Top 10 High Income Skills of 2025 (Based on Real Data)
Published 28 Jun 2023
How To Become a Dental Assistant: Salary Insights & Skills
Kristen Michaelides 
One of the quickest growing sectors of the healthcare industry, dentistry offers stable and well paid assistant roles all across Australia. So, how do you become a dental assistant?
What is a dental assistant?
Dental assistants are support staff who work directly with dental practitioners, dental hygienists, oral health therapists and dental therapists, helping them with day to day patient-facing responsibilities, dental treatments and administrative tasks. They are a crucial part of any wider dental team that may work in a private practice, hospital or community health centre.
With experience and relevant training, dental assistants can diversify and move into dentistry research, training, sales and consultation.
Your key responsibilities and duties
A dental assistant acts as an all-rounder in the clinic. They are often the middle man between the administrative staff, the doctors and the patients. For this reason, a dental assistant is responsible for a diverse range of duties and tasks that are critical to the smooth running of a clinic.
There are three critical areas in which a dental assistant will have responsibilities. These are:
1. Administrative tasks
2. Cleaning and setup duties
3. Procedural duties
Due to the broad range of responsibilities, becoming a dental assistant will help you develop a diverse skill set. Plus, you will gain valuable insight into the dental service industry from health, patient care and business perspectives.
Depending on which part of the job you’re particularly drawn to, career development through further study may be possible to reach your dream job.
The Truth About Being a Dental Hygienist
Wondering if dental hygiene is for you? Caroline Mullan, an experienced dental hygienist and oral health therapist, reveals what her job is really like.
Salary expectations across Australia
The dental industry is predicted to grow by 14% by 2024, providing over 4,500 new jobs across Australia for dental assistants. The majority of trained dental assistants currently work in the healthcare industry, with New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland demanding most workers.
Depending on your experience and time in the field, the average salary curve of a dental assistant is:
| Career stage | Salary |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years experience | $58,500 |
| 3-5 years experience | $59,640 |
| 5+ years experience | $68,256 |
Dental assistant work is also a flexible job pathway for those who need more freedom throughout the week for other responsibilities. Currently, approximately 46% of dental assistants work full time, while the majority choose to work part-time, earning an hourly rate.
With 3-5 years of experience under your belt, the average hourly rate spans between $30-$35.
However, the hourly wage is slightly lower for those in an entry-level role and varies across Australia.
The average hourly rate by state is:
| State | Hourly pay |
|---|---|
| Victoria | $27.16 |
| NSW | $27.16 |
| SA | $25.6 |
| ACT | $26.99 |
| WA, Perth | $23.14 |
| QLD | $26.99 |
| NT | $22.52 |
How do you become a dental assistant?
Becoming a qualified dental assistant is a straightforward and relatively short process. Most qualified dental assistants complete a Certificate III or IV in Dental Assisting with a registered training organisation. Currently, approximately 40% of working dental assistants hold this level of qualification, while a further 12.5% chose to progress further with an Advanced Diploma or Bachelor’s degree.
Certificate III
A Certificate III in Dental Assisting will prepare you for all the core responsibilities required of a dental assistant within the procedure room. This includes:
A certificate III qualification also includes practical placement. This allows training dental assistants to experience what the job is like first-hand.
A certificate III can take anywhere between 12 weeks of full-time study to one year of self-paced learning. Depending on your situation, the theory components of most courses are offered via both in-person and online methods. However, it’s important to note that all practical elements of the course, including work placement, will be conducted in person.
Certificate IV
A Certificate IV in Dental Assisting provides more detail and depth into the nuances of dental assisting, ensuring your thorough preparation for your first role post-completion. Along with learning the relevant skills to perform key responsibilities, a certificate IV will also cover:
A certificate IV also requires a work experience placement in a dental office and can take anywhere between 12-18 months to complete, depending on your chosen study pace. Similar to certificate III, many educators will offer the theoretical components of this qualification online. However, in-person training is essential to complete the course successfully.
Some certificate IV course providers offer their students the opportunity to extend their studies and specialise in an area of dental assisting. Specialising within the dental industry will help you better understand the job and its possibilities, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
Two of the most sought-after specialisations include:
Working as a specialised dental assistant allows you to find your niche in the dental care industry. This can lead you to a fast-tracked career progression into a more senior position within a dental clinic. You can continue to complete an Advanced Dental Hygiene Diploma and become a qualified dental hygienist.
Becoming a dental assistant will not only offer you an exciting and diverse career but a stable income as well. With both full-time and part-time opportunities available all across Australia, this pathway can also give you flexibility and mobility.
I’m ready to start my journey
If you’re ready to take the next step in your healthcare career journey, it’s time to start looking into training opportunities.
Browse your course options for further information and enquire today!
Browse Results
Top Result
Diploma of Nursing (SA Only) HLT54121
Build a meaningful career that makes a difference with the HLT54121 Diploma of Nursing. This nationally recognised qualification provides the essential skills, knowledge, and practical training needed to become a qualified Enrolled Nurse in Australia....
in partnership with
Study Method Blended
Location Adelaide South Australia +1
Job Outcomes Enrolled Nurse
in partnership with
Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) (VIC Only) CPC40120
If you are an aspiring or working tradesperson, here is your foundation for success. This is your first step towards starting your own building business and preparing for the builders registration. We understand that you could be a busy tradie by day,...
