Course Overview
As this course is only offered as a Traineeship, you must have employment in the relevant industry before commencing the course.
This qualification provides the knowledge and skills needed to provide an advanced level of chair-side assistance to a Dentist, Dental Hygienist, Dental Prosthetist, Dental Therapist or Oral Health Therapist, which contributes to the quality of oral health care.
Additional specialised training and skills will be gained by successfully completing one of the elective specialisation.
Completion of the Radiography specialisation will enable the dental assistant to apply to the Department of Health (Victoria) for a licence to take both intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs under request from a licensed Dental Practitioner
Completion of the Oral Health Promotion specialisation will enable the dental assistant to provide a higher level of oral health instruction and guidance to patients, oral health promotion and implement an oral hygiene program
Delivery combines work experience and flexible training to competently and safely assist the dental professional during oral health care procedures. Our course delivery features a combination of on-campus and remote (online) learning. This flexibility allows our students to continue to study in a safe, guided and supported manner.
Course duration is full-time 1 year, part-time 2 years.
Free TAFE and JobTrainer
You may be entitled to free tuition fees for this course if you meet the eligibility criteria for the State Government’s FREE TAFE for Priority Courses initiative. If you are aged 17-24 or looking for work, you may be eligible for 80% discount on the tuition fee through JobTrainer. It's important to know that you may incur other fees, such as student services fees or materials fees, and you'll need to cover these costs yourself. To find out more, call 13 TAFE (13 8233).
Normally a Skills First student is only entitled to one Free TAFE fee waiver. However, you may be able to enrol even if you have previously used your Free TAFE entitlement in a second Free TAFE course under JobTrainer. You may be able to get an exemption if you don’t meet the upskilling requirement.
Click here for course modules
Elective
| Module Code | Module Title | Nominal Hours |
| CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services (CHCCOM005) | 30 |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people (CHCDIV001) | 40 |
| HLTAID003 | Provide First Aid (HLTAID003) | 18 |
| HLTDEN001 | Prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures (HLTDEN001) | 300 |
| HLTDEN002 | Assist with dental radiography (HLTDEN002) | 50 |
| HLTDEN003 | Assist with administration in dental practice (HLTDEN003) | 40 |
| HLTDEN004 | Implement an individualised oral hygiene program (HLTDEN004) | 330 |
| HLTDEN007 | Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice (HLTDEN007) | 120 |
| HLTDEN008 | Prepare to expose a prescribed dental radiographic image (HLTDEN008) | 90 |
| HLTDEN009 | Produce a prescribed dental radiographic image (HLTDEN009) | 130 |
| HLTDEN010 | Implement an oral hygiene program for older people (HLTDEN010) | 130 |
| HLTDEN011 | Implement an oral health promotion program (HLTDEN011) | 130 |
| HLTINF001 | Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures (HLTINF001) | 25 |
| HLTINF002 | Process reusable medical devices and equipment (HLTINF002) | 30 |
| HLTINF003 | Implement and monitor infection prevention and control policies and procedures (HLTINF003) | 60 |
| HLTOHC004 | Provide or assist with oral hygiene (HLTOHC004) | 50 |
| HLTWHS003 | Maintain Work Health And Safety (HLTWHS003) | 40 |
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed to show that you have achieved the skills and knowledge required by the course. Assessment may include, demonstration, written, oral or practical assessment methods. You will know in advance about the type of assessment and how it will operate. There is the opportunity for reassessment and appeal and you will be given this information.
What will I study?
Areas of study include: assisting with oral health care procedures and dental radiography; communication and administration in the dental practice; workplace health & safety and infection control.
Some or all of this training is provided with State or Federal Government funding. Are you eligible for Government Subsidised fees? Find out now!
You may be eligible for concession. Find out now!
To you check your eligibility click here.
Free TAFE and JobTrainer courses only: Students eligible for Free TAFE receive the tuition rate free. Students eligible for JobTrainer pay 20% of the tuition. Materials, consumables and student services fees are payable by all students and do not receive a JobTrainer discount, however concession rates for student services fees are available for concession card holders, apprentices, trainees and 100% off campus delivery courses. Please note that these tuition rates only apply to courses offered under the Free TAFE or JobTrainer schemes.
