- This is NOT a FREE TAFE course, government funding is NOT available. Payment plan options are available.
- Only Australian Citizens and Residents can apply for this course. Limited visa holders can be accepted pending a VEVO check. This provider is not CRICOS registered and cannot accept Subclass 500 visa holders.
Course Overview
The HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting is the ideal starting point for a successful career in the dental sector. You will gain critical experience, skills and knowledge in the field of dental assistance, with a strong focus on how to provide a high level of care for your patients and ensure they are comfortable both at front of house and while undergoing treatment.
Who's It For?
- Already working in a dental practice? This course will provide you with the qualifications to increase your responsibilities and improve your employability.
- Ready to begin your career? Earn a nationally recognised qualification in just 12 months that will leave you fully prepared to apply for your dream jobs.
- Looking to change careers? Get certified through a flexible, online course that boasts strong employment opportunities upon graduating.
Job Outcomes
Potential career outcomes could include:
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Hygienist Assistant
- Dental Therapy Assistant
- Dental Sterilisation Nurse
What You'll Learn
- Prepare for and assist with dental procedures
- Assist with dental radiography
- Assist with administration in dental practice
- Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures
Recognition

Study Method
- OnlineOnline delivery - online course content with the exception of assessments and work placement
- BlendedBlended delivery - both online course content and partial face to face requirements
- In-classIn class delivery - predominately face to face course content conducted at a specific location
- VirtualVirtual Delivery - Live and interactive classroom-style learning conducted completely online
Duration Study Load
Study load
- 10 course units (note: HLTAID011 must be completed with an external provider)
- Submit 1 course unit every 5.5 weeks to graduate in 12 months
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements mandated by the training package however to achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 350 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of the below unit of competency:
- HLTDEN015 Prepare for and assist with dental procedures
Residency status:
To enrol, the prospective student must either be a permanent Australian resident (or equivalent), or have the right to study in Australia other than on a student visa.
External requirements:
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid must be completed with an external provider
Parental permission:
Students under the age of 18 years require the signed consent of a parent or guardian to enrol in this qualification
Work placement:
Students must complete 350 hours of dental assisting work that involves:
- At least 300 hours in a real dental clinic workplace; and
- Up to 50 hours in a simulated dental clinic workplace environment
- Students must have access to a dental practice and a qualified supervisor (see details below)
Workplace supervisor requirements:
The student must be supervised during placement by a Dental Practitioner registered with AHPRA. This supervisor must supervise the student and complete the corresponding paperwork for:
- HLTDEN015 observation checklist & record of hours
- HTDEN016 observation checklist
The student may also choose to nominate a second workplace supervisor that has a minimum of a Certificate III in Dental Assistance to supervise work placement activities for units not listed above. This is not mandatory. The Dental Practitioner may be the student’s workplace supervisor for the entire work placement.
Working With Children Check (WWCC):
Some workplaces may require a WWCC and will be advised by the employer at either placement or commencement of employment
Course Features
- Flexible Online Study – All of our courses are delivered online, giving you the flexibility to choose your course length.
- Dedicated Student Support – Our industry experienced Technical Advisors, Assessors and Support Officers will support you from enrolment through to graduation.
- Industry Relevant Courses – Course material is developed in consultation with industry experts to equip you with job-ready skills.
- Nationally Recognised Training Courses – All of our courses are Nationally Recognised and accredited.
Work Placement
- Students must complete 350 hours of practical work placement (i.e., 350 hours, including an initial 50 hours completed in simulation)
- Students must have access to a dental practice and must be supervised during placement (please refer to the workplace supervisor requirements section for more details)
Recognition Of Prior Learning
Given that some students may already be able to demonstrate their competence in some units, a recognition of prior learning (RPL) assessment process may be available to students to recognise skills and knowledge that may have been gained through formal and informal training and/or learning, work experience and life experience.
Assessment
Students will need to complete a range of assessment activities such as:
Quiz
Quizzes may include multiple choice, matching, true/false to test students’ knowledge.
Assignment
Assignments may include short answer questions or longer answer questions and are designed to test application of knowledge in real-world situations.
Case Studies/Scenarios
Realistic scenario/s requiring students to apply knowledge learnt.
Knowledge Questions
Short-answer questions relevant to the information students have learnt within a unit.
Practical/Observation
Record of students performing real and simulated tasks relevant to a unit. May also be referred to as Workplace Observation Assessment
Workplace Observation Assessment
Record of students performing real and simulated tasks in workplace environments under supervision. This may also include the completion of task documents, templates, and client feedback which the student must complete in the in conjunction with observation tasks.
Record of Hours Logbook
Record of hours of students performing real and simulated tasks in workplace environments.
Course Flyer
- For detailed course information, please submit an enquiry form to obtain a course flyer and speak with a friendly Careers Advisor
Resources and Equipment
Resources and equipment
To successfully complete this course, it’s essential that your placement provider has the necessary equipment, resources and/or documentation. For detailed information on these requirements, please submit an enquiry form to obtain a copy of the complete list from a friendly Careers Advisor.
Subjects
About Foundation Education
Foundation Education provides students with access to quality vocational education alongside their sister brand, the Australian Institute of Personal Trainers (AIPT), and a robust network of industry partners all around Australia.
With courses designed by industry experts, students gain the knowledge and experience to graduate with job-ready skills that employers seek. Plus, students can learn at their own pace and place through flexible online study.
Offering a wide range of Certificate and Diploma-level courses across Early Childhood Education and Care, Education Support, Allied Health, Dental Assisting, Health Services and more, Foundation Education has a vocational study option to take you where you want to go.
The Foundation Education difference means:
- Flexible Online Study – Students can complete the theoretical component of courses online at their own pace.
- Industry Relevant Courses – Course material is developed in consultation with industry experts to provide students with the comprehensive skills and knowledge required to graduate job-ready.
- Dedicated Student Support – Our industry-experienced Technical Advisors, Assessors and Support Officers can support students from enrolment through to graduation.
- National Recognised Training - Every Certificate and Diploma offered is nationally recognised and accredited, meeting established industry needs and national quality assurance requirements.
Foundation Education is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO #22557)