Certificate III In Dental Assisting

Overview of HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting

The HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting is a nationally recognised qualification that provides a solid foundation for individuals aspiring to become professional dental assistants. This program encompasses a range of essential skills and theoretical knowledge required to support dentists and dental specialists in delivering high-quality patient care.

By enrolling in this program, you will gain the knowledge, confidence, and industry experience required to become a valuable member of a dental team. Join us on this exciting journey and take the first step towards a rewarding future in dental assisting.

Key Program Outcome:

Comprehensive Curriculum

Comprehensive Curriculum

Our Certificate III program covers all crucial aspects of dental assisting, including infection control, dental radiography, chairside assistance, oral health promotion, and administrative duties. You will gain a deep understanding of dental procedures, oral health concepts, and best practices in patient care.

Advanced Radiography Skills

Hands-on Practical Training

We believe in learning by doing. Throughout the program, you will have access to our dental facilities, where you will practice clinical skills and techniques under the guidance of experienced dental professionals. This practical training will enable you to develop the confidence and proficiency required for real-world dental settings.

Patient Safety and Radiation Protection

Industry-Relevant Experience

As part of the program, you will have the opportunity to participate in supervised workplace placement, allowing you to apply your knowledge and skills in a real dental practice. This hands-on experience will enhance your understanding of the dental profession and provide insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of a dental assistant.

Expanded Career Opportunities

Professional Development

Our Certificate III program not only focuses on technical skills but also places emphasis on professional development. You will learn effective communication techniques, patient management strategies, and ethical considerations in dental practice. These skills will help you build strong patient relationships.

Get job-ready quickly: 6–8 weeks to Sterilisation Nurse, 6 months to Dental Assistant

Students who complete our course will gain the skills and hands-on experience to step into a Sterilisation Nurse role within 6–8 weeks, and develop into a confident, work-ready Dental Assistant within just 6 months.

Please note: Students must still complete all remaining course units and assessment requirements to be awarded the HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting..

Entry To This Qualification Is Open To Individuals Who Have The Following:

Entry Age 

Minimum age of entry 18 years old. Have successfully completed at least Australian high school year 10, or equivalent

Language, Literacy and Numeracy skills and additional support:

A Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test must be completed. Students will need to obtain an Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) score of 3 across reading, writing, learning and oral communication. A score of 2 for Numeracy and Digital Literacy.

Residency Status

You will need to be a permanent Australian resident or equivalent. If you are on a different visa, please check with the Department of Home Affairs or your migration agent to confirm your eligibility to enroll in this course.

Work placement 

This qualification requires a minimum 350 hours of work placement. – Learners are expected to look for a Work Placement Provider on their own, and Go Educate Team will be checking the provider’s suitability and support. 

Basic computer skills are required

You’ll need regular access to a computer with the necessary hardware and software to complete the online components of the course:

Completing Dental Assisting III can Open Up Various Pathways And Opportunities For:

Open Up Various Pathways And Opportunities

Continuous education

Graduates may also consider enrolling in HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting

Specialisation in complex treatments, radiography and oral health education

Dental Assisting III can serve as a stepping stone to further specialization in a specific area of dental assisting. You may choose to pursue additional training or education in areas such as orthodontics, oral surgery, endodontics, or pediatric dentistry. This can expand your career options and potentially lead to higher-paying positions or increased responsibility within specialized dental practices.

Diploma of practice management and leadership

Dental Assisting III may include components or elective units related to dental office management. This can enable you to develop skills in practice management, appointment scheduling, billing, and insurance coordination. With this knowledge, you may explore opportunities to work in dental office management roles or even consider opening your own dental practice in the future.

Upon successful completion of the HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting, you will be well-prepared to pursue various dental assisting roles in dental clinics, hospitals, specialty practices, and community health centres. Whether you choose to specialise in a particular field or further your education, this program serves as an excellent stepping stone for your dental career.

Advance diploma of dental hygiene or bachelor degree of oral health therapy

Provide a solid foundation for pursuing higher education in dental hygiene or dental therapy. These roles involve providing preventive and therapeutic dental care directly to patients, and the knowledge gained in Dental Assisting III can be valuable in transitioning to these fields.

10 units (8 core units and 2 elective units).

This course covers a total of 10 units (8 core units and 2 elective units).

Core Units

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 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.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for workers to participate in safe work practices to ensure 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.

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.

This unit of competency describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare the dental surgery including equipment, instruments and materials, for dental procedures and assist the practitioner during dental procedures.

This unit applies to dental assisting work under the instruction and supervision of the dental practitioner.

