Foundation Education
Smiling dental assistant in scrubs

Careers in Dental Assisting: Pave your way to a bright future

Explore the endless possibilities of a career in the Dental field and the pathways that will get you there. Read on for more.

Discover the variety of Dental Assisting jobs available

There are so many rewarding career opportunities in the dental field. By supporting patients about dental hygiene and promoting overall health, you'll play a vital role in making a meaningful difference in the community. Here are some of the most popular careers in dental.

dental assistant and patient

Dental Assistant

Excellent for the all-rounders, as a Dental Assistant you’ll support dentists, hygienists and therapists with a range of dental procedures. Your responsibilities will include prepping, clean-up, basic assistance during procedures, developing X-rays and general administrative duties.

Dental Assistant

Dental Sterilisation Nurse

Not as patient-facing as other positions, this is a pivotal role in the dental practice, as proper sterilisation is vital for patient safety. As a Dental Sterilisation Nurse you’ll keep environments clean and adhere to strict infection control guidelines to provide patients with the highest quality care possible.

female dental assistants

Dental Hygienist Assistant

A Dental Hygienist Assistant supports Dental Hygienists to help promote oral health and prevent periodontal disease. This means you’ll be helping with an interesting range of procedures, including check ups, teeth cleaning, and patient education on preventative care.

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Dental Practice Manager

A role for the ambitious Dental Assistant, Practice Managers are responsible for overseeing the business and administrative side of the practice, which includes supervising and hiring junior staff, managing records, databases and processing payroll. Overall, you’d ensure the clinic runs smoothly and efficiently.

Our Dental courses will get you there

Designed for both beginners as well as those seeking to formalise their on-the-job experience, our nationally recognised courses will lead you to a bright and rewarding future.

HLT35021

Certificate III in Dental Assisting

Make your start in a career that predicts a high rate of employment growth and prepare yourself with the necessary skills and training required to work as a Dental Assistant.

HLT45021

Certificate IV in Dental Assisting

Gain valuable skills and experience in dental assisting to provide an advanced level of support to dentists, dental therapists and dental hygienists.

HLT45021

Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography)

Achieve valuable skills and experience in dental assisting, specialising in dental radiography, that will prepare you for a long-lasting and rewarding career in the dental health industry.

HLT57715

Diploma of Practice Management

Lead your team in creating a safe and happy healthcare environment with the Diploma of Practice Management, a specialised practice manager course.

HLT35021 / HLT45021

Certificate III in Dental Assisting and Certificate IV in Dental Assisting

Study a Certificate III and Certificate IV in Dental Assisting uninterrupted to achieve two nationally recognised qualifications in just 24 months.

HLT35021 / HLT45021

Certificate III in Dental Assisting and Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography)

Combine a Certificate III and IV in Dental Assisting to fast-track your career as a Dental Assistant and equip yourself with all the skills you need to succeed.

Explore our work placement partners in Dental

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Foundation Education is proud to partner with a number of leading dental clinics and practices throughout Australia. Our work placement partners provide our students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience in oral health care.

By completing a work placement with one of our partners, you will have the chance to:

• Work alongside experienced dental health professionals

• Learn about the latest dental techniques and technologies

• Gain valuable hands-on experience

• Build your professional network

• Make a difference in the lives of your patients

If you are interested in a career in dental, we encourage you to explore our work placement partners and learn more about the opportunities that are available to you.

Have you got what it takes to thrive as a Dental AssistantHave you got what it takes to thrive as a Dental Assistant
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Top Reasons to Love a Career in the Dental IndustryTop Reasons to Love a Career in the Dental Industry

Meet Holly, Dental Trainer and Assessor at Foundation Education.

As a passionate Trainer and Assessor at Foundation Education, Holly brings her wealth of knowledge and expertise to support and guide our students on their education journey. With her wealth of experience in many disciplines within the health industry and a genuine commitment to student success, Holly provides the mentorship and training needed to excel in the Dental industry.

Holly Cummins

Dental Trainer and Assessor, Nasrin, is a tutor, friend and mentor all rolled into one.

With great experience in the Dental industry, Nasrin brings her wealth of knowledge and expertise to support and guide our students on their educational journeys. With her deep understanding of the role of a Dental Assistant and a genuine commitment to student success, Nasrin is dedicated to providing the mentorship and training needed to excel in the industry.

Nasrin

I just started studying the Certificate III in Dental Assisting, and I've found the supporting staff amazing! I had an issue with one of the unit assessments, so I used their Live Chat to ask for help. It's what we need from online learning.

I’m currently studying for my Certificate IV in Dental Assisting, and I've received great support and assistance. Every time I've needed help, the Student Support team has been really efficient. I highly recommend this institution!

I just finished the Certificate III and IV in Dental Assisting (Radiography) from Foundation Education. It was a bit hard to finish as I work full time, but thanks to the wonderful Dental Faculty team, I completed all my assignments. Thank you also to the Student Support team, who responded immediately to my online enquiries. It was a great experience.

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*Source for projected job growth figures: Seek, 2023