- 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
Become fully trained in dental assisting with a nationally recognised qualification.
The combined HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting and HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting gives you everything you need to work as a professional dental assistant in a clinical environment.
Who's It For?
- Already working in the dental industry? These combined courses will set you up with the skills and experience you need to take your career to the next level
- Ready to kickstart your career? Earn two nationally recognised qualifications in just 24 months that will leave you fully prepared to enter the dental sector
- Want a career change? Our flexible, online courses make it easy to balance study with your current work/ life commitments and prepare for a new career pathway
Job Outcomes
Potential career outcomes could include:
- Dental assistant
- Dental therapy assistant
- Dental sterilisation nurse
- Dental receptionist
- Dental hygienist assistant
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
- Process reusable medical devices and equipment
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
- Up to 24 months – up to 12 months to complete HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting and up to 12 months to complete HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting
Delivery
Study the theoretical elements of this course anywhere and anytime through our online learning platform.
Entry Requirements
- Entry in HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting has no prerequisite or mandatory education requirements as specified by the training package
- Students’ skills and capabilities to undertake this training product will be assessed and advice on suitability will be provided during the pre-enrolment process
- Students must complete HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting to enter the HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting.
- Students may need to undertake a Working with Children check to meet individual work placement employer requirements. We will assist you in organising a work placement location of your choosing
Work Placement
- For mandatory work placement (350 hours, including an initial 50 hours completed in simulation), students must have access to a dental practice and a qualified supervisor i.e. a person who holds Certificate III in Dental Assisting or higher relevant qualification
- To complete HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting students will need further access to a dental practice with relevant equipment, imaging equipment, patients, and staff to complete practical activities
- During these placement activities, students must have access to a suitably qualified supervisor i.e. a person who holds a Certificate IV in Dental Assisting or higher relevant qualification
Assessment
- Knowledge questions
- Project
- Case study
- Quiz
- Assignment
- Practical
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)