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.

Further your career in dental health with a Certificate IV in Dental Assisting

Have you already attained a certificate III in dental assisting? Are you looking for more responsibility? Want to progress your skillset to a higher level? A Certificate IV in Dental Assisting could be the perfect course for you. Suited to individuals with strong communication skills, a caring nature and a willingness to learn, a Certificate IV in Dental Assisting will prepare you for numerous employment opportunities in the healthcare sector.

The HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting reflects the role of dental assistants that provide an advanced level of assistance to dental practitioners which directly contributes to the quality of oral health care. Your main focus is to ensure your patients are comfortable and to provide the highest level of care while they undergo treatment. The course covers a variety of highly interesting and practical units that are directly applicable in a dental practice setting. This includes further developing skills in areas such as interpreting and applying medical terminology, taking clinical photographs, sterilising equipment and correctly managing sterile stock.

The Certificate IV in Dental Assisting is delivered online by Foundation Education, making it a flexible study course option for those already working in the industry. It takes just 12 months to complete the course and there are no set workplace hours to complete – although you will need access to a suitable dental practice to complete the assigned practical tasks. You can receive your qualification in just a year’s time and be fully prepared to apply for dental assisting jobs.

Job Outlook predicts that the number of dental assistant workers in Australia will continue to be in high demand in the future. It’s likely that by 2025, there will be 19,600 dental assistants employed across the nation. Most dental assistant jobs fall into the healthcare and social assistant industries. According to Talent.com, the average dental assistant salary in Australia sits at $59,640 and climbs to $68,256. This is a rewarding and highly sought-after career pathway that offers a lot of employment opportunities and growth for the future.

If you’ve already achieved a HLT31812, HLT35015 or HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting (or equivalent), you can apply for the HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting and progress your career in dental health today.

*Source: joboutlook.gov.au

The HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting is a Nationally Recognised course.

Eligibility Requirements

Education

Students’ skills and capabilities to undertake this training product will be assessed and advice on suitability will be provided during the pre-enrolment process.

Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who have achieved:

HLT31812 Certificate III in Dental Assisting or
HLT35015 Certificate III in Dental Assisting or
HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting or equivalent.

Minimum Age

You will need to be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18 your enrolment form will need to be signed by a parent or guardian.

Residency Status

You will need to be a permanent Australian resident or equivalent.

Computer Requirements

In order to successfully complete the online part of the dental assistant course you will need regular access to the following:

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).

Work Placement

There are no mandatory workplace hours to complete this qualification. However, Students must have access to a dental practice, equipment for sterilisation, imaging equipment and a qualified supervisor i.e. a person who holds Certificate IV in Dental Assisting or a higher relevant qualification to complete their course.

Qualification

Certificate IV in Dental Assisting

Delivery

Online Course available

Length

The length of the course is up to 12 months

Study Load

Submit 1 unit of competency every 6 weeks to graduate in 12 months

Cost

Payment Options

Upfront Payment
Payment Plan

Course Outcomes

A Certificate IV in Dental Assisting prepares you for a variety of roles in dentistry assistance. With this advanced qualification in your possession, you’ll be suitably qualified to work in a range of clinical settings and sectors. Whether your interests lie in public or private health, there are a several employment opportunities available to you upon completion of this course.

Dental Assistant

Dental assistants will assist dentists, hygienists and therapists with a mixture of dental procedures. Their responsibilities include but are not limited to prepping for procedures and cleaning up afterwards, assisting through the duration of the treatments (such as passing instruments and operating the suction apparatus), developing X-rays and carrying out general administrative duties.

Dental Sterilisation Nurse

Dental sterilisation nurses play a pivotal role in the dental practice. They are responsible for cleaning the instruments used in procedures, keeping the environment clean and adhering to strict infection control guidelines. The proper sterilisation of equipment is an essential part of dentistry and it’s the dental sterilisation nurse’s job to ensure they provide their patients with the highest quality dental care.

Dental Therapy Assistant

As a registered healthcare professional, a dental therapy assistant specialises in the oral care of children and teenagers. Their main role is to provide help prepping young patients for examinations and treatments to improve productivity in the workplace. Dental therapy assistants focus on patient care and ensuring the patients feel comfortable and receive all the necessary information regarding their examination or procedure.

