Dental Assistant & Radiography Courses
Studying a dental assistant course with Foundation Education can open the door to the oral health industry.
Discover our courses
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.
Job Outcomes
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.
Job Outcomes
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.
Job Outcomes
Dental Assisting and Dental Radiography courses
Study a dental course with Foundation Education and start a rewarding career in the oral health industry. Whether you’re just starting out or years into your career, our nationally recognised dental training courses will help you develop your skills.
Study Dental Assistant courses
Gain the skills to provide quality chairside assistance to Dentists by studying a Dental Assistant course.
A career in the dental industry is as rewarding as it is flexible, with many opportunities for you to progress further. For example, after qualifying as a Dental Assistant you could upskill to specialise in assisting with radiography, or advance to become a Practice Manager.
Dental Assistant course structure
Our Dental Assisting certificate and diploma qualifications are delivered through a combination of online theory, skill observations and work placement. Complete the theory component at your own pace to fit into your busy schedule. It’s accessible via our online learning platform, My eCampus, anywhere and anytime.
Your work placement component will take place in a dental practice where you'll gain hands-on experience working alongside a real dentist and real patients.
Careers in Dental Assisting
Studying with Foundation Education can have you working with private and public dental services, and because our dental courses are nationally recognised, you can find employment nationwide. Qualifying for the dental industry can open many career pathways and to learn more about your future opportunities that an oral health course can offer, check out our careers in dental.
Popular Career Outcomes
Dental Assistant
Dental Sterilisation Nurse
Dental Receptionist
Dental Hygienist Assistant
Dental Therapy Assistant
![FE_Career Pathways_[DESKTOP]-DENTAL](https://www.datocms-assets.com/71768/1698980381-fe_career-pathways-and-partner-page-desktop-dental.jpg)
![FE_Career Pathways_[MOBILE]-DENTAL](https://www.datocms-assets.com/71768/1698980431-fe_career-pathways-and-partner-page-mobile-dental.jpg)
Dental Assistant course FAQs
What does a Dental Assistant do?
You'll be a crucial part of every dental procedure, working alongside dentists to help deliver quality patient care. Your day might involve preparing the surgery, sterilising tools, mixing materials and assisting during treatments. You'll also be the friendly face helping nervous patients feel at ease.
Dental assistants sometimes also manage admin tasks like answering calls, booking appointments and updating patient records.
How do I become a Dental Assistant in Australia?
Become a Dental Assistant with the Certificate III in Dental Assisting. This nationally recognised qualification gets you job-ready with everything you need to succeed:
Real-world experience with 350 hours of practical placement in dental practices.
Essential chairside skills, from prepping procedures to operating suction apparatus.
Infection control expertise: sterilisation, cleaning and maintaining practice hygiene.
Administration skills including patient records, scheduling and supply management.
Want to advance your career? The Certificate IV in Dental Assisting opens doors to specialised roles. Or, do the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography) for special training in radiography.
What qualifications do you need to be a Dental Assistant in Australia?
While you can start as a trainee, most employers look for a Certificate III in Dental Assisting on your resume. This qualification gives you a competitive edge, as you’ll be ready to jump straight into work after you graduate.
To further your career options and work with X-rays, you'll need a Certificate IV in Dental Assisting with radiography units. Both qualifications include an online component and practical placement.
What does a Dental Radiographer do?
Dental radiographers are specialists in capturing the detailed images dentists need to diagnose problems and plan treatments. In a Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography), you’ll learn to master the technical skills of positioning X-ray equipment and processing images while maintaining patient comfort and safety.
It's a role that combines precision with care — you'll need to capture perfect images while helping anxious patients feel at ease. You'll also maintain strict radiation safety protocols and manage the practice's digital imaging systems.
How to be a Dental Radiographer
The path to dental radiography starts with the Certificate III in Dental Assisting. Then, you’ll complete the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography).
This advanced qualification teaches you:
Professional techniques for taking and processing dental X-rays.
Essential knowledge of radiation biology and protection.
Advanced patient positioning and communication skills.
Expert use of digital imaging systems and record management.
The Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography) is an additional 8 units of study that you can complete in up to 12 months.
Ready to apply?
Simply contact us below or call our friendly team on 1300 616 197.
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