HLT35021 - Certificate III in Dental Assisting
Duration | 1 year |
Location | Mixed Mode |
Next intake | October, 2023 |
Study mode | Mixed Mode |
Total units | 10 |

Overview
If you enjoy helping people smile, then consider a qualification in dental assisting. Oral health is more than brushing and flossing, a Certificate III in Dental Assisting will provide you with a nationally recognised qualification in a dynamic industry. This course is included in the Australian and Queensland Government’s Fee Free TAFE program.
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 accredited course.
QUALITY EDUCATION, WHEREVER YOU ARE
Between our reputation for learning, teaching and research, our renowned online education offering, and our status as Australia’s largest regional university, rest assured you will get a world-class education when you choose CQUniversity.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CREDIBILITY IS KEY
In just 25 years, CQUniversity has achieved some amazing feats and emerged as one of Australia’s truly great universities. We have been ranked among the best in the world for our teaching and learning, and are internationally recognised for our focus on Social Innovation. Our graduates are some of the most sought-after in Australia, due to our reputation for work integrated learning and industry-aligned courses, and experience some of the nation’s best graduate outcomes in terms of full-time employment and starting salary. CQUni is also regarded as the nation’s most inclusive and engaged university, with our award-winning academic and research staff making a real impact on the communities and industries we serve.
A UNI THAT LEADS IN ONLINE EDUCATION
A pioneer in online study, CQUniversity has more than two decades of experience providing high quality online learning experiences across the country and even internationally. We work hard to deliver the latest techniques in online study, and have even planned our physical sites to provide more services to our widespread online study cohort.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CONVENIENCE COUNTS
CQUniversity is truly focused on our students’ needs, and that means responding to what, how and where they want to study. It is why we are now Australia’s largest regional university, with more than 20 metropolitan and regional locations across five states, delivering TAFE and university qualifications in on-campus, online and supported online modes to more than 30 000 students.
A UNI THAT KNOWS YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS
CQUniversity’s strong focus on student experience ensures that you are prepared and supported on your student journey. Support services include on-campus or online orientation to assist your transition into university life, course and career advice, financial support options, study support, ongoing assistance through the Student Mentor program, counselling services, support for students with disability or medical conditions, Indigenous student support and more.
Career Opportunities
Students completing HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting can enter the workforce in the role of Dental Assistant.
Structure & Availability
Standard Course Structure
Duration:1 year
Core
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
HLTINF006 | Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control |
HLTWHS001 | Participate in workplace health and safety |
HLTINF002 | Process reusable medical devices and equipment |
HLTDEN015 | Prepare for and assist with dental procedures |
HLTDEN016 | Assist with dental radiography |
HLTDEN017 | Assist with administration in dental practice |
CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people |
CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services |
Elective
Unit Code | Unit Name |
---|---|
HLTDEN028 | Provide effective oral hygiene instruction to patients with an oral health treatment plan |
HLTAID011 | Provide First Aid |
Standard Course Structure
Intake | Locations |
---|---|
February, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
March, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
April, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
May, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
June, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
July, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
August, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
September, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
October, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
November, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
February, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
March, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
April, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
May, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
June, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
July, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
August, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
September, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
October, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
November, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
Trainee (User Choice) Course Structure
Intake | Locations |
---|---|
February, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
March, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
April, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
May, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
June, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
July, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
August, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
September, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
October, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
November, 2023 | Mixed Mode |
February, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
March, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
April, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
May, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
June, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
July, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
August, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
September, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
October, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
November, 2024 | Mixed Mode |
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 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 a requirement that all students have surface immunity to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV).
- Evidence must be provided in the form of a Vaccination Record with reported date of the 3 doses or age-appropriate doses and a serology result indicating blood titre level result with an antibody level of 10IU/L or greater. We recommend contacting your GP to arrange a referral for a blood test/screening.
COVID-19 vaccination for workers link to Queensland Government website
Requirements
There are no current Training Package entry requirements under this qualification, however, students should note the following important information on CQUniversity entry requirements for this course:
1. Students are required to complete the Basic Key Skills Builder (bksb) online literacy and numeracy assessment prior to enrolment unless they have completed an equal or higher-level course.
2. On the job requirements:
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.
With adherence to Infection Control Guidelines and in line with the current edition of The Australian Immunisation Handbook, it is a requirement that all students have surface immunity to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). Evidence must be provided in the form of a Vaccination Record with reported date of the 3 doses or age-appropriate doses and a serology result indicating blood titre level result with an antibody level of 10IU/L or greater. We recommend contacting your GP to arrange a referral for a blood test/screening.
COVID-19 vaccination for workers link to Queensland Government website
Fees & Scholarships
2023 Indicative Fees
Fee Type | Fees |
---|---|
Fee for service | $5,104 |
Fee for service per unit | $464 |
TAFE Priority Skills Fund/Training Program fee per unit | $58.50 |
Co-Contribution Fee | $1,617 |
Co-Contribution Concessional Fee | $858 |
Co-Contribution Fee per unit | $147 |
Co-Contribution Concessional Fee per unit | $78 |
2024 Indicative Fees
Fee Type | Fees |
---|---|
Fee for service | $5,368 |
Fee for service per unit | $488 |
TAFE Priority Skills Fund/Training Program fee per unit | $5 |
Co-Contribution Fee | $1,705 |
Co-Contribution Concessional Fee | $924 |
Co-Contribution Fee per unit | $155 |
Co-Contribution Concessional Fee per unit | $84 |
Please refer to the VET student fees price lists, eligibility criteria applies for subsidised funding. If you are unsure please call us on 13 27 86.
This is a Fee Free TAFE course thanks to the Australian and Queensland Governments. Eligibility and conditions apply.
At CQUniversity, we believe higher education 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 a wide range of 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
Step 1: Get a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
Visit usi.gov.au to create a USI or find an existing one.
Step 2: Prepare your eligibility documentation
So that we can assess your application and eligibility for Government funding options, you’ll need to upload documentation as part of your application. You will need to provide confirmation of identity with the following documentation:
- Queensland Residency and Date of Birth. (e.g. Queensland Driver’s License photo must be of the back and front of the license)
- Australian or New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency (e.g. Medicare Card or Birth Certificate)
For further information on eligible documentation, visit Apply for TAFE Certificates and Diplomas.
To fast-track your application, make sure you provide a clear photo showing all the information and upload it with your application.
Step 3: Apply Online
Our easy-to-use online application system will guide you through the process of applying for a TAFE course. If you need help along the way, call us on 13 27 86.
Click on the Apply button below to start your application.