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  4. Certificate III in Dental Assisting
QUALIFICATION

Certificate III in Dental Assisting


 National Code: HLT35021
 TAFE SA Code: TP01274


2025 start

Description

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.

Award Course Apprenticeships & Traineeships
Duration
Example Career Profile
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12 months 
Dental Workers/ Dental Assistants
Dental Workers/ Dental Assistants
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Campus
Study Mode
Study Load
Scheduled
Application
Gilles Plains
Blended Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Part Time Part Time
Day & Evening Day & Evening
How To Apply

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On campus/location

On Campus/Location

On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Online

Online

Online – learn at your own pace, in your own space. Lecturer support will be provided via email and interaction with fellow students may be available via forums and chat groups. Online courses require access to a computer with an internet connection.
Blended

Blended

Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom – online classes are delivered by Collaborate. Collaborate is a web-based online classroom collaboration tool that acts as a real-time virtual classroom.
Workplace

Workplace

Workplace – if you are currently employed in the industry but do not have a formal qualification TAFE SA can recognise the skills you already have. The duration of the course will be determined by your individual study plan.
Full Time

Full Time

Full Time classes
Part Time

Part Time

Part Time classes
Day Classes

Day Classes

Day time classes
Evening Classes

Evening Classes

Evening time classes
International

International

A course available to International students

Course Admission Requirements

  • You must have a Contract of Training with an employer to undertake this course

Fees

Total Fees for the 12 month course
Subsidised
$2,590
Concession
$1,540
You may be eligible for government subsidised training.
Subsidised Training Eligibility
Subsidised training may require applicants to complete a Core Skills Profile Assessment (CSPA).
What is the CSPA?

  • Help with Fees

    Upfront Payment

    Each semester, fees can be paid online with VISA or Mastercard or at an Australia Post outlet.

    Read More

    Payment Plan

    If you have difficulty paying your fees upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

    Read More

  • Employment Outcomes & Skills Covered

    Employment Outcomes

    Dental Assistant

    Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.

    Qualifications & Skills Covered

    Certificate III in Dental Assisting (HLT35021)
    This course covers communication, working with diverse people, dental radiography, infection prevention and control, medical devices and equipment and workplace safety. To complete the qualification you are required to complete all 8 core units and 2 elective units.

    Note: Students who successfully complete only one or more units of competency but not the full qualification are eligible to receive a Statement of Attainment.

    90%*
    of TAFE SA graduates are satisfied with the overall quality of training.
    87%*
    of TAFE SA graduates would recommend their training.



    * 2023 NCVER Student Outcomes Survey findings

  • Course Units

    Below is a list of all units that TAFE SA can offer in this qualification. The selection of elective units you will be enrolled into depends on the campus you attend, and the qualification packaging rules described on www.training.gov.au.

    Not all elective units listed below must necessarily be completed to achieve your qualification.

    Core

    Name Nominal Hours
    Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control 35
    Assist with administration in dental practice 40
    Assist with dental radiography 35
    Communicate and work in health or community services 30
    Participate in workplace health and safety 20
    Prepare for and assist with dental procedures 350
    Process reusable medical devices and equipment 30
    Work with diverse people 40

    Elective

    Name Nominal Hours
    Construct models 40
    Provide effective oral hygiene instruction to patients with an oral health treatment plan 70
    Provide First Aid 18
    Use business software applications 60

Further Information

Brochure

Course guide

Brochure

Pre-enrolment Brochure

Contact us

Course enquiries and more information

Certificate III in Dental Assisting
TP01274
︿
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