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HLT35021 | 108108B

Certificate III in Dental Assisting

Kick start your oral health care career with this entry-level course that will qualify you to work as a dental assistant.

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STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane Sunshine Coast Far North Queensland North Queensland
WAYS TO STUDY Online Apprenticeships and traineeships International
WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Fee-Free TAFE
$0
Concession
$405
Subsidised
$1,185
Full Fee
$4,840
International
$8,800
Eligibility calculator
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Course overview

Start your career in oral health care with this entry-level course. This qualification is perfect for people looking to work as a dental assistant in a clinic. According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service the number of people working as dental assistants grew very strongly over the past five years and this is expected to continue to grow in the future. This popular rewarding occupation is expected to create around 16,000 job openings over the next five years. 

This qualification will provide you with the skills to assist with dental radiography, sterilise equipment, assist with oral healthcare procedures, and use office software. Our highly-experienced team of industry professionals will give you the support and one-on-one guidance you need to successfully transition into the health sector.

Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work as a dental assistant in a clinical environment. You will also get the foundation skills needed to undertake further study in the field.

What can I do?

  • Dental Assistant

Course outcome:

HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting

Study your way

We know that life is busy, that's why our courses are designed to be flexible. Our mixed-mode delivery means you can complete components of your study online and our 'round-the-clock support services means you're never alone. Studiosity is an online after hours tutoring service focusing on writing, research and referencing, as well as subject-specific questions.

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What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 2 elective units from the list below. You will also be required to undertake 350 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting. 

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCCOM005
    Communicate and work in health or community services
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCCOM005
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues, management and other industry providers.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Communicate and work in health or community services

  • UNIT CODE
  • CHCDIV001
    Work with diverse people
    UNIT CODE :
    CHCDIV001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Work with diverse people

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTDEN015
    Prepare for and assist with dental procedures
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTDEN015
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare the dental surgery including equipment, instruments and materials, for dental procedures and assist the practitioner during dental procedures.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Prepare for and assist with dental procedures

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTDEN016
    Assist with dental radiography
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTDEN016
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare patients for dental radiography. It also describes the skills and knowledge to process and mount conventional dental radiographs.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Assist with dental radiography

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTDEN017
    Assist with administration in dental practice
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTDEN017
    Unit description :
    This unit of competency describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required for a dental assistant to assist the practitioner by managing appointments to suit the patient and the organisation, recording and reconciling payments, and maintaining patient records.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Assist with administration in dental practice

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTINF006
    Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTINF006
    Unit description :
    This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply basic infection prevention and control principles in work settings including implementing standard and transmission-based precautions and responding to risks.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTINF002
    Process reusable medical devices and equipment
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTINF002
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to clean, sterilise and package reusable medical devices and equipment.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Process reusable medical devices and equipment

  • UNIT CODE
  • HLTWHS001
    Participate in workplace health and safety
    UNIT CODE :
    HLTWHS001
    Unit description :

    This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for workers to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others. The unit applies to all workers who require knowledge of workplace health and safety (WHS) to carry out their own work, either under direct supervision or with some individual responsibility.

  • UNIT NAME
  • Participate in workplace health and safety

Ways to study
Show me courses from

  • You will access learning materials including documents, videos, assessments and more through Connect - our learning management system and will complete self-paced study. Learn more

  • demo View comparison chart
STUDY MODE START DATE DURATION WORKLOAD WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Online self-directed
up to 1 year - Greater Brisbane
Existing worker - Workplace assessment to be scheduled (or alternatively Workplace assessment required)
More Apply
demo

Online self-directed

  • Online Time

    The estimated proportion of time you will spend each week working through content online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

DURATION

The expected length of time to complete your course.

up to 1 year - Greater Brisbane

The expected length of time to complete your course.

Workload

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

Existing worker - Workplace assessment to be scheduled (or alternatively Workplace assessment required)

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Class format

The learning format for your course.

