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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.
There are 4 courses available for people who want to become a Dental Assistant.
Possible job outcomes:
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. .
Average duration: 12 months.
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 terminology, and much more. Enquire now for the list of study units, dental career outcomes, and enrolment centres near you..
Are you an experienced dental assistant wanting to specialise in radiography work? Try the HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography). This nationally recognised qualification builds on your existing skills and knowledge and teaches you how to take dental x-rays and produce specific images according to the instructions of the dentist. The course covers: principles of radiation biology and how they apply to dentistry, exposing radiographic images, sterilising tools and equipment, on-the-job safety, using correct medical terminology, assisting with advanced dental procedures requiring anaesthesia and conscious sedation, business administration skills. Enquire now for entry requirements, dental radiology career outcomes, and upcoming enrolment dates..
The Dual Certificate III in Dental Assisting & Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Oral Health Specialisation) combines two dental qualifications for students seeking a career in Dental Assistance with specialist oral health knowledge. Students will learn how to implement and monitor infection prevention and control policies and procedures, implement an individualised oral hygiene program as well as assist with dental radiography..
Average duration: 18 months.
A full time Dental Assistant will earn $1,150 per week ($59,000 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.
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
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.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within dentistry. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Dentistry
Dental Assistant
$1,150 weekly pay
Dental Lab Assistant
Dental Nurse
Dental Technician
Oral Health Therapist
$1,440 weekly pay
Prosthetic Technician
Treatment Coordinator
$1,350 weekly pay
Dental Hygienist
Dental Prosthetist
$1,550 weekly pay
Dentist
$2,800 weekly pay
Endodontist
$1,500 weekly pay
Orthodontist
Periodontist
Prosthodontist
Learn more about Dental Assistant courses in your area.