Course overview
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.
Job outcomes
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Hygienist Assistant
- Dental Therapy Assistant
- Dental Prosthetist Assistant
Recognition
Study method
- Online
- Blended
- In-class
Duration study load
- Duration – 12 months
- Study Load – Submit 1 unit of competency every 3 weeks to graduate in 12 months, plus practical placement
Entry requirements
Education
You will need to have completed year 10, or equivalent. Equivalency can be demonstrated by one of the following:
- A qualification at Certificate II level or higher OR
- 2 years of industry experience in a role that requires the use of written documentation and communication.
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 complete the on-line 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 or cable
(Dial-up access will be significantly slower and is not recommended)
Windows : Operating system – Windows XP or Vista 7 or above
Internet Browser – Internet Explorer 7 or higher or the latest version of Google Chrome
MAC : Operating system: OS X 10.4 or later
Internet Browser – latest version of Google Chrome
Software: Flash, Adobe Reader, Microsoft Word (or Open Office which is free to download)
Course features
- 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 Courses – All of our courses are Nationally Recognised and accredited.
Work placement
Subjects
*This course contains a core unit, HLTAID003 Provide 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. Red Cross Australia is a third party training provider who conduct training and assessment services on behalf of Foundation Education.
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for workers to comply with infection control policies and procedures. All procedures must be carried out in accordance with current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards for maintaining infection control and the policies and procedures of the organisation This unit acknowledges the importance of complying with an effective infection control strategy that ensures the safety of the client (or end-user of health-related products/services), maintains personal protection and prevents the transmission of infections from person to person.
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for workers in the health care setting to clean and sterilise reusable instruments and equipment and to maintain associated environments. All procedures must be carried out in accordance with current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards and the policies and procedures of the health care establishment.
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for workers in the health care setting to clean and sterilise reusable instruments and equipment and to maintain associated environments. All procedures must be carried out in accordance with current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards and the policies and procedures of the health care establishment.
This unit specifies the workplace performance required for an entry level worker to participate in work health and safety (WHS) processes in the workplace in order to ensure their own health and safety at work as well as that of others in the workplace who may be affected by their actions.
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for a dental assistant to assist the operator by preparing the dental surgery, including preparation of necessary equipment, instruments and materials, for oral health care procedures and to assist the operator during the delivery of these procedures.
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to work effectively in a health setting with clients, staff, visitors, suppliers and others to meet established work requirements.
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for a dental assistant to assist the operator by preparing clients, equipment and materials for dental radiography, to protect themselves, the client, other members of the dental team and the public from the hazards associated with ionising radiation and to process and mount dental radiographs to diagnostic and quality assurance standards.
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for a dental assistant to assist the operator by managing appointments to suit the client and the organisation, to record and reconcile payments and to maintain client records.
About Foundation Education
Foundation Education is one of the few Registered Training Organisations (RTO) in Australia who endeavour to deliver flexible online training solutions designed to fit our students’ lifestyle. Since 1999, we’ve been focused on providing excellence in Vocational Education and Training and building partnership networks that drives the quality of graduates across each industry, with our partner RTO, the Australian Institute of Personal Trainers (AIPT). With more than 60 nationally recognised certificate and diploma level courses on offer, the Foundation Education difference means:
- Flexible Online Study – Our courses are delivered online so you can study whenever and wherever suits you. This also gives you the flexibility to choose your course length – whether that be the full term of your course or completing your study in as little as six months.
- Dedicated Student Support – Our industry experienced Technical Advisors, Assessors and Support Officers will support you from enrollment through to graduation.
- Industry Relevant Courses – Course material is developed in consultation with industry experts to equip you with the job-ready skills and up-to-date knowledge required to support your career goals.
Foundation Education is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO Number – 22557)