Self-paced

The learning format for your course.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

Online and vocational placement

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.
Online self-directed
up to 1 year - All Queensland Regions excluding Greater Brisbane
Existing worker - Workplace assessment to be scheduled (or alternatively Workplace assessment required)
More Apply
demo

Online self-directed

  • Online Time

    The estimated proportion of time you will spend each week working through content online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

DURATION

The expected length of time to complete your course.

up to 1 year - All Queensland Regions excluding Greater Brisbane

The expected length of time to complete your course.

Workload

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

Existing worker - Workplace assessment to be scheduled (or alternatively Workplace assessment required)

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Class format

The learning format for your course.

Self-paced

The learning format for your course.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

Online and vocational placement

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.
Online self-directed
Anytime
up to 1 year - Greater Brisbane
Existing worker - Workplace assessment to be scheduled (or alternatively Workplace assessment required)
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $405
  • Subsidised: $1,185
  • Full fee: $4,840
More Apply
demo

Online self-directed

  • Online Time

    The estimated proportion of time you will spend each week working through content online. 

    100%
  • On Campus Time
    0%
START DATE

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

Anytime

The date the course will start. Many intakes fill up before this date, so apply as early as you can.

DURATION

The expected length of time to complete your course.

up to 1 year - Greater Brisbane

The expected length of time to complete your course.

Workload

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

Existing worker - Workplace assessment to be scheduled (or alternatively Workplace assessment required)

The amount of time you will need to commit to successfully complete your course.

WHAT YOU'LL PAY
  • Fee-Free TAFE: $0
  • Concession: $405
  • Subsidised: $1,185
  • Full fee: $4,840
Class format

The learning format for your course.

Self-paced

The learning format for your course.

VIRTUAL CLASS

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

No

Scheduled online classes using web conference software (like Zoom).

ASSESSMENT

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

Online and vocational placement

The primary location your assessment will take place. Some courses also require Vocational placement.

TEACHER COMMS

The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.

  • Phone, Email, Zoom

    The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course.
Show me courses from
CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
South Bank
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE
  • DROP IN DAYS
  • BLOCK TRAINING
  • DAY RELEASE
  • MOBILE VAN
  • Online
CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Mooloolaba
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE
  • DROP IN DAYS
  • BLOCK TRAINING
  • DAY RELEASE
  • MOBILE VAN
  • Online
CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Cairns
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE
  • DROP IN DAYS
  • BLOCK TRAINING
  • DAY RELEASE
  • MOBILE VAN
  • Online
CAMPUS APPRENTICESHIP / TRAINEESHIPS DELIVERY MODE
Townsville - Pimlico
Traineeship
  • WORKPLACE
  • DROP IN DAYS
  • BLOCK TRAINING
  • DAY RELEASE
  • MOBILE VAN
  • Online

Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of choosing when and where you study. Direct your own learning with all your study materials online, allowing you to manage your own workload and fit your studies around your lifestyle. Access your learning space 24 hours a day, seven days a week and be supported by high-quality educators who are devoted to your outcomes. Learn more


You will be able to access your learning materials from the first day of the study period. You must be enrolled to be able to access your learning materials. You will be expected to undertake additional self-directed study in order to complete the course requirements.

At TAFE Queensland, we understand that employers need options and flexibility in employee training. We are committed to delivering the flexible training plans you need to get the job done. Choose from workplace training, block training, drop in days, mobile training, day release, or a mix of all these options. Learn more

You must already be employed to enrol as an apprentice or trainee with TAFE Queensland. Speak to your employer about choosing TAFE Queensland as your Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO).


Costs:

Eligible apprentices and trainees that meet the Queensland state funding requirements will be charged a set fee per nominal hour. These fees are calculated at a regulated rate of $1.60 per nominal hour. Concession rates apply for students who hold a current Health Care Card or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Non-funded apprentices and trainees will be charged a fee for service cost. These will be confirmed prior to the commencement of training.
Information regarding costs will be outlined on the agreed training plan, which will be provided to the employer and apprentice or trainee at time of induction.

