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Dental

Interested in working in the dental industry?

Our Dental courses will teach you how to work with various specialists in dental, whether caring for patients or working in a laboratory to gain skills in making dental appliances.

This course is delivered in brand new, modern and custom made simulated dental rooms at our Leederville Campus.

FAQs for future Dental Assisting students

Some of the things you will be responsible for are preparing the surgery, assisting the dentist chairside, processing and sterilising all of the instruments and cleaning the surgery. You may also be asked to do some reception work and manage supplies. 

Job roles can vary depending on the practice. You will also be able to complete some basic on site laboratory work.

The Certificate III in Dental Assisting will take you 12 months to successfully complete, you will then be ready to work and highly employable..

The course is delivered at our brand new, modern dental centre at our Leederville campus on the corner of Richmond and Oxford Streets in Leederville.

The course is available for full time studies, or a work-based part time option.

The work-based part time option requires you to be working in a dental surgery for a minimum of 15 hours each week, or two full days, you will need to be employed before applying for the work-based delivery.

Job opportunities for dental assistants are currently very high, with the employment rate sitting at approximately 95%.

Although dental assisting is a very hands-on and practical job, you will be required to sit both theory and practical assessments for each unit.

Some of these need to be assessed during your work placement block in a dental surgery.

When you have gained enough experience in a simulated environment, you will be attending work placements that are arranged by North Metropolitan TAFE, these are held in a variety of both private practice and government facilities, you may be able to work on patients, but this will depend on student and patient circumstances.

Once you are qualified, you will have the experience and knowledge to start working straight away, and many of our students are employed by one of the clinics in which they completed their work placement. You will also meet and network with many key industry contacts to help you find employment.

Our lecturers have a wealth of experience across most aspects of dentistry. We regularly meet with industry and cater for innovative changes in the dental profession. In fact, several of our Lecturers are past students of our Dental Courses!

In order to attend a work placement in the government clinics you will be required to provide evidence of the following vaccinations:

  • Hepatitis B (you will require a minimum of 2 out of 3 vaccinations before term 2)
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox)
  • Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP record of vaccination within the last 10 years)
  • COVID-19
  • Screening for Tuberculosis using the Mantoux or HEAF or Quantiferon test.
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) