Dental assistant job description
Where we source our data
Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That’s why we anonymously surveyed dental assistants about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Where we source our data
Let’s get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you’re making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That’s why we anonymously surveyed dental assistants about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it’s really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can’t guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Physical
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Organising
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Intellectual
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.
Tasks and responsibilities for a dental assistant
A dental assistant provides critical support to dental practitioners in dental treatments and assists in the dental clinic’s day-to-day running. So, what does a dental assistant do every day?
Dental assistant duties can include:
- Greeting patients as their first point of contact
- Assisting dentists with dental procedures and treatments
- Sterilising dental equipment and setting up treatment areas
- Dental health and dental care education for patients
- Helping with practice administration
- Clinic and waiting area housekeeping
- Scheduling appointments
- Processing X-rays
Reasons to choose this job
Based on our career survey data, these are the factors that workers said were most important to them when choosing this job.
Enjoyable
Every day as a dental assistant is different from the last. This dynamic and fast-paced work environment keeps you on your toes and offers many learning opportunities. You meet new people every day, interact with children, and educate them in dental health in fun ways. Surrounded by dentists and oral hygienists, dental assistants work in a team environment and form great work relationships.
Flexible hours
Dental assisting is a great career choice for those with families or other life responsibilities. Full-time jobs are available in dental assistant work, but most dental assisting roles in Australia are part-time. Plus, your time off is protected, as dental clinics often shut on weekends and public holidays.
Job security
There are around 18,575 dental businesses in Australia, and all of them need enthusiastic support staff to run the show behind the scenes. With the growth in the dental service industry projected, jobs are set to be available in this sector for a long time to come, and employers want workers committed to staying with the practice long-term.
Job satisfaction
Overall job satisfaction
This overall score combines the critical factors in job satisfaction. It includes fulfilment, stress levels, and opportunities for advancement, based on our career survey data.
Stress level
How stressful workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Fulfilment
How personally rewarding workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.
Skill level
The skill level required to do this job is based on both our career survey data and official data from the Labour Market Information Portal.
Job market trends for a dental assistant
The job outlook for dental assistants is looking good. According to The Australian Industry and Skills Committee, employment levels for dental assistants more than doubled over the last 20 years — from 10,500 in 2000 to 23,800 in 2020. Employment is predicted to continue its strong growth between now and 2024 to around 36,400.
The predicted growth in the dental services industry can be attributed to a growing and ageing population, a rise in disposable incomes and an increase in tooth decay and gum disease among adults.
Median salary
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Projected job growth
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Where this data comes from
Median salary
We use the median salary over the average because it’s more realistic — unusually high or low salaries don’t skew the median. It shows the true middle point, which is what your typical worker in this job earns.
This figure is from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It’s the official median full-time adult salary for non-managers, before tax. (Includes salary sacrifice.)
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (cat. no. 6306.0), Customised Report
Projected job growth
Job growth projections, using data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. These calculations were made before COVID-19 and may not accurately reflect the labour market. Use these numbers as a general guide only.
Pathway options
Job pathways are drawn from the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways site.
An initial role in dental assisting is a solid platform to boost your career and provide opportunities in other facets of the dental industry.
Some career pathways could be:
Junior
-
Dental assistant
Most common qualification: Certificate III in Dental Assisting (HLT35015)
Mid
-
Dental lab assistant
Most common qualification: Certificate III in Dental Laboratory Assisting (HLT35115)
-
Dental technician
Most common qualification: Diploma of Dental Technology (HLT55118)
Senior
-
Dental hygienist
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (HLT45015)
-
Dental prosthetist
Most common qualification: Advanced Diploma of Dental Prosthetics (HLT65015)
Skills you might already have
Based on our career survey data, the soft skills that workers said were most needed to do their job well.
Experience you have gained in life or past employment might have given you some skills to be a successful dental assistant. Often these skills are the difference between being good at your job and excelling in it.
Some dental assistant requirements are:
Organisation
Any support role within the healthcare industry requires excellent time management and organisational skills. A day in a dental clinic can be fast-paced, and you need to have equipment ready, administration tasks completed and your ducks in a row at all times.
Communication
As with working in any organisation that requires a team of people, communication skills are vital. You are often required to be the first point of contact for new and existing patients, and this requires clear, direct direction and the ability to be personable and welcoming. Assertive communication is also necessary between dental assistants and dentists to ensure the efficiency of treatments and services.
Teamwork
Working in a dental clinic means working in a dental team. For example, some organisations might have a combination of clinic managers, receptionists, assistants, and dentists. All need to work cohesively to ensure the effective running of the business and the safety of the patients.
Hard skills
The job-specific skills that workers said were most important, supplemented with data from JobOutlook and online job advertisements.
