HLT35015

Certificate III in Dental Assisting

Advance your career in the health care industry with the Certificate III in Dental Assisting qualification for a long term career

Become A Qualified Dental Assistant

Part-time and casual work as a Dental Assistant is offered as abundantly as full-time work in the dental assisting sector, according to Job Outlook, published by the Australian government *. If you’re looking for a flexible, hands-on career, dental assisting could be a great choice for you. Suited to those with strong communication skills, a caring nature and a willingness to learn, a career in dental assisting presents a number of opportunities with in the health sector.

The Certificate III in Dental Assisting prepares you to assist with oral health care procedures, comply with infection control policies and procedures, process reusable equipment in health work and participate in work health and safety processes. This nationally recognised dental assisting qualification allows you to build on your existing communication skills and equips you with the skills required to assist with administration processes in dental practices.

Once you’ve graduated from a Certificate III in Dental Assisting, you will be qualified to work as a Health Care Assistant for a variety of dental professionals, including a Dentist, Dental Hygienist or Dental Therapist. As a Dental Assistant, your key focus is to ensure patients are comfortable and experience a high level of care, whether that’s at the front of house or whilst undergoing treatment.

This course includes both theory and practical components with all theory delivered online, meaning you set the pace of your studies to fit into your schedule. All course material and assignments are easily accessible via our online learning platform, My eCampus. Your practical component consists of 300 hours of placement that’s completed in a dental clinic of your choosing. Your dental practical placement exposes you to hands-on training in a working dental practice and provides you with invaluable experience prior to graduation. Speak to us about finding a dental practice that is most suited to your location and requirements.

This dental assisting qualification is a great starting point for your career in the dental sector. Enrol today into the Certificate III in Dental Assisting to gain the skills, knowledge and experience you require to succeed as a qualified Dental Assistant.

*Source: joboutlook.gov.au

This is a Nationally Recognised course.

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Eligibility Requirements

Education

Whilst there are no formal entry requirements mandated by the training package, students’ skills and capabilities to undertake this training product will be assessed and advice on suitability will be provided during the pre-enrolment process.

Minimum Age

Students under the age of 18 years require the signed consent of a parent or guardian to enrol in this qualification.

Residency Status

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

Computer Requirements

In order to complete the online part of the 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

For mandatory work placement (300 hours, including an initial 50 hours completed in simulation), students must have access to a dental practice and a qualified supervisor i.e. a person who holds Certificate III in Dental Assisting or a higher relevant qualification.

Students may need to undertake a Working with Children check to meet individual work placement employer requirements.

We will assist you in organising a work placement location of your choosing.

Qualification

Certificate III in Dental Assisting

Delivery

Online, combined with 300 hours of practical placement available

Length

12 months

Study Load

Submit 1 unit of competency every 3 weeks to graduate in 12 months, plus practical placement

Cost

Payment Options

Upfront Payment
Payment Plan

Course Outcomes

Once you’ve completed your Certificate III in Dental Assisting, you’ll be able to assist a Dentist, Dental Hygienist, Dental Prosthetist, Dental Therapist or Oral Health Therapist with oral health care procedures. You could gain employment as a:

Dental Assistant

Help Dentists perform dental procedures and make sure patients are comfortable and cared for.

Dental Hygienist Assistant

Assist Hygienists with treatment delivery and processing X-rays.

Dental Therapy Assistant

Working closely with dentists and other oral health professionals, you will perform essential tasks such as preparing and sterilising equipment, assisting patients, taking x-rays, and completing important paperwork. Dental therapy assistants play a crucial role in ensuring all procedures and appointments go as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Dental Prosthetist Assistant

The Certificate III in Dental Assisting will equip you with the skills to help a dental prosthetist diagnose, prevent, and treat various oral health conditions. This field of dentistry specialises in creating and fixing dentures.

Dental Sterilisation Nurse

Work within the sterilising department, reprocessing instruments and maintaining equipment.

Dental Receptionist

Perform dental administration duties, including booking appointments, greeting patients and processing payments.

Treatment Coordinator

Coordinate and discuss treatment options with patients.

Delivery Options and Length

Online, combined with 300 hours of practical placement

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, combined with 300 hours of practical placement

HLTDEN003

Assist with administration in dental practice

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for a dental assistant to assist the operator by managing appointments to suit the patient and the organisation, recording and reconciling payments, and maintaining patient records.

HLTINF001

Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to follow organisational infection prevention and control procedures, including implementing standard and transmission-based precautions and responding to infection risks.

HLTDEN001

Prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for a dental assistant to assist the operator by preparing the dental surgery including preparing necessary equipment, instruments and materials for oral health care procedures, and to assist the operator during the delivery of these procedures.

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.

BSBWOR301

Organise personal work priorities and development

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to organise own work schedules, to monitor and obtain feedback on work performance and to maintain required levels of competence.

BSBCUS301

Deliver and monitor a service to customers

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify customer needs, deliver and monitor customer service and identify improvements in the provision of customer service. It applies to individuals who apply a broad range of competencies in various work contexts. In this role, individuals often exercise discretion and judgement using appropriate theoretical knowledge of customer service to provide technical advice and support to customers over short or long term interactions.

CHCDIV001

Work with diverse people

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

CHCCOM005

Communicate and work in health or community services

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, management and other industry providers. This unit applies to a range of health and community service contexts where workers may communicate face-to-face, in writing or using digital media and work with limited responsibility under direct or indirect supervision.

HLTDEN002

Assist with dental radiography

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for a dental assistant to prepare patients for dental radiography. It also describes the skills and knowledge to process and mount conventional dental radiographs.

HLTWHS001

Participate in workplace health and safety

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for workers to participate in safe work practices to ensure both their own health and safety and that of others. The unit applies to all workers who require knowledge of workplace health and safety (WHS) to carry out their own work, either under direct supervision or with some individual responsibility.

* HLTAID003

Provide first aid

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty. The unit applies to all workers who may be required to provide a first aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings. *This course contains units, HLTAID003 Provide first aid and HLTAID001 Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 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 these units at a reduced price or you may source your own training provider. 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 and CPR certificate for us to process a Credit Transfer against these units on your student record.

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

Check the currency of HLT35015

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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