HLT35021 - Certificate III in Dental Assisting
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of workers who assist dental practitioners during oral health care procedures. The role includes maintaining high standards of infection control, assisting with practice administration and supporting quality and professionalism in the dental sector. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 350 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of the units of competency.
This is a nationally recognised course.
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Study Experience
- Experienced Teaching Team
- Clustered Course Units
- Pay as You Go
- Fast-Tracked Course
Career Opportunities
Students can work as a qualified Dental Assistant in general dental and specialist dental practices.
Structure & Availability
Standard Course Structure
Duration:| Full Time Duration | Part Time Duration |
|---|---|
| 12 Months | 24 Months |
Students are required to complete 10 units, 8 core and 2 electives. The Certificate III in Dental Assisting is competency based meaning that it may be possible for students to complete their training sooner if they have reached the required skill level.
Core
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety |
| HLTINF006 | Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control |
| HLTDEN015 | Prepare for and assist with dental procedures |
| CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services |
| HLTINF002 | Process reusable medical devices and equipment |
| HLTDEN016 | Assist with dental radiography |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
| HLTDEN017 | Assist with administration in dental practice |
Elective
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically |
| HLTDEN028 | Provide effective oral hygiene instruction to patients with an oral health treatment plan |
This course has no residential schools.
Vocational placement is an important and vital factor in successfully completing this qualification. You must be an existing worker or a volunteer in a dental practice in order to satisfy the assessment requirements for each of the units of competency within this qualification. You are required to be working or volunteering in a dental facility for a minimum of 12 hours per week in order to gain the skills and knowledge as outlined in each of the units of competency.
Under HLTDEN015 - Prepare for and assist with dental procedures, you are required to perform at least 350 hours of dental assisting work and have this recorded in your student logbook.
- at least 300 hours in a real dental clinic workplace
- up to 50 hours in a simulated dental clinic workplace environment.
With adherence to infection control guidelines and in line with the current edition of The Australian Immunisation Handbook, it is recommended that all students have surface immunity to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV).
Contact your GP to arrange a referral for a blood test/screening.
Requirements
Completion of the BKSB (Basic Key Skills Builder) online literacy and numeracy assessment prior to enrolment, unless the student has completed an equal or higher level course.
You must be an existing worker or a volunteer in a dental practice in order to satisfy the assessment requirements for each of the units of competency within this qualification. You are required to be working or volunteering in a dental facility for a minimum of 12 hours per week in order to gain the skills and knowledge as outlined in each of the units of competency.
Under unit HLTDEN015 - Prepare for and assist with dental procedures, you are required to perform 350 hours of dental assisting work and have this recorded in your student logbook.
- At least 300 hours in a real dental clinic workplace.
- Up to 50 hours in a simulated dental clinic workplace environment.
Fees & Scholarships
Fee for Service/ Full Fee
Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE.
Co-Contribution and Co-Contribution Concessional Fee
Some government-funded training programs, such as Certificate 3 Guarantee and Higher Level Skills, require students to contribute to the cost of their education through a co-contribution fee. This fee varies depending on the course and the student's eligibility for a concessional rate. Additional costs, such as uniforms and course resources, may also apply. More details on eligibility and exemptions can be found on How to Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.
Starting the 1st of July 2025, the Queensland Government is updating its TAFE subsidy offerings. Students commencing from this date will need to be reassessed, potentially requiring additional documentation to maintain their funding. Those who do not provide the necessary documents, or are no longer eligible, may lose their subsidy and continue as full-fee-paying students. For more information visit Paying for TAFE and review Important Changes to TAFE Subsidies from July 2025.
If you are unsure of your eligibility or wish to discuss your options further, please connect with us on 13 27 86.
At CQUniversity, we believe that studying should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more
How to Apply
How to Apply
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