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

This unit applies to dental assisting work under the instruction and supervision of the dental practitioner.

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

This unit applies to dental assistants who assist with administration in dental practice.

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.

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.

Elective Units

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide oral hygiene information and instruction to patients to promote and support effective home care oral health practices. The skills and knowledge will enable the candidate to provide instruction on oral hygiene techniques and accurate selection of basic oral hygiene products and aids for individual patient needs.

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.

* Please note that if you choose HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid as one of your elective units, it must be completed through an external RTO. Go Educate can assist by recommending approved providers; however, the cost of this external unit is not included in your course fees.

Once you have completed the First Aid course, you will need to submit a copy of your certificate so we can process a Credit Transfer. If you complete the unit through a provider of your own choice, a certified copy of the certificate will be required.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select and use software and organise electronic information and data.

The unit applies to those who use a limited range of practical skills with a fundamental knowledge of equipment use and the organisation of data in a defined context, under direct supervision or with limited individual responsibility.

The course delivery includes four main delivery components:

Delivery Schedule: 12 Months

To graduate within 12 months, students must submit 1 course unit every 5 weeks.

  • All activities contributing to the amount of training
  • All activities facilitated by the trainers where direct support is provided to learners

These include but are not limited to:

  • E-Learning through Go Educate’s LMS (includes reading materials with images, practice quizzes, etc)
  • Online training sessions
  • Real time/Simulation face-to-face sessions 
  • Assessment feedback and coaching
  • Online support

All other non-assessment activities are independently undertaken by learners.

These activities are self-paced and self-directed.

Trainers will provide instructions about learning activities learners may undertake.

These include but are not limited to:

  • Homework
  • Research

These activities are typically recommended to beginners, optional for intermediate and advanced learners, and not offered to expert learners undertaking RPL or Credit Transfer.

All required assessment activities mapped to training package requirements. These activities may be completed in class or as homework.

These include but are not limited to:

  • Written knowledge assessments
  • Projects
  • Tasks based on simulated scenarios/ case studies
  • Observation via demonstration, presentation or role play
  • Observation via workplace/vocational placement
  • All assessment activities are mandatory for beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners.


For expert learners, taking the Knowledge Assessment is mandatory while RPL is required to satisfy the qualification’s practical requirements.

As part of your journey toward achieving full qualifications, the course includes a comprehensive 350-hour work placement component. This hands-on experience is designed to immerse you in a real-world dental practice, providing invaluable practical skills and insights into the industry

You’ll need to secure a suitable Work Placement Provider to complete this requirement, ensuring they are equipped with up-to-date dental medical tools and equipment required for operations. Rest assured, the Go Educate team will assess your chosen provider to ensure they meet industry standards. Your placement must be supervised by a qualified professional holding a Certificate III in Dental Assisting or a higher relevant qualification.

For added support, Go Educate offers access to its network of trusted providers, helping you find the right fit. Throughout your placement, you’ll be equipped with detailed workbooks to guide you through the necessary tasks and ensure you meet all requirements seamlessly.

This inclusive work placement experience is designed to enhance your learning and prepare you for a successful career in dental assisting.

All learner cohorts are required to provide evidence of undertaking the minimum work placement or workplace hours. For learners undertaking RPL, instructions about the evidence to submit are provided in their RPL Kit.

Mode of delivery 

  • Blended learning ( with face to face and flexible online component) 
  • On the job work placement 


Context for Assessment 

  1. Training room/Institutional environment
  2. Simulated environment (virtual workplace)
  3. Work in industry/workplace (on the job)

Course Snapshot

Units

10 units

Duration

Up to 12 months

Qualification

Certificate III in Dental Assisting

Students can complete their practical work placement within the first 6 months, while continuing to complete the remaining components of the course over the full 12-month duration.

Delivery structure

Theoretical Elements: 

Study the theoretical elements of this course anywhere and anytime through our online learning platform. 

Practical Elements: 

Students are required to complete a minuimum of 350 hour work placement in a real dental practice.

Study load

Qualification

Have Questions About Our Courses?

Download Our Free Student Handbook or Call (02) 9998 2618

FAQ

Got Questions? We Have Answers

What is the enrollment process at Go Educate?

Please read the full details of the course you wish to apply for as well as our downloadable handbook for enrolment details. 

While we do not guarantee employment or work placements after graduation, we provide guidance and resources to help you prepare for the workforce, including career advice, resume tips, and information about potential opportunities in the dental assisting field.

We offer a range of flexible payment options for our courses. For details on available plans and methods, please visit our Payment Options page.

Yes, you can see them under the Recognition of Prior Learning course section on this page

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