Study Method In-class, Online
Location Melbourne Victoria
Job Outcomes Site manager +3
Graduate Diploma in Management
The Graduate Diploma in Management is an online postgraduate qualification that is ideal for busy senior managers, with a potential entry pathway through any of our Graduate Certificates and study that is highly supported, fits into your schedule, and...
Study Method Blended, Online, Virtual
Location Canberra ACT +6
Job Outcomes People Management +3
Graduate Certificate in Management
The Graduate Certificate in Management is an online postgraduate qualification that is designed for newer and ambitious professionals, with entry possible through management experience alone and a study structure that easily accommodates full-time work...
Study Method Blended, Online, Virtual
Location Adelaide South Australia +4
Job Outcomes People Management +3
Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (VIC Only) CPC50220
Prepare for registration as a Builder with the Diploma of Building and Construction (Building) (CPC50210) Gain the skills & knowledge to run your own business Study when it suits you – online & on campus options available...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Victoria
Job Outcomes Construction Manager +4
Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (VIC ONLY) CPC40920
This course covers common skills for the plumbing industry as well as specialist streams relevant to gasfitting, drainage, sewerage, roof drainage and more....
Study Method In-class
Location Victoria
Job Outcomes Carpenters +1
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) CHC33021
Get started in a career in aged care with our nationally recognised CHC33021 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing). You’ll gain the skills, knowledge and professional attributes to care for and support people living in residential care facilit...
Study Method Blended, Online
Location Anywhere
Job Outcomes Care Supervisor +1
Diploma of Counselling CHC51015
There is a growing need for people who can offer support services to adults and teenagers who may need support and guidance. If you have the desire to help people lead a happier life to reach their full potential, a career as a professional Counsellor...
Study Method Blended, Online
Location Perth Western Australia
Job Outcomes School Counsellor +5
Bachelor of Dance Education (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Dance Education is a unique specialist professional qualification and is Australia’s first–being delivered through ACPE! Units are provided by highly qualified and experienced professionals, empowering you with all the knowledge and ski...
Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Dance teacher (secondary sch... +4
Bachelor of Education (Physical & Health Education) (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Education (Physical & Health Education) incorporates units in movement and health as well as curriculum and pedagogical studies, equipping you with the requisite skills for entering the teaching profession. If you are keen to pursue...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes PDHPE secondary teacher +4
Associate Degree of Sport Business (NSW Only)
Get a higher education qualification in two years when studying full-time! Based on the Bachelor of Sport Business in terms of content, the Associate Degree of Sport Business offers students the opportunity to get into the workforce quicker or alternat...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Sport manager +4
Bachelor of Dance Practice (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Dance Practice is a specialised degree that will equip you with the skills and experience to become a professional in the dance industry. The course develops artistry, choreography, performance, educational, business, and organisational...
Study Method Blended, In-class
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Dance artist (company dancer... +9
Bachelor of Health Science (Exercise) (NSW Only)
The Bachelor of Health Science (Exercise) offers the perfect career path for those looking to enhance their knowledge and skills through further studies in physiotherapy, exercise physiology, and other health professions. You will come to understand ho...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Exercise scientist +4
Bachelor of Sports Coaching (Strength and Conditioning) (NSW Only)
To address the high demand for sport coaches and professionals in Australia, the Bachelor of Sport Coaching (Strength and Conditioning) is a specialist degree fostering the coaching, administrative, and professional skills necessary for a fulfilling ca...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Sydney New South Wales
Job Outcomes Director of coaching +5
Bachelor of Sport Business (Leadership)
Turn your passion for sport into a career by immersing yourself in a degree that will broaden your theoretical and technical knowledge, so that you are fully equipped fora management role within the sport industry. The Bachelor of Sport Business (Leade...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Anywhere
Job Outcomes Sport manager +5
Certificate III in Fitness SIS30321
If you’re looking to begin your career in the fitness industry, studying the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness is the perfect qualification to get you started. Gain all the knowledge and skills you need to enter the industry as a Gym Instructor or Gr...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Melbourne Victoria
Personal Trainer Course SIS30321,SIS40221
Join the fitness industry as a Personal Trainer and turn your love for fitness into a rewarding career by graduating in both the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness & SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness. Enjoy the flexibility of being your own boss...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location New South Wales +6
Certificate IV in Fitness SIS40221
Take the next step in your career and gain the qualification you need to become a Personal Trainer. If you currently work in the fitness industry as a Gym or Group Fitness Instructor, elevate yourself to the next level by studying the SIS40221 Certific...
Study Method Blended, In-class, Online
Location Melbourne Victoria
Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy)
Naturopathy is a whole medical system combining theory (philosophy and principles) and practise that uses an array of natural therapies to support healing and maintain health. Naturopaths aim to treat the underlying causes of illness and disease. The c...
Study Method Blended
Location Adelaide South Australia +5
Job Outcomes Naturopath
Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition)
Clinical nutritionists integrate traditional food wisdom and current scientific evidence to motivate individuals and communities to eat well and live healthier lives. The Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition) is supported by a strong underpin...
Study Method Blended
Location Adelaide South Australia +5
Job Outcomes Clinical Nutritionist corpor... +1
Online courses also available
Loading...
Not sure which course to choose? Let us recommend the best courses to suit you!
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Get expert advice, insights, and explainers on tricky topics — designed to help you navigate your learning journey with confidence.
By submitting this enquiry I accept the "Privacy Policy" and "Terms of Use"
