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How to Become a Dental Assistant: An Enjoyable Job That Will Stretch Your Intellect

To work as a dental assistant (also known as a dental nurse), you need a specific set of skills and knowledge. Although a formal qualification is not required to gain an entry-level position, a Certificate III in Dental Assisting (HLT35015) increases your job prospects and ensures you’re better prepared for the role.

Find out more about the role, the job market, and gain helpful insights into getting a dental assistant job.

dental-assistant
  • Overview
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Skills
  • How to Become
  • Start Learning
  • Reviews

Dental assistant job description
info 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.

A dental assistant helps dentists perform their duties by preparing equipment for dental procedures, as well as cleaning up afterwards and passing instruments to the dental practitioner. A dental assistant also greets patients and is a first point of contact, and helps with administrative tasks.
Physical

Physical
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.

Organising

Organising
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the words that workers would use to describe their jobs.

Intellectual

Intellectual
info
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
info
Based on our career survey data, these are the factors that workers said were most important to them when choosing this job.

Enjoyable

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.

Read More
Flexible hours

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.

Read More
Job security

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.

Read More

Job satisfaction

Overall job satisfaction
info
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
info
How stressful workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.

medium

Fulfilment
info
How personally rewarding workers feel their job is, based on our career survey data.

high

Skill level
info
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.

medium

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. 

$58,032 Per Year

Median salary
info 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
info 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
info
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
info
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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Hard skills
info
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

Read More

Dental radiography

Read More

Oral hygiene and dental health promotion

Read More

Infection prevention

Read More

Workplace health and safety and first aid 

Read More

Dental practice admin

Read More

How to become a dental assistant

To enhance your job application, get confidence in the industry and gain skills in dental assistance, there are some practical steps you can take.
  1. 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.

  2. 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

Study method In-class Online

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.

Read More

8 providers offer this course

National College Australia (NCA)
St John Ambulance Australia
Health Courses Australia
Phillips Institute
Foundation Education
The Gordon Institute of TAFE
All Health Training
MCI Institute

Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Oral Health Promotion Specialisation)

Study method Online

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.

Read More

1 providers offer this course

Foundation Education

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.

Allied Health
Allied Health
Dental Assisting
Dental Assisting
Health
Health

Reviews
info 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.

Leave a Review

  • All
  • Positive
  • Negative
Alice
Aug 31 2021

Overall 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.

Read More

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.

Read More
Qualification Diploma
Experience 10+
Organisation size 5-19 employees
Specialisation Head dental assistant
Abbey
Aug 31 2021

Helping 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.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Time management is sometimes a struggle, but it's something you can get better at!

Read More
Qualification Cert III
Experience 10+
Organisation size 5-19 employees
Jess
Aug 31 2021

I 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.

Read More

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.

Read More
Qualification Advanced diploma
Experience 1-3
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Kate
Sep 12 2021

Love forming relationships with all my patients.

What are the best parts of the job?

Getting to know all of your patients and helping them maintain healthy smiles.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

The biggest challenge is managing time in a busy dental clinic.

Read More
Qualification Cert III
Experience 5-10
Organisation size 5-19 employees
Maddie
Sep 12 2021

Enjoy helping people, but need to be good at time management.

What are the best parts of the job?

Being in a job where you're always helping people is so rewarding.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Time management is an important part of the job, but it can be a challenge.

Read More
Qualification None of the above
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 0-4 employees
Bella
Sep 12 2021

Love being able to help people.

What are the best parts of the job?

Helping people feel more confident about their teeth.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

It's challenging when things go wrong. There's not a lot of room for error in this field.

Read More
Qualification Cert III
Experience 1-3
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Therese
Sep 13 2021

Role where I need to be attentive in order to help people achieve goals.

What are the best parts of the job?

Making a difference in people’s lives, making their health and happiness a goal that we can achieve together.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

You have to really listen and be attentive, and you can’t really make many errors.

Read More
Qualification Cert IV
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 5-19 employees
Specialisation Orthodontics
Pearly
Sep 13 2021

Enjoy the social aspect.

What are the best parts of the job?

You get to make friends with colleagues and clients.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Working long hours is challenging, but it's just part of the job.

Read More
Qualification Bachelor’s degree
Experience 1-3
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Tiana
Sep 14 2021

Enjoy meeting people and helping them.

What are the best parts of the job?

Meeting new people and helping them feel good after their appointment.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

when people are scared it can be challenging to get my job done effectively, but you have to help them calm down.

Read More
Qualification Advanced diploma
Experience 3-5
Organisation size 20-199 employees
Zoe
Sep 15 2021

Helping people improve their health.

What are the best parts of the job?

Making people feel good. Teeth are a very important part of our health and wellbeing.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

Difficult patients are inevitable, but they're the biggest challenge in my day to day work.

Read More
Qualification Cert III
Experience 5-10
Organisation size 5-19 employees
Specialisation Orthodontics
Micah
Sep 30 2021

Satisfying to help others.

What are the best parts of the job?

Helping people — it's why I chose this career and what fulfills me most.

Read More

What's the most challenging part?

The risks that are part of the job are challenging. You spend all day in contact with peoples' mouths, which comes with the risk of contracting diseases or infections.

Read More
Qualification Bachelor’s degree
Experience 1-3
Organisation size 5-19 employees
1 2 3 4

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A job as a dental assistant might be exactly what you are looking for. For more industry insights, information on roles in the healthcare industry and career tips, you can get stuck into these resources.

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The Carer Take the Career Quiz

Job cluster: The Carer
info 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.

Learn More

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.

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