Undertaking vocational training in dental assistance provides you with practical skills in the industry that you would not otherwise have access to.
Some technical skills required for the job are:
Oral health care procedures
Dental radiography
Oral hygiene and dental health promotion
Infection prevention
Workplace health and safety and first aid
Dental practice admin
How to become a dental assistant
-
Study
Completing a Certificate III in Dental Assisting provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to work in the dental environment safely and confidently. Undertaking a Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Radiography Specialisation) gives you a more advanced skillset. It also provides you with specialist training in using radiography equipment to assist in dental x-rays.
-
Adhere to immunisation requirements
Make sure you are up-to-date with the immunisations needed to work in a dental clinic. Although vaccination is not mandated, many clinics have their own policies in place to ensure the safety of their staff and clients.
Explore related qualifications
Certificate III in Dental Assisting
This course teaches you skills to assist a dentist, dental hygienist, dental prosthetist, dental therapist or oral health therapist. Develop skills in infection control, practice administration and supporting quality and professionalism in the dental sector.
The average course duration is one year, can be delivered in-class, online and in a practice-based environment and requires at least 250 hours of on the job training. Payment plans may be available for course fees.
8 providers offer this course
Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Oral Health Promotion Specialisation)
This qualification meets the requirements for those who want to provide an advanced level of assistance to a dentist, dental hygienist, dental prosthetist, dental therapist, or oral health therapist.
This course has radiography as an elective and, if selected, gives you an edge over other job applicants. Be aware that jurisdictional legislative radiation licensing requirements may apply to candidates.
A 250-hour work placement is required for this qualification, and most course providers have specific requirements to enrol.
The average course duration is one year, and you can study with various methods, including online and in-person. Payment plans may be available for course fees.
1 providers offer this course
Related subjects
The health sector always needs more proactive, empathetic and enthusiastic new workers. Roles in this field are plentiful and come in many shapes and sizes.
Reviews
How we collect reviews
Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.
Is this your job title?
Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.
How we collect reviews
Reviews are from Australian workers with this job title or a very closely related one.
Is this your job title?
Share your thoughts and help people decide if this job is right for them.
- All
- Positive
- Negative
Alice
Aug 31 2021Overall rewarding career but stressful when understaffed.
What are the best parts of the job?
Gaining knowledge in the dental industry as a dental nurse is rewarding, and it's awesome having the opportunity to work with other Professional Dental Associates within the industry. It's a great long-term career.
What's the most challenging part?
Working in a dentist clinic with low dentist to patient ratio is stressful. It can be dangerous for patients as well.
Abbey
Aug 31 2021Helping clients feel their best makes this a rewarding job.
What are the best parts of the job?
Making people feel better about their appearance is so rewarding. I love it when people leave the clinic happy.
What's the most challenging part?
Time management is sometimes a struggle, but it's something you can get better at!
Jess
Aug 31 2021I enjoy the communication aspect and helping clients.
What are the best parts of the job?
Communication with clients and my colleagues is really fun. I love getting to know patients and doing everything I can to help them.
What's the most challenging part?
Helping patients isn't always easy. Some people can be challenging, and other times you're not able to meet a patient's expectations.
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Job cluster: The Carer
What are job clusters?
The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.
The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.
This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.
Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?
What are job clusters?
The seven job clusters are sets of closely related jobs that share skills, making it easy to apply skills learned in one career to another.
The idea of the seven job clusters first appeared in a 2016 research report by the Foundation for Young Australians, titled “The New Work Mindset”. Researchers analysed thousands of online job advertisements and found that jobs are more similar than commonly thought — and the skills you gain in one position are easy to bring to another. In fact, they can help you get 13 other closely related jobs.
This model is a great way to think about 21st-century careers, where the average person changes career five times. We’ve used this framework (along with the much-loved Holland Codes model) to build a career quiz.
Why not take it and find out which job cluster feels like home?
A role as a dental assistant involves caring for a diverse range of people each day and is best suited to the career personality of The Carer.
The Carer excels in a team environment where the common goal is to improve the lives of others. The Career employs their innate human-centric abilities to make people feel comfortable and looked after.
Take the Career Quiz to discover what jobs are a great fit for you.
Frequently asked questions
Why become a dental assistant?
A dental assistant career is enjoyable, helps others and provides job security.
How long does it take to become a dental assistant?
The recommended training takes around a year, provides you with the core skills and prepares you for a dental assistant role.
What is the difference between a dental assistant and a dental hygienist?
A dental assistant supports a dental practitioner in treatments and clinic administration, where a dental hygienist prevents and treats oral diseases.
How much does a dental assistant earn?
In Australia, a dental assistant earns an average yearly salary of $58K.
What makes a good dental assistant?
A good dental assistant pays attention to detail, is organised, can work within a team and communicate effectively.