At a glance
Kick start your oral health care career with this entry-level course that will qualify you to work as a dental assistant.
JOB PROSPECTS
- Dental Assistant
COURSE OUTCOME
HLT35015 Certificate III in Dental Assisting
Course overview
Start your career in oral health care with this entry-level course. This qualification is perfect for people looking to work as a dental assistant in a clinic. According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service the number of people working as dental assistants grew very strongly over the past five years and expected to continue to grow in the future. This large occupation is expected to create around 16,000 job openings over the next five years.
This qualification gives you the skills to assist with dental radiography, sterilise equipment, assist with oral healthcare procedures, and use office software. Our highly-experienced team of industry professionals will give you the support and one-on-one guidance you need to successfully transition into the health sector.
Successful completion of this course will qualify you to work as a dental assistant in a clinical environment. You will also get the foundation skills needed to undertake further study in the field.
As a student at TAFE Queensland you’ll have the opportunity to put your skills into practice in real-world settings while under the supervision of industry professionals. Depending on your study location, you’ll gain hands-on experience at our on-campus dental clinic or in a workplace environment.
We know that life is busy, that's why our courses are designed to be flexible. Our mixed-mode delivery means you can complete components of your study online and our 'round-the-clock support services means you're never alone. Studiosity is an online after hours tutoring service focusing on writing, research and referencing, as well as subject-specific questions.
Units
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 2 elective units from the list below. You will also be required to undertake 250 hours of vocational placement in an approved setting.
| UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
|---|---|---|
| CHCCOM005 |
Communicate and work in health or community services | |
| CHCDIV001 |
Work with diverse people | |
| HLTAID003 |
Provide first aid | |
| HLTDEN001 |
Prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures | |
| HLTDEN002 |
Assist with dental radiography | |
| HLTDEN003 |
Assist with administration in dental practice | |
| HLTINF001 |
Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures | |
| HLTWHS001 |
Participate in workplace health and safety | |
| HLTINF002 |
Process reusable medical devices and equipment | |
Note: Not all electives are available at all campuses.
Ways to study
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more
What you need to know about studying on campus
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.
Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of choosing when and where you study. Direct your own learning with all your study materials online, allowing you to manage your own workload and fit your studies around your lifestyle. Access your learning space 24 hours a day, seven days a week and be supported by high-quality educators who are devoted to your outcomes. Learn more
What you need to know about studying online
Intake
For most online courses study is structured into fixed intakes that have set durations of 12 weeks from the study commencement date. You will be able to access your learning materials from the first day of the study period. You must be enrolled to be able to access your learning materials. To ensure you can manage your study load, we recommend limiting your workload to no more than 2 units of competency per intake. In some circumstances, you may be required/able to complete 3 units per intake.
Other online courses such as nursing have different intakes, durations, and workload structures.
At TAFE Queensland, we understand that employers need options and flexibility in employee training. We are committed to delivering the flexible training plans you need to get the job done. Choose from workplace training, block training, drop in days, mobile training, day release, or a mix of all these options. Learn more
What you need to know about apprenticeships and traineeships
Eligibility
You must already be employed to enrol as an apprentice or trainee with TAFE Queensland. Speak to your employer about choosing TAFE Queensland as your Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO).
COST
Eligible apprentices and trainees that meet the Queensland state funding requirements will be charged a set fee per nominal hour. These fees are calculated at a regulated rate of $1.60 per nominal hour. Concession rates apply for students who hold a current Health Care Card or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Non-funded apprentices and trainees will be charged a fee for service cost. These will be confirmed prior to the commencement of training.
Information regarding costs will be outlined on the agreed training plan, which will be provided to the employer and apprentice or trainee at time of induction.
Get In touch
Find out how we can tailor a training package specifically for you.
As an international student at TAFE Queensland you'll gain hands-on experience in our modern classrooms, laboratories and workshops using state-of-the-art facilities and the same tools and equipment used in industry.
The diversity of our campus locations means you can choose the study location that suits you. Get the internationally-recognised qualification you need to launch your career while enjoying the unique Australian landscape, culture, and lifestyle.
No matter where you are in your study journey, our team of international student support advisors can help you settle into life in Australia and provide support and assistance to help you throughout your studies.
What you need to know about studying as an International student
As an international student you’ll study face-to-face in a classroom with other international and Australian students at one of our campus locations.
In addition to your scheduled class hours you will be expected to complete additional study in your own time.
The course cost indicated is for students on an international student visa. If you’re visiting Australia on a non-student visa (e.g. partner visa, working holiday, employer sponsor etc.) please contact us directly for the price applicable to you.
Do you need help?
- email us your questions
- call us on +61 7 3244 5100
- find an agent to help with your application
- check out our frequently asked questions (FAQs).
University pathways
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways
Payment options
No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what's right for you, get in touch. We're here to help.
Upfront payment
This is the total amount you need to pay when you enrol. This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.
Payment plan
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
International Student Payment
Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Western Union Global Pay for Students. Western Union allows you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays.
Learn more
Important Information
Selection criteria
Domestic Students
The following Selection criteria requirements apply only to Domestic Students:
If your chosen study mode is workplace delivery, it is recommended that you are currently working in the Dental industry or have a background in Dental Assisting.
International Students
The following Selection criteria requirements apply only to International Students:
- English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 5.5 (no individual band less than 5.0) or ISLPR 2+ on all skills or other - For a list of all English Language test accepted by TAFE Queensland International
- Academic Requirements: Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent). Non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. For more information on the international education achievement levels equivalent to Year 10 and 12
- Due to workplace Health and Safety, all participants need to have completed a course of Hepatitis B vaccinations before commencement of vocational placement, which occurs in approximately week 14 of the program. A course of injections takes approximately 6 months to complete and if applicants have not had Hep B vaccinations, they must begin the process and have had at least 2 of the 3 required injections prior to going to vocational placement. You will be required to provide a copy of your serology report as evidence of sero-conversion to HepB surface antigen (anti-HBsAg). Please contact your GP to arrange a referral for a blood test
Students should be a minimum of 18 years of age. Student visa applicants under the age of 18 will be accepted where they demonstrate that they will be accompanied by a parent, legal custodian or a suitable relative who is aged 21 or over. This arrangement requires the approval of the Department of Home Affairs. For more information visit Department of Home Affairs - Welfare Requirements for Student Visa Applicants under 18.
Placement
If you are not currently employed or volunteering in industry, during your course you will be required to complete vocational placement so you can start practicing your new skills in a real-world environment. You’ll be required to work shifts determined by your placement provider, and these can include early mornings or late nights, any day of the week, including public holidays. TAFE Queensland may be able to assist in arranging suitable placements.
You will be expected to manage family and work commitments in order to complete your shifts. You are required to complete 250 hours of placement to satisfy this component of your qualification.
Resources required
It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.
Need to know
Please note: HLTAID003 - Provide First Aid is required to complete this qualification but is not delivered as part of this program. You will need to complete this unit with an external provider and provide proof of completion for credit transfer. Only HLTAID003 - Provide First Aid will be accepted for this process. The completion of this unit will incur additional costs.
Assessment Methods
Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.
Disclaimer
All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.
How to apply
If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.
International students can either apply directly through our application portal Studylink, or through one of our education agents. Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries, you will need to apply through an agent.
Learn more
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfers
Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. Getting recognition for the skills you've gained from the workplace or previous learning means less study time for you, and getting the paper to prove you're qualified a whole lot sooner. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.
Get started with TAFE Queensland
If you have read and understood the student rules, refund policy, understand your fees and payment options, have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and checked you meet the entry requirements and selection criteria for this course, you're ready to get started.
University pathways
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways 