Program Overview

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HLT35021 – Certificate III in Dental Assisting

Introduction

The Certificate III in Dental Assisting provides comprehensive preparation for a career in oral healthcare. This qualification reflects the diverse responsibilities of dental assistants who support dental practitioners during clinical procedures. Dental assistants serve as the first point of contact for patients, creating a friendly practice environment and delivering high-quality care.

Their professional duties include client service delivery, administrative functions, and clinical management. The program equips students with essential skills in infection control, patient communication, and professional practice standards, enabling them to work effectively across various dental settings.

Course Details

• Amount of Training: 990 Hours
• AQF Level: 3
• Mode of Delivery: Blended and Face to Face
• Delivery Locations: Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane
• Professional Experience Placement (PEP): 350 Hours

Accreditation

The Certificate III in Dental Assisting is accredited by the relevant state government funding bodies.

Course Overview

The Certificate III in Dental Assisting equips individuals with the skills to assist dental professionals in delivering quality patient care. The course covers preparing for dental procedures, infection control, and patient management. Graduates are prepared for roles as Dental Assistants, working in dental clinics and practices to support dentists and hygienists in clinical and administrative tasks.

Why Study Certificate III in Dental Assisting at IHNA?

• Flexible Learning: Online theory classes with on-campus simulation workshops.
• Placement: Gain hands-on experience with professional placements.
• Monthly Intakes: New batches starting bi-monthly.
• Comprehensive Student Support: 24/7 access to resources, personalised guidance, and career support.
• Industry Connections: Network with healthcare leaders and gain real-world exposure.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train with the latest equipment in modern learning environments.

Course Structure

CORE UNITS

• CHCCOM005: Communicate and work in health or community services
• CHCDIV001: Work with diverse people
• 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

ELECTIVES

• HLTDEN028: Provide effective oral hygiene instruction to patients with an oral health treatment plan
• HLTDEN030: Assist the dental practitioner during medical emergencies in a dental setting

Course Start Dates

• 03 March 2025
• 05 May 2025
• 07 July 2025
• 01 September 2025
• 03 November 2025

Pathways

Graduates may progress to higher level qualifications within and/or across the health and community sector.

• Certificate IV in Dental Assisting
• Diploma in Dental Technology
• Advanced Diploma of Dental Prosthetics

Possible Career Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Certificate III in Dental Assisting, you’ll be well-prepared to begin a career as a:

• Dental Assistant
• Dental Nurse
• Dental Assistant and receptionist

Fees & Funding

• Was: $3,499
• Now: $2,499

State Government Funding

• Victoria: Currently no funding available, please contact us for current fee options.
• Western Australia: Currently no funding available, please contact us for current fee options.
• New South Wales: Currently no funding available, please contact us for current fee options.

Entry Requirements

There are no mandatory entry requirements for this qualification, however, following IHNA admission criteria will be applicable:

IHNA Admission Requirements

• Successful completion of an Australian Year 10 qualification or equivalent.
• Successful completion of an ACSF test with demonstrated competence as per IHNA LLN requirements.
• It is also essential for students to possess basic computer skills.

Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND)

All IHNA students must complete the Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) assessment to ensure that students meet the necessary requirements for successfully undertaking the course. IHNA administers the LLND test to evaluate each student’s suitability.

Professional Experience Placement (PEP) Requirements

• A National Police Clearance or Australian Federal Police (AFP) Clearance certificate
• Immunisation prior to undertaking Professional Experience Placement (PEP) in healthcare facilities
• Declaration of having a disability, disorder, or on any medication that will need reasonable adjustments to fulfil these requirements
• Working with Children Check (WWCC): Students may have the opportunity to work with patients under the age of 18. Before students are allowed to contact with minors, students need to obtain a WWCC check.

How is the Course Assessed?

The delivery will incorporate online and on-campus theory and simulation-based training and simulation-based assessment. This includes:

• Structured Interactive Learning (SIL)
• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Simulation Based Training (SBT)
• Simulation Based Assessment (SBA)
• Professional Experience Placement (PEP)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) & Credit Transfer (CT)

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): With RPL we assess your competency based on formal, non-formal, informal learning or direct work experience based on the required skills of the course.
• Credit Transfer(CT): We use CT where you’ve completed units of study at another TAFE College or Registered Training Organisation that meet the requirements of another course. We grant credit according to the Certification, Issuing, and Recognition of Qualifications and Statements of Attainment. Assessing a CT is free.

Ready to Apply?

1. Application: Submit your online application.
2. Interview: Once you’ve met IHNA’s eligibility criteria you will be contacted for an interview with an admissions consultant.
3. Offer Letter: If you’re successful with the interview you will be offered a place for the course as per the availability of each intake.
4. Enrolment Fee: After signing the offer acceptance an invoice will be issued for the course.
5. Confirmation of Admission: We will issue a conformation of admission once the enrolment fee has been received.