Dental Nurse Courses
A Dental Nurse assists dentists with patient care, prepares equipment, operates instruments, and manages administrative tasks, requiring strong communication and attention to detail.
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 Nurse
Get qualified to work as a Dental Nurse 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
Find a provider
HLT45021
Estimated fee
From $12,100
Duration
6 months - 12 months
Study mode
Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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-t...
Career opportunities
Estimated fee
From $12,100
Duration
6 months - 12 months
Study mode
Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
Find a provider
HLT31812
Become a Dentist’s Assistant with a Certificate III in Dental Assisting (HLT31812). Students gain essential skills and knowledge in dental practice administration and infection control, while learning how to assist the Dentist deliver oral health care procedures as well as dental radiography. Enquire now for enrolment pathways and a list of study units.
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Dental Nurse.
Common questions
How much does a Dental Nurse earn?
In Australia, a full time Dental Nurse generally earns $1,300 per week ($67,600 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for a Dental Nurse?
The number of people working as a Dental Nurse has grown strongly in recent years. There are currently 31,900 people employed in this role in Australia compared to 17,100 five years ago. Dental Nurses may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a Dental Nurse?
If you’re thinking of starting a career as a Dental Nurse, consider enrolling in a Certificate IV in Dental Assisting. This qualification will prepare you to work in a dental practice with topics such as patient preparation, infection control, dental radiology and practice administration. This course involves a work placement and you may be able to specialise in an area of interest such as oral health promotion or radiography.
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More information
A Dental Nurse assists dentists as they provide oral health treatment to patients. You might get patients ready for their treatment and work alongside dentists during procedures. Dental Nurses may prepare equipment for treatments and they might operate some dental instruments such as suction tools. You might speak with patients about their dental care or perform administrative duties such as booking appointments or taking payments.
Dental Nurses need to have excellent personal skills and be able to communicate with a range of patients. You’ll need good attention to detail and should be able to follow directions closely. It’s important that you are passionate about dental care and can demonstrate this to your patients.
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