Certificate III in Dental Assisting 
 

 
Traineeship
National Code
: 
HLT31807 
Short Course Guide
CRICOS Code:  
Centre:
Health and Community Services
Location:
Elgar Campus, Workplace, Off Campus
Study Area: Health and Wellbeing; 
Study Area Sub Category:  
Career Card:
 
Jump to:
Units of Competency

What does this course involve?

Students of dental assisting will learn how to prepare dental instruments for patient treatment, sterilise and disinfect dental instruments and prepare for surgery for dental treatment with correct instruments/material. You will learn how to record findings from oral examinations and prepare and dispense/mix materials required for various procedures. You will also gain communication and administration skills.

What employment opportunities will I have?

A career as a Dental Assistant can be very rewarding. You will assist other dental practitioners and their patients who will depend on you for the reception and surgery areas to run smoothly and efficiently.

Because dental assistants carry many responsibilities qualities that are highly regarded include organisational skills, reliability, friendliness, maturity, and good communication skills.

Dental Assistants can work in private practice, community health, school dental and hospital dental clinics.

As a student, the Institute’s Employment Service is your first port of call for advice on gaining employment in this field, and can be contacted on 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445).

Accreditation

This course is government accredited and has national recognition

What further study options will I have?

You may wish to progress into health-related courses such as the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting

Can I apply?

Applicants must:

  • be employment in a dental practice or have a minimum one day per week placement in a dental practice to enhance their on-the-job learning.
  • have a current National Police Record Check
  • have the literacy and numeracy skills required (you will need to sit a test).

How do I apply?

Direct entry - download and complete the Box Hill Institute Application Form to apply for study in 2012.

Applicants are required to attend an information evening and sit a basic literacy and numeracy test on Thursday 17th November 2011 from 2pm - 4pm in Room 313, Level 3 Building 3 at 465 Elgar Road Box Hill. Please bring some form of ID such as a driver's licence or passport.

If you have any queries, please contact the Institute on 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445).

How will I be selected for this course?

  • Assessment of application
  • Test or examination
  • Attendance at the information session
  • Work placement

Length of course

Part time - approximately 1 year.

For the first 4 weeks students will attend class 2 days per week and thereafter 1 day per month for the duration of the training.

Applicants will also be required to complete an additional 3 days of First Aid training. The face to face delivery will support the course which is delivered predominantly by distance learning.

Where will I study?

Elgar Campus, Workplace, Off Campus

What costs and other fees should I expect?

For this course, there are two fee structures. Visit the Government Subsidised Place Eligibility page to see if you are eligible for a Government subsidised place.

Government Subsidised Fees

  1. Tuition Fee - $2.17 per hour (max $1,250.00)
  2. Concession Tuition Fee - $187.50
  3. Service and Amenities Fee - $65.00 or 90.00
  4. Material Fees - contact the Institute
Fee For Service Fees

Fee for Service - this course will cost $5,000.00 if you aren't eligible for government subsidised training.

If you are an employer seeking training for groups of employees, contact the Institute for a customised package.

How will I be assessed?

  • Written assessment
  • Practical assessment
  • Examination or testing

Will my previous experience or study count?

Advanced Standing is approved recognition of prior learning that is displayed as an Exemption (EX) on the student’s academic record. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC) takes into account the knowledge and skills you’ve already gained through your previous education and work. This may be through formal or informal training, paid or unpaid work experience, and can earn you credit if relevant to your chosen course.

 
Units of Competency

HLTDA303B
Prepare For And Assist With Oral Health Care Procedures
130.00 hr
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for a dental assistant to assist the operator by preparing the dental surgery, including preparation of necessary equipment, instruments and materials, for oral health care procedures and to assist the operator during the delivery of these procedures. All procedures are carried out in accordance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures, current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards, State/Territory legislative requirements and organisation policy.
HLTDA304B
Assist With Dental Radiography
40.00 hr
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for a dental assistant to assist the operator by preparing clients, equipment and materials for dental radiography, to protect themselves, the client, other members of the dental team and the public from the hazards associated with ionising radiation and to process and mount dental radiographs to diagnostic and quality assurance standards. All procedures are carried out in accordance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures, current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards, state/territory legislative requirements and organisation policy.
HLTDA306B
Assist With Administration In Dental Practice
30.00 hr
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for a dental assistant to assist the operator by managing appointments to suit the client and the organisation, to record and reconcile payments and to maintain client records. All procedures are carried out in accordance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures,current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards, State/Territory legislative requirements and organisation policy.
HLTFA301B
Apply First Aid
18.00 hr

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide first aid, life support, casualty management and incident response, until more definitive assistance becomes available.

HLTIN301A
Comply With Infection Control Policies And Procedures In Health Work
20.00 hr
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for workers to comply with infection control policies and procedures.
HLTIN302A
Process Reusable Instruments And Equipment In Health Work
30.00 hr
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for workers in the health care setting to clean and sterilise reusable instruments and equipment and to maintain associated environments. All procedures must be carried out in accordance with current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards and the policies and procedures of the health care establishment. All tasks must be carried out in accordance with State or Territory legislative requirements that affect work practices of the health care establishment and/or health care worker.
HLTHIR301A
Communicate And Work Effectively In Health
20.00 hr
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work effectively in a health setting with clients, staff, visitors, suppliers and others to meet established work requirements.
HLTOHS200A
Participate In OHS Processes
20.00 hr
This unit specifies the workplace performance required for an entry level employee to participate in OHS processes in the workplace, in order to ensure their own health and safety at work, as well as that of others in the workplace who may be affected by their actions.
All fees quoted are indicative fees and are correct at the time of publishing. In subsequent calendar years, fees may be subject to a small increase in line with annual Institute fee pricing reviews. This qualification may have prerequisites, co-requisite or bridging units from lower or higher level qualifications. An offer of a place is always subject to places being available. The Institute reserves the right to close applications when the course is full. Where minimum course numbers are not met, the course may be cancelled at short notice. In such instances and only when possible, an alternative option may be suggested for accredited courses. For further clarification please seek advice from the Institute.

Course Enquiries

Local Students
1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445)

International Students
+61 3 9286 9425

Please click here to see the list of courses offered to International students