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Certificate III in Dental Assisting (HLT35021)

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Certificate III in Dental Assisting

COURSE CODE: HLT35021
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

See if you qualify for a subsidy

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more
International student payment

Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Convera Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Convera and Flywire both allow you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays. 
Learn more

Entry requirements

Selection criteria

Greater Brisbane and North Queensland applicants only - Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) Test Requirements
All applicants are required to complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) Test prior to enrolment into this course. More information about the BKSB can be found via the TAFE Queensland website - Basic Key Skills Builder page. Please contact Faculty Administration to arrange a time to complete your BKSB assessment in person or via Microsoft Teams.

Existing worker delivery / Traineeship
The following selection criteria requirements apply only to existing workers (online) delivery and traineeship only:

  • If your chosen study mode is workplace delivery, it is a requirement that you are currently working in the Dental industry (to be eligible to complete the external program - students must be working a minimum of 15 hours per week as a Dental Assistant) 

Domestic and International face to face delivery
The following selection criteria requirements apply only to face to face delivery students:

  • Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. For more information on the international education achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12
  • Due to workplace Health and Safety, all participants need to have completed a course of Hepatitis B vaccinations before commencement of vocational placement, which occurs in approximately week 14 of the program. A course of injections takes approximately 6 months to complete and if applicants have not had Hep B vaccinations, they must begin the process and have had at least 2 of the 3 required injections prior to going to vocational placement. You will be required to provide a copy of your serology report as evidence of sero-conversion to HepB surface antigen (anti-HBsAg). Please contact your GP to arrange a referral for a blood test
  • All students enrolling into the face to face class must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19

International students
The following selection criteria requirements apply only to International students:

  • English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 5.5 (no individual band less than 5.0) or ISLPR 2+ on all skills or other - For a list of all English Language test accepted by TAFE Queensland International
  • Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. For more information on the international education achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12
  • Due to workplace Health and Safety, all participants need to have completed a course of Hepatitis B vaccinations before commencement of vocational placement, which occurs in approximately week 14 of the program. A course of injections takes approximately 6 months to complete and if applicants have not had Hep B vaccinations, they must begin the process and have had at least 2 of the 3 required injections prior to going to vocational placement. You will be required to provide a copy of your serology report as evidence of sero-conversion to HepB surface antigen (anti-HBsAg). Please contact your GP to arrange a referral for a blood test

Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland. International students who are under 18 years of age and are applying for a student visa are required by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to have adequate welfare arrangements in place.

Resources required

It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.

Placement

If you are not currently employed or volunteering in industry, during your course you will be required to complete vocational placement so you can start practising your new skills in a real-world environment. You’ll be required to work shifts determined by your placement provider, and these can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays. TAFE Queensland may be able to assist in arranging suitable placements.

Completing placement is compulsory, and you will be expected to manage family and work commitments in order to complete your shifts. You are required to complete 350 hours of placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.

Vaccination requirements 
COVID-19 vaccination requirements across a range of high-risk settings have eased. There are no Public Health Directions in affect requiring you to be vaccinated in high risk settings. However, decisions on mandatory vaccinations will be made by the owner or operator of these settings. Some facilities may also mandate the number of vaccinations required. These requirements will be provided to the student, prior to arrangements being made for the completion of vocational placement.

Students who are not up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations will be ineligible for placement at a Queensland Health Facility. However, they may still have the opportunity to complete their placement at another organisation that does not mandate vaccinations. It's important for students to be aware that the availability of facilities/organisations without vaccination requirements may be limited, and this could potentially affect their ability to fulfil the placement requirements of the course.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

  • James Cook University
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of Canberra
  • Griffith University
  • Queensland University of Technology
  • University of Southern Queensland

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

For International students

International students can either apply directly through our TAFE Queensland International Application portal, or through one of our education agents. Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries, you will need to apply through an agent.
Learn more

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Prior Experience

I already have an experience, can i get credit?

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