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HLT35021 – Certificate III in Dental Assisting

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HLT35021 - Certificate III in Dental Assisting

Introduction

HLT35021 – Certificate III in Dental Assisting qualification reflects the role of workers who assist dental practitioners during oral health care procedures. The role includes:

  • Maintaining high infection control standards.
  • Assisting with practice administration.
  • Supporting quality and professionalism in the dental sector.

Dental assistants are frequently the first point of contact for patients, allowing them to make the practice friendly and give high-quality care. Client service delivery, administrative activities such as reception, appointment scheduling, payment and receipts, and clinical management will all be handled by dental assistants. Dental assistants can also serve as health promotion and clinic management advocates.

Choose Online Theory Classes

On-Campus Simulation Workshops

Assured Professional Experience Placement

Enrol Anytime

Morning and Evening Sessions Available

Course Details

Course Duration  :  12 Months
AQF Level : 3
Mode of Delivery : Blended
Delivery Locations :  Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane
Professional
Experience
Placement (PEP) : 
350 Hours
IHNA Policies, Procedures & Forms
Check this course currency on the National Register of VET
Accreditation
HLT35021 - Certificate III in Dental Assisting

The Certificate III in Dental Assisting equips individuals with the skills to assist dental professionals in delivering quality patient care. The course covers preparing for dental procedures, infection control, and patient management. Graduates are prepared for roles as Dental Assistants, working in dental clinics and practices to support dentists and hygienists in clinical and administrative tasks.

  • Flexible Learning: Online theory classes with on-campus simulation workshops.
  • Assured Placement: Gain hands-on experience with professional placements.
  • Monthly Intakes: Enrol anytime with flexible start dates.
  • Comprehensive Student Support: 24/7 access to resources, personalised guidance, and career support.
  • Industry Connections: Network with healthcare leaders and gain real-world exposure.
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Train with the latest equipment in modern learning environments

CORE UNITS

CHCCOM005 Communicate and work in health or community services 
CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people 
HLTINF006 Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control  
HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety 
HLTINF002 Process reusable medical devices and equipment 
HLTDEN015 Prepare for and assist with dental procedures 
HLTDEN016 Assist with dental radiography
HLTDEN017 Assist with administration in dental practice.

ELECTIVES

HLTDEN028 Provide effective oral hygiene instruction to patients with an oral health treatment plan 
HLTDEN030 Assist the dental practitioner during medical emergencies in a dental setting 
03
February
2025
03
March
2025
07
April
2025
05
May
2025
02
June
2025
07
July
2025
04
August
2025
01
September
2025
06
October
2025
03
November
2025

Pathways from this course

Graduates may progress to higher level qualifications within and/or across the health and community sector.

Potential pathways are identified below:

  • Certificate IV in Dental Assisting
  • Diploma in Dental Technology
  • Advanced Diploma of Dental Prosthetics

Upon successful completion of the Certificate III in Dental Assisting, you’ll be well-prepared to begin a career as a:

  • Dental Assistant
  • Dental Nurse
  • Dental Assistant and receptionist

Was:$3,499

Now:

$2,499

State Government Funding

Currently no funding available, please contact us for current fee options.

To know more about the IHNA Fees & Charges, click here.

Currently no funding available, please contact us for current fee options.

To know more about the IHNA Fees & Charges, click here.

Currently no funding available, please contact us for current fee options.

To know more about the IHNA Fees & Charges, click here.

We would like to inform you about a recent surge in cyber scams. Your security is of utmost importance to us, and we want to ensure that you stay safe from potential threats.

Scammers have been employing sophisticated tactics to deceive individuals and steal sensitive information. It’s essential to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with online communications and transactions.

For IHNA’s students, it’s good to know that IHNA’s bank account details are not shared through email. Instead, the information is accessible through the secure Student Hub under Student Invoice & Payment. This method ensures that only authorised users with secure login credentials can access and view the information.

Additionally, making payments through the IHNA website provides another secure option for transactions, ensuring that personal and financial details are handled in a safe and protected environment.

For any questions or concerns related to payments or account details, students should reach out to IHNA directly through official contact channels (accounts@ihna.edu.au) to ensure the highest level of security and privacy.

BLENDED

(Blended: online real time theory tutorials with on campus skills training in a simulation environment)

IHNA has selected blended mode of delivery for this course to support students in the development of the skills and knowledge they are expected of as a dental assistant. The delivery will incorporate online and on-.heory and simulation-based training and simulation-based assessment. This includes:

  • Structured Interactive Learning (SIL)
  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Simulation Based Training (SBT)
  • Simulation Based Assessment (SBA)
  • Professional Experience Placement (PEP)

All students are expected to complete SIL at their own time as a part of self-directed interactive learning which equates to 10 hours of study per week.

Lectures will be delivered online in an asynchronous mode, for which recording will be available on Canvas. There will be 10 hours of lecture every week.

Tutorials will be conducted online in a synchronous mode. There will be 10 hours of tutorials every week.

Simulation based training (SBT) and simulation-based assessment (SBA) will be conducted on-campus in block.Students will be provided with dedicated support sessions every week.

All learning and teaching activities including formative and summative assessments will take place on Canvas as this is IHNA’s Learning Management System.

