VET Courses vs. Higher Education: Choosing the Right Path
Published 9 Aug 2023
The Difference Between a Cert III vs IV in Dental Assisting
Rebecca Fox 
So, you’ve decided that a role in dental assisting is right up your alley. How do you choose between the Certificate III and the Certificate IV in Dental Assistance?
It can be tricky to tell the difference between the two courses and what will work best for your career goals. A Cert III and Cert IV might not sound too different, but in reality, the one you choose can affect your employment and study options in the future.
Where should I be to consider these qualifications?
Are you ready to take on a dental assistance qualification? If you are, these things that might relate or apply to you:
Sound like you? Then you’re in the right spot to consider these qualifications.
Why get qualified?
There are many different motivations for wanting to become a qualified dental assistant, including financial stability, learning experience and pathways to more advanced positions.
Gain essential skills
A Cert III and Cert IV teach invaluable skills you need when working with dental practitioners, dental hygienists, oral health therapists and dental therapists.
Get job-ready
Over a time frame of 6 to 12 months, you can complete a course that outlines all the skills and knowledge you need to work as a dental assistant in a dentist’s practice.
Pathway to further study
Depending on your goals, getting qualified is also an important stepping stone to becoming a dental hygienist.
A quick recap of dental roles & career progression
A dental assistant and a dental hygienist are different positions and need slightly different qualifications to become one.
Dental assistant
As a dental assistant, you are support staff and act as an all-rounder in the clinic. In your day to day tasks, dental assisting includes admin, cleaning and setup duties, and procedural duties alongside a dentist or hygienist.
It’s a flexible job, allowing time for other responsibilities in your schedule. This is handy if you’re working another job or still studying.
To gain the skills for this role, it helps to complete a Certificate III or IV in Dental Assisting. Qualifications are not required for the role, and on-the-job learning is possible, but training will fast-track your skills for success and improve your chances of getting a job.
Dental hygienist
You may also be considering a more advanced role as a dental hygienist. Your role would include performing oral examinations, administering treatments, and providing advice to patients about their oral health.
If you’ve come this far in your decision process, you understand that dentists and dental hygienists are slightly different. A dental hygienist offers a more preventative and proactive approach to oral health, while dentists are qualified to treat and tend to serious ailments.
This role requires an AHPRA registration alongside a diploma or bachelor’s degree in oral health. To help you understand if you’re suited to the role, a role in dental assisting is the perfect starting point.
Now, how do I choose?
So you know what these roles are, but how do we know what qualification will give you the experience, knowledge and skills to take you further toward the career you want?
Certificate III
A Certificate III in Dental Assisting requires no prior qualifications or experience.
Education providers offer online courses over approximately 20 weeks, alongside in-person work placements. However, there’s no need to stress when life gets in the way, as you have up to one year to complete the course.
You’ll work alongside a nurse or dentist in a dental surgery for workplace observation, and will complete written assignments and tests, case studies and project work.
Core learnings
Job outcomes
Whos’ it best for?
If you love the flexibility and security that dental assisting offers, but you don’t see yourself in the industry as a long-term career. In this case, Certificate III is a quick course that provides practical experience and basic skills to work in the procedure room with ease.
Certificate IV
This dental assisting course has to be undertaken once you have completed a Certificate II, as it is a more detailed and thorough process. It’s delivered online and takes 12 months to complete with no mandatory workplace hours.
A Certificate IV is an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge and upskill what you have already learned, helping you take your career to the next level. Some course providers also offer their students the opportunity to specialise in an area of dental assisting, which can enhance your CV and give you a niche insight into your learnings.
Core learnings
Job outcomes
Who’s it best for?
As someone with a passion for the industry and a desire to thrive as a dental assistant, the Certificate IV helps you sharpen your skills, learn more specific dental processes and continue your learnings. It enables you to challenge yourself and use your skillset in more esteemed surgeries with a higher salary. This experience sets up strong foundations of knowledge and connections, helping you move forward into more advanced studies in the dental industry.
A role in dental assistance is not only a worthwhile pathway into a great career, but it’s rewarding, pays well, and offers diversity and excitement. Either a Cert III or IV will give you the qualifications to become a dental assistant, but now you can work out which one will help you reach an ultimate goal in your career. Good luck!
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