Certificate III in Dental Assisting

A Dental Assistant works as part of a multi disciplinary team, with a range of oral health professionals such as Dentists, Dental Specialists, Oral Health Therapists, Dental Hygienists and Dental Prosthetists. Dental Assistants will provide assistance during client service delivery and often undertakes administrative tasks such as reception, appointment scheduling, payment and receipts as well as clinical management. Dental Assistants can also work as advocates in health promotion and clinic management roles. Dental assistants are often the first point of contact for clients and have the opportunity to ensure the practice is welcoming and provides an excellent quality of care.

Private practices employ dental assistants in full time, part-time or casual positions. Public Health Services operate dental clinics in hospitals, schools or community based clinics, and dental assistants work with oral health therapists and dentists in these positions. Correctional Services, Defence forces and some aged care facilities provide oral health services and employ staff for these positions. Mobile dental clinics travel to aged care facilities and rural and remote areas providing dental treatment.

Entry requirements for the Certificate III in Dental Assisting Qualification are:

Adequate English language skills and numeracy skills to communicate safely and effectively in study and work environments.

Physical fitness to meet industry requirements.

Before going on industry placement students are typically required to show evidence of: Successful completion of theory and simulated practical assessment, and Evidence of Hepatitis B immunity, and Valid DCSI Clearances for working with Aged, Vulnerable and Children, and Applicants must show adequate evidence of competency in communication skills. In particular, applicants need to be able to read, comprehend, interpret, apply, write and share information to standards that will ensure the safety of clients in their care.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 5.5 Academic (min 5.0 in any band). Some programs require a score of 6.0 (overall band score) or higher; TOEFL (IBT): 60 (with Reading and Writing not less than 18); Cambridge English (CAE & CPE): 169 (with no band below 162); PTE (Pearson Test of English): 50 (with Reading and Writing communicative scores not below 50); High School: Successful completion of the last 2 years of high/ secondary school, where the language of instruction was English; Malaysian SPM 1119 English: A –; OET (Occupational English Test): Pass C, D.