- 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 HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography) ensures you graduate with a strong understanding of medical imaging and radiation biology along with a superior skillset for assisting dental practitioners. This course is a natural progression from a Certificate III in Dental Assisting and will help set you up to succeed as a qualified dental assistant and/or dental radiographer.
Who's It For?
- Completed your Certificate III in Dental Assisting? This course will progress you with further qualifications to excel your career opportunities in the dental industry and beyond
- Ready to kickstart your career? Earn a nationally recognised qualification in just 12 months with practical units to enter the workforce job ready
- Looking for a career change? Become a qualified dental assistant through a flexible, online course with promising career opportunities at the finish line
Job Outcomes
Potential career outcomes could include:
- Dental Radiographer
- Dental assistant
- Dental sterilisation nurse
- Dental therapy assistant
What You'll Learn
- Interpret and apply medical terminology
- Take clinical photographs
- Apply principles of radiation biology and protection in a dental practice
- Prepare to expose a prescribed dental radiographic image
- Produce a prescribed dental radiographic image
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
- Duration – Up to 12 months
- Study Load – Submit 1 unit of competency every 6 weeks to graduate in 12 months
Entry Requirements
Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who have achieved:
- HLT31812 Certificate III in Dental Assisting or
- HLT35015 Certificate III in Dental Assisting or
- HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting or equivalent
Parental permission
Students under the age of 18 years require the signed consent of a parent or guardian to enrol in this qualification.
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.
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:
- HLTDEN027 observation checklist
- HLTDEN021 observation checklist
- HLTDEN022 observation checklist
- HLTDEN023 observation checklist
The student may also choose to nominate a second workplace supervisor that has a minimum of a Certificate IV in Dental Assistance to supervise work placement activities for units not listed above. The Dental Practitioner may be the student’s workplace supervisor for the entire work placement.
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
- There are no mandatory workplace hours to complete this qualification. However, Students must have access to a dental practice, equipment for sterilisation, imaging equipment and a qualified supervisor i.e. a person who holds Certificate IV in Dental Assisting or higher relevant qualification to complete their course.
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 Study
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. This may also be referred to as a Workplace Observation Assessment.
Course Flyer
- For detailed course information, please submit an enquiry form to obtain a course flyer and speak with a friendly Careers Advisor
Use of Radiation Apparatus – Special Conditions
There are specific licensing requirements that apply in areas of the use of radiation apparatus used in dental practice. A candidate must have completed an approved program of study to apply for and be granted a radiation license.
Application for the radiation license is through the relevant State or Territory Authority. For detailed licensing information, please submit an enquiry form to speak with a friendly Careers Advisor and obtain a course flyer.
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 Foundation Education Careers Advisor.
Student Radiation Use Licence
Queensland and Northern Territory students must hold a Student Radiation Use Licence prior to undertaking the practical assessments in the HLTDEN021, HLTDEN022, HLTDEN023 units. A copy of this licence must be provided to Foundation Education. Students in all other states/territories can be supervised by a licensee.
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)