  • The PEP is an essential component of this course. Students will commence the PEP upon the completion of theory assessments and SBA. During the PEP, students will apply the required essential knowledge and skills to demonstrate competency for each unit of this course. Students are required to undertake 350 hours of PEP in a dental clinic to meet the compulsory course requirement
  • Each student will work with a workplace supervisor during the PEP. An IHNA trainer and assessor will monitor the student’s progress during practical placement.
  • Where a student breaches the PEP requirements as stated in the Entry Requirements, they could be excluded from their PEP. IHNA will not be responsible for any such exclusion.

Professional Experience Placement (PEP) is an essential component of this course.IHNA Guarantees Professional Experience Placement for all its student studying Certificate III in Dental Assisting Students will commence 350 hours of PEP upon completion of theory assessments including simulation-based assessment (SBA). During the PEP, students will apply the required essential knowledge and skills to demonstrate competency for each unit of this course.

Each student will work in pairs with a buddy staff member under the supervision of the workplace supervisor at the facility during the PEP.

An IHNA trainer and assessor will monitor the student’s progress during the PEP. All PEPs are arranged by IHNA. Students may arrange PEP by themselves if preferred, as agreed with and in consultation with, the course coordinator.

Note: Where a student breaches the PEP requirements as stated in the Entry Requirements, they could be excluded from their PEP. IHNA will not be responsible for any such exclusion.

There are no mandatory entry requirements for this qualification, however, following IHNA admission criteria will be applicable:

IHNA Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are required to be 16 years old and above.
  • Successful completion of an ACSF test with demonstrated competence as per IHNA LLN requirements.
  • It is also essential for students to possess basic computer skills.
Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital (LLND)

All IHNA students must complete the Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital (LLND) assessment to ensure that students meet the necessary requirements for successfully undertaking the course. IHNA administers the LLND test to evaluate each student’s suitability.

  • A satisfactory National Police Clearance / Australian Federal Police Clearance Certificate (AFP) / NCC will be required for all practical placements.
  • Working with children check.
  • IHNA highly recommends students to complete the immunisation process before the Professional Experience Placement start date as some facilities will not provide placement to student without Immunisation
  • Applicable immunisation certification such as COVID-19 Certificate

The delivery will incorporate online and on-campus theory and simulation-based training and simulation-based assessment. This includes:

  • Structured Interactive Learning (SIL)
  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Simulation Based Training (SBT)
  • Simulation Based Assessment (SBA)
  • Professional Experience Placement (PEP)

With RPL we assess your competency based on formal, non-formal, informal learning or direct work experience based on the required skills of the course.

We use CT where you’ve completed units of study at another TAFE College or Registered Training Organisation that meet the requirements of another course. We grant credit according to the Certification, Issuing, and Recognition of Qualifications and Statements of Attainment. Assessing a CT is free.

If you’re eligible for RPL or CT you may be able to complete the course in a shorter duration with reduction to total course fees.Check your eligibility with us.

What is a L – Portfolio?

L – Portfolio is a collection of work, skills and interests (evidence) in an electronic format that showcases learning and experience over time.When you think about your L-Portfolio and the types of evidence that it contains, it is important to think carefully about its purpose and intended audience.

Your L-Portfolio may contain all or some of the following:

  • Files of various formats (text, pictures, video, etc.)
  • Evidence related to courses taken, programs of study, etc.
  • Writing samples (which might include several drafts to show development and improvement)
  • Projects prepared for class or extracurricular activities
  • Evidence of creativity and performance
  • Evidence of extracurricular or co-curricular activities, including examples of leadership
  • Evaluations, analysis and recommendations

Uses of L-Portfolio

Recognition of Prior Learning application:

Our RPL tool is in the form of an L-Portfolio, and allows students to put on record all their life experiences, interests and skills. Not only will their academic achievement be listed out, but also any life experiences that could potentially be taken into account for extra credit as Recognition of Prior Learning. For instance, an individual who has taken care of his or her bedridden parent has already gained valuable caregiver experience, which could be chalked up against practical expertise and added to their resume.

This L-Portfolio could be sent to employers when applying for work, to universities while applying for extra credits through RPL, or in any other ways to market their expertise.

Showcase/Professional L Portfolios

These L-Portfolios are used as a way to demonstrate (showcase) the highlights of a student’s academic and professional career.

Learning Portfolios

These portfolios are typically created by a student as part of a course as a way to demonstrate learning and the learning process. These portfolios are often shared with other students to elicit peer feedback. Learning portfolios support the idea of formative feedback as an essential part of the learning process.

  1. Application: Submit your online application by clicking “Enrol Now” on the top right corner of the course page.
  2. Interview: Once you’ve met IHNA’s eligibility criteria you will be contacted for an interview with an admissions consultant
  3. Offer Letter: If you’re successful with the interview you will be offered a place for the course as per the availability of each intake.
  4. Enrolment Fee:After signing the offer acceptance an invoice will be issued for the course. You may be eligible for government funding, so please call our team to know more.
  5. Confirmation of Admission: We will issue a conformation of admission once the enrolment fee has been received.

Call us on 1800 22 52 83 for any questions regarding your application.

A Respected Institution

At IHNA, we are committed to elevating the student experience by pushing the boundaries of vocational education, whether online or on-campus

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Acknowledgement

IHNA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.