Dental Assisting Courses

What is Dental Assisting?

Dental assistants are integral members of dental practices, assisting during appointments, oral health procedures, and managing various administrative tasks. In addition to providing chairside assistance, dental assistants update patient records, ensure equipment sterilization, and handle scheduling.

Working as a dental assistant is dynamic and fast-paced, where each day brings new challenges and experiences. You can find employment in private dental clinics, hospitals, and community-based clinics, making a significant impact on patients’ oral health.

Dental assisting career outlook

With the Australian dental industry experiencing continuous growth, there is a strong demand for dental assistants. Currently employing 28,600 professionals, the industry is projected to create numerous job opportunities in the coming years. With a projected 6.5% increase in employment, now is the perfect time to pursue a dental assistant course and secure your future in this thriving field.

Responsibilities of a dental assistant

• Sterilisation of dental equipment
• Medication management for patients
• Assisting with practice administration, including scheduling and payment processing
• Providing guidance to patients on dental health, oral hygiene, and infection prevention
• Developing and mounting X-rays
• Collaborating with dental practitioners during procedures
• Assisting in various dental treatments

Duration of dental assistant courses

While no formal qualifications are required to become a dental assistant, the most popular online courses for dental assistants are the Certificate III in Dental Assisting (HLT35021) and the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (HLT45021). These self-paced courses can be completed within 12 months on a full-time basis.

Certificate III in Dental Assisting

The Certificate III in Dental Assisting is an excellent starting point for your dental assisting career. This course equips you with the essential knowledge and skills to provide high-quality care to patients. You’ll learn how to assist dentists, handle dental radiography, and manage administrative duties within a dental practice.

Certificate IV in Dental Assisting

If you’ve completed the Certificate III in Dental Assisting and want to further advance your skills, the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting is the next step for you. This course delves deeper into various topics, including the impact of lifestyle factors on individuals’ oral health. Additionally, you have the option to specialise in radiography, where you’ll learn about medical terminology interpretation, infection control, and radiation biology.

Is dental assisting right for You?

As a dental assistant, you’ll have a client-facing role, interacting with diverse individuals on a daily basis. If you have a passion for helping others and bringing smiles to people’s faces, a career as a dental assistant can be highly rewarding.

Organisational skills, the ability to work under pressure in a busy environment, and meticulous attention to detail are crucial for dental assistants. Effective communication is also key, as you’ll collaborate with dentists and reception staff regularly.

If you’re ready to embark on an exciting career in dental assisting, explore our range of dental assisting courses today. With the flexibility of online learning, you can pursue your studies while balancing other commitments. Start your journey towards a successful career in dental assisting today!