnover, for example workers leaving this occupation.
Source: The Labour Market Information Portal - 2019 Occupational Projections
How long does it take to become a Dental Assistant?
To become a dental assistant, you usually have to complete vocational training to acquire a qualification. Courses often take one to two years to complete, depending on whether a student is pursuing a certificate or a dual certificate.
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Healthcare and medicine are growing sectors, and demand is high for working professionals in these areas. Browse accredited health courses and health qualifications.
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More information
Dental assistants receive patients into the surgery, then help them relax and prepare for treatment by a qualified dentist. During treatments you’ll be using water sprays and suction devices as well as handing specific instruments to the dentist. Afterwards, you’ll be cleaning and sterilising the dental equipment to prevent cross contamination.
As a dental assistant you’ll be giving advice to patients about teeth cleaning, flossing and ongoing oral health, and how to take care of their teeth before and after dental surgery. If you have specialist qualifications you may also be taking dental x-rays and other radiographic images.
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