Delivery Options and Length

Online Course

Flexible online learning, meaning you can study whenever and wherever suits you through our online learning platform, My eCampus.

The length of the course is up to: 12 months

Cost & Payment Options

Upfront Payment

Payment Plan

Your course fee includes the delivery and assessment of your qualification, your study materials (including all resources) and ongoing support from our Education Team.

Upfront payment All course costs can be paid in total via VISA/MasterCard or bank deposit.

Payment plan Paid via a series of regular weekly or fortnightly instalments.

Course fees include course delivery and assessment, study materials and dedicated student support services. Please note this course does not qualify for assisted government funding.

Online Course

HLTSTE003

Sterilise loads

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to follow correct procedures to select and operate sterilisation equipment, interpret steriliser function and parameters in the provision of sterilised reusable medical devices, appropriately load items for sterilisation, and to release sterilised items for distribution. This competency unit does not deal with ethylene oxide sterilisation. This unit applies to individuals working under general supervision and within established procedures in a range of health service organisations, including hospitals and specialist sterilisation facilities.

HLTWHS003

Maintain work health and safety

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to implement and monitor work health and safety (WHS) policies, procedures and work practices as part of a small work team. This unit applies to workers who have a key role in maintaining WHS in an organisation, including duty of care for other workers.

BSBMED301

Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to understand and respond to instructions; to carry out routine tasks and communicate with a range of internal/external clients in a medical environment; as well as use appropriate medical terminology. It applies to individuals who apply a broad range of competencies in various medical administration contexts. They may exercise discretion and judgment using appropriate knowledge to provide technical advice and support to a team.

HLTDEN027

Take a clinical photograph

This unit of competency describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to take a clinical dental photograph under conditions that can be reproduced. This unit applies to dental assisting work under the instruction and supervision of the dental practitioner. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.

HLTSTE004

Manage sterile stock

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply procedures for handling, storing and maintaining sterile stock. This unit applies to individuals working under general supervision and within established procedures in a range of health service organisations.

HLTINF002

Process reusable medical devices and equipment

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to clean, sterilise and package reusable medical devices and equipment. This unit applies to workers in office based health practice settings such as general practitioner (GP) surgeries, dental practices and other environments where a limited range of sterilisation equipment may be available. They follow established procedures and work under general supervision.

HLTAID011*

Provide First Aid

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies. The unit applies to all persons who may be required to provide a first aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings. Specific licensing/regulatory requirements relating to this competency, including requirements for refresher training should be obtained from the relevant national/state/territory Work Health and Safety Regulatory Authorities. * This course contains the unit, HLTAID011Provide first aid, which must be completed through an external RTO. Foundation Education has an agreement in place with Red Cross Australia (RTOID 3605) which allows students to receive training for this unit at a reduced price. Please note that the cost of this external training is not included in any of your course fees. Upon completion, you will need to submit a copy of your first aid certificate in order for us to process a Credit Transfer against this unit on your student record. If you have chosen your own third-party provider, you must submit a certified copy of your certificate. If you have undertaken training with Red Cross Australia, you must forward Foundation Education the email you receive which contains the electronic copy of your certificate.

HLTDET001

Construct models

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to construct models from impressions of the patient’s maxillary or mandibular jaws. This unit applies to work in dental technology.

Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who have achieved:

HLT31812 Certificate III in Dental Assisting or
HLT35015 Certificate III in Dental Assisting or
HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting or equivalent.

Check the currency of HLT45021

Recognition of Prior Learning

Given that some students may already be able to demonstrate their competence in some units, a recognition of prior learning (RPL) assessment process may be available to students to recognise skills and knowledge that may have been gained through formal and informal training and/or learning, work experience and life experience.

Why choose us?

Student Testimonial

Rachel Withers, dental graduate

I started my placement four weeks ago roughly and was offered a full-time job within the practice.

Flexible Online Study
All of our courses are delivered online, giving you the flexibility to choose your course length.
Dedicated Student Support
Our industry experienced Technical Advisors, Assessors and Support Officers will support you from enrolment through to graduation.
Industry-relevant Courses
Course material is developed in consultation with industry experts to equip you with job-ready skills.
Nationally Recognised Training
All of our courses are Nationally Recognised and accredited.

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