This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of workers who provide an advanced level of assistance to dental practitioners which contributes to the quality of oral health care.
The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
Dental radiography work must only be performed by a person with a radiation user licence granted by the relevant State /Territory regulatory authority under legislation.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
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Financial help
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Government funding is not available for this course.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course has entry requirements. See more information at the National Training Register
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
6 months – 2 years
- Qualification only:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Maintain work health and safety | Core |
| Sterilise loads | Core |
| Apply and use basic oral health products | Elective |
| Apply fluoride varnish | Elective |
| Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice | Elective |
| Assist in dental procedures during conscious sedation | Elective |
| Assist in dental procedures during general anaesthesia | Elective |
| Assist in dental procedures during relative analgesia | Elective |
| Construct custom impression trays | Elective |
| Construct models | Elective |
| Construct registration rims | Elective |
| Construct thermoformed bases and appliances | Elective |
| Coordinate business resources | Elective |
| Develop workplace policy and procedures | Elective |
| Implement an individualised oral hygiene program | Elective |
| Implement an oral health promotion program | Elective |
| Implement an oral hygiene program for older people | Elective |
| Inform and support patients and groups about oral health | Elective |
| Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately | Elective |
| Manage patient recordkeeping system | Elective |
| Manage sterile stock | Elective |
| Prepare for and assist with dental procedures | Elective |
| Prepare to expose a prescribed dental radiographic image | Elective |
| Produce a prescribed dental radiographic image | Elective |
| Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | Elective |
| Provide brief interventions | Elective |
| Provide community focused health promotion and prevention strategies | Elective |
| Recognise and respond to oral health issues | Elective |
| Supervise and support frontline team members | Elective |
| Take a clinical photograph | Elective |
| Take an impression for study models | Elective |
| Use medical terminology in health care | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate IV in Dental Assisting sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Dental Hygienist
ANZSCO 411211
Dental Hygienists carry out preventative dental procedures under the direction of a Dentist.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Dental Technician
ANZSCO 411213
Dental Technicians construct and repair dentures and other dental appliances.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Dental Therapist
ANZSCO 411214
Dental Therapists examine and treat diseases of the teeth in preschool, primary and secondary school children under the general supervision of a Dentist.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Dental Assistant
ANZSCO 423211
Provide patient care within a dental practice and assist in the running of the practice.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III
Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Dental Assisting
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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CQUniversity Australia (RTO code 40939)
Contact this provider
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AADA College (RTO code 41512)
Contact this provider
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Australian Dental Association (Queensland Branch) Union of Employers (RTO code 30621)
Contact this provider
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AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF DENTAL ASSISTANTS (RTO code 22557)
Contact this provider
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Bant Training Pty Ltd (RTO code 46365)
Contact this provider
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Dental Assistants Professional Association Inc (RTO code 90424)
Contact this provider
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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE (RTO code 0442)
Contact this provider
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Go Educate Institute Pty Ltd (RTO code 45980)
Contact this provider
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Kingston Training and Employment Pty Ltd (RTO code 6811)
Contact this provider
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Signet Institute of Australia (RTO code 40898)
Contact this provider
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TAFE NSW (RTO code 90003)
Contact this provider
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THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL COUNSELLORS (RTO code 0670)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.