If you're keen on a career in the dental industry, this is the perfect course to get you job ready for working as a dental assistant or hygienist, in dental therapy or a technical laboratory.
You'll learn how to prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures; use, maintain and store instruments, equipment materials and medications; assist with dental radiography; communicate with dental professionals and patients within a health setting; and help with practice administrative duties like maintaining client records and organising appointments.
You can go on to further study from here, if you wish to specialise in a particular area of dentistry practice.
Choose a WA TAFE college that delivers this course
To find out more about doing this course at a WA TAFE college, select one of the TAFEs listed below to read their course descriptions. You'll also be able to see at which TAFE campus/es the course is delivered.
If you would like further information such as when the course is available and how to enrol, and details of course fees, or if you have questions about how the course is delivered, please follow the Find out more link to go to the TAFE's website where you will find full course details and contact information so that you can speak to the TAFE directly.
If you’ve ever thought about being a part of this essential profession then this is the perfect qualification to get you started.
As a Dental Assistant, you will be responsible for preparing the surgery, assisting the dentist chairside, processing and sterilising all of the instruments and cleaning the surgery. You will also develop skills in reception work and the management of supplies.
On successful completion of your Certificate III in Dental Assisting, you will have skills and experience relevant to current industry standards, trends and practices.
From semester 2, 2023, North Metropolitan TAFE's Dental courses are located within our newly fitted out dental department at our conveniently located Leederville campus.
As a part of this qualification, you will have the opportunity to take part in work placements at private dental practices, other dental organisations or at the OHCWA, giving you real experience in the industry in both privately run and government facilities.
Employer-based delivery (part-time) If you are a Dental Assistant currently working chairside in a dental surgery, you may be able to complete this course by studying part-time, attending classes one day per week and incorporating workplace assessments. You will need the support of your employer to be eligible. For more information, see the Timetable section below.
This qualification reflects the role of workers who assist dental practitioners during oral health care procedures. The role includes maintaining high standards of infection control, assisting with practice administration and supporting quality and professionalism in the dental sector.
Choose a private training provider that delivers this course
This course is available from registered training organisations (accredited private training providers) that are also funded through Jobs and Skills WA. Select from the list below, and follow the link to the provider's website for further information about the course and how to enrol.
This qualification reflects the role of workers who assist a dentist, dental hygienist, dental prosthetist, dental therapist or oral health therapist during oral health care procedures. Their role includes maintaining high standards of infection control, assisting with practice administration and supporting quality and professionalism in the dental sector. There are 10 units in total, 8 core units and 2 elective units, elective units are relevant to the work environment and the qualification, maintain the integrity of the AQF alignment and contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome. To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 350 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of the units of competency.
Delivery location
The information presented on the course lists within this website is provided to the Department of Training and Workforce Development by the WA TAFE colleges and private training providers, and is offered as a guide only. It is updated regularly, however some changes to details may occur in between updates. You should always contact the TAFE or private training provider directly to confirm details and/or ask questions.