The fees listed below relate to 2022 courses and are indicative pricing only as total costs vary depending on the units you elect to study.
Concessions for Diploma and Advanced Diploma course categories are only available to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders.
Payment plans are available. Click here to find out more.
Course availability is subject to enrolment numbers.
Your total course fee will typically include your tuition fee (table 1), any applicable consumables and/or material fees (table 2).
Table 1
Enrolment type
Government Subsidised
Indicative total tuition fee#
Full Fee
Indicative total tuition fee#
Non-Apprentice
$6528.40
$1305.68
$11547.70
Apprentice/Trainee
$6528.40
$1305.68
$11547.70
Table 2
Average course
material fees*
$743.13
Average course
consumable fees*
$41.00
# The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
* Materials/Consumables fees may vary for each individual based on the units they are studying.
Average tuition fees are based on the typical number of student contact hours undertaken by a student to complete this course. Average fees displayed are purely indicative and may not be your actual fee. Fees vary based on the number/hours of electives chosen by the student.
Click here to view maximum tuition fees. We strongly urge you to contact us for a more exact calculation of your fees. Additional fees may apply.
Your total course fee will typically include your tuition fee and non-tuition fees (table 1) and any applicable consumables and/or material fees (table 2).
student contact hours
|
Total hours^
|
Indicative hours*
|
Government Subsidised $/SCH
|
Indigenous Concession $/SCH
|
Full fee $/SCH
|
|
1273
|
1273
|
$5.13
|
$1.03
|
$9.07
|
^This is based on the maximum number of student contact hours for the total duration of the course. Hours may vary depending on electives chosen by the student.
*This is based on the maximum number of student contact hours for the calendar year of 2022. Hours may vary depending on electives chosen by the student. If you have to undertake training as part of Skills Recognition, your tuition fees are charged according to the applicable rate per Student Contact Hour depending on your eligibility for government subsidised, concession or full fees.
For more information about our fees structure, click here.
What costs and other fees should I expect?
Contact the Contact Centre on 13 TAFE (13 8233) or enquiries@kangan.edu.au for a fee schedule. There may be extra costs for reference books, protective clothing or specialised materials.
Can I apply?
Applicants must be currently employed at a dental practice and have a valid First Aid Certificate - HLTAID003 Provide first aid. All applicants must be a minimum age of 18 years old and undertake a Language, Literacy and Numeracy assessment and meet the minimum ACSF level.
Where and how can I study?
You will study off campus at your place of employment. Trainers will visit you in your workplace during the program.
Our course delivery features a combination of on-campus and remote (online) learning. This flexibility allows our students to continue to study in a safe, guided and supported manner.
What employment opportunities will I have?
This course may lead to employment as a Dental Assistant, Dental Hygienist, Dental Therapist, Oral Health Specialist.
As this course is only offered as a Traineeship, you must have employment in the relevant industry before commencing the course.
What skills will I have when I complete this course?
Dental assistants perform many tasks, assisting practice administration and supporting quality and professionalism in the dental sector.
Specialist skills and knowledge in the area of oral health promotion or dental radiography will be obtained as well as strong foundational skills in maintaining high standards of infection control, preparing for health care procedures and processing reusable medical devices and equipment.
What qualifications will I receive?
On successful completion of the course you will be awarded the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (HLT45015). As part of the Australian Qualifications Framework this program is nationally recognised.
What opportunities for further studies will I have?
You can further your study with a Diploma of Dental Technology (HLT55115) - not offered at Kangan Institute.
How do I apply?
To apply for this course you must fill in a direct application form which can be obtained from the institute by calling the Contact Centre on 13 TAFE (13 8233) or email enquiries@kangan.edu.au. This course may also have a mid-year intake.
How will I be selected for this course?
Applicants must have successfully completed the HLT31812 Certificate III in Dental Assisting or HLT35015 Certificate III in Dental Assisting.
Applicants must be currently employed at a dental practice
Have a valid First Aid Certificate - HLTAID003 Provide first aid
All applicants must be a minimum age of 18 years old
Undertake a Language, Literacy and Numeracy assessment and meet the minimum ACSF level