
Foundation Education
Certificate III in Dental Assisting
Nationally Recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET)Begin your journey in oral healthcare with a nationally recognised qualification.
The HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting is the ideal starting point for a successful career in the dental sector. You will gain critical experience, skills and knowledge in the field of dental assistance, with a strong focus on how to provide a high level of care for your patients and ensure they are comfortable both at front of house and while undergoing treatment.
- Already working in a dental practice? This course will provide you with qualifications to increase your responsibilities and improve your employability.
- Ready to begin your career? Earn a nationally recognised qualification in just 12 months that will leave you fully prepared to apply for your dream jobs.
- Looking to change careers? Get certified through a flexible, online course that boasts strong employment opportunities upon graduating.
Computer Requirements
- Computer: Laptop or desktop computer with working speakers or headphone points
- Internet: High-speed internet such as Broadband or ADSL, T1/T2, fibre optic (Dial-up access is not recommended)
- Windows: Operating system – Windows 8 or above
- Internet Browser: Google Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer 11
- MAC: Operating system - OS X 10.14 Mojave or later
- Software: Flash, Adobe Reader, Microsoft Word (or Open Office which is free to download)
Assessments
Students will need to complete a range of assessment activities such as:
- Quiz
Quizzes may include multiple choice, matching, true/false to test students’ knowledge. - Assignment
Assignments may include short answer questions or longer answer questions and are designed to test application of knowledge in real-world situations. - Case Studies/Scenarios
Realistic scenario/s requiring students to apply knowledge learnt. - Knowledge Questions
Short-answer questions relevant to the information students have learnt within a unit. - Practical/Observation
Record of students performing real and simulated tasks relevant to a unit. May also be referred to as Workplace Observation Assessment - Workplace Observation Assessment
Record of students performing real and simulated tasks in workplace environments under supervision. This may also include the completion of task documents, templates, and client feedback which the student must complete in the in conjunction with observation tasks. - Record of Hours Logbook
Record of hours of students performing real and simulated tasks in workplace environments.
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
Resources and Equipment
To successfully complete this course, it’s essential that your placement provider has the necessary equipment, resources and/or documentation. For detailed information on these requirements, please submit an enquiry form to obtain a copy of the complete list from a friendly Foundation Education Careers Advisor.
Course Flyer
For detailed course information, please submit an enquiry form to obtain a course flyer and speak with a friendly Foundation Education Careers Advisor.
Delivery mode
Foundation Education offers this course through the following delivery modes:
Online
Set your own study schedule and balance study with your other commitments.
Work Placement
Students must complete 350 hours of practical work placement (i.e., 350 hours, including an initial 50 hours completed in simulation). Students must have access to a dental practice and must be supervised during placement (please refer to the workplace supervisor requirements section for more details).
Entry requirements
Domestic Students
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
There are no formal entry requirements mandated by the training package however to achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 350 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of the below unit of competency:
- HLTDEN015 Prepare for and assist with dental procedures.
Residency status:
To enrol, the prospective student must either be a permanent Australian resident (or equivalent), or have the right to study in Australia other than on a student visa.
External requirements:
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid must be completed with an external provider.
Parental permission:
Students under the age of 18 years require the signed consent of a parent or guardian to enrol in this qualification.
Work placement:
Students must complete 350 hours of dental assisting work that involves:
- At least 300 hours in a real dental clinic workplace; and
- Up to 50 hours in a simulated dental clinic workplace environment.
- Students must have access to a dental practice and a qualified supervisor (see details below).
Workplace supervisor requirements:
The student must be supervised during placement by a Dental Practitioner registered with AHPRA. This supervisor must supervise the student and complete the corresponding paperwork for:
- HLTDEN015 observation checklist & record of hours
- HTDEN016 observation checklist
The student may also choose to nominate a second workplace supervisor that has a minimum of a Certificate III in Dental Assistance to supervise work placement activities for units not listed above. This is not mandatory. The Dental Practitioner may be the student’s workplace supervisor for the entire work placement.
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.
Course fees
Please note: This is a fee-for-service program.
Foundation Education offers flexible payment plans beginning from just $55.55* a week!
Enquire now to find out more about instalment plans or saving on your course fees by paying upfront.
*Payment plan total is $100 deposit + 78 weekly payments. Foundation Education uses the direct debiting services of Debitsuccess on payment plans. Payment plans will incur a $12 establishment fee, charged with the first instalment, plus a 3.63% transaction fee on each transaction. Weekly payment amount provided is already inclusive of the transaction fee.
Career opportunities
The Certificate III in Dental Assisting will prepare you for the following roles.
Dental Assistant
Dental assistants receive patients into the surgery, then help them relax and prepare for treatment by a qualified dentist. During treatments you’l...
Dental Nurse
A Dental Nurse assists dentists as they provide oral health treatment to patients. You might get patients ready for their treatment and work alongs...
Treatment Coordinator
A Treatment Coordinator prepares treatment plans and costs for dental procedures. You’ll work closely with dental professionals and spend time disc...
Dental Office Manager
A Dental Office Manager oversees the running of administration duties at a dental surgery or practice. You might supervise a team of staff and ensu...
Sterilisation Technician
A Sterilisation Technician sterilises equipment for a hospital or other health facility. You might work for a sterilisation service or in the steri...
About Foundation Education
We are one of the few Registered Training Organisations in Australia who endeavour to deliver flexible online training solutions designed to fit our students’ lifestyles. We provide excellence in Vocational Education and Training and have an established partnership network that drives the quality of graduates across each industry.
Foundation Education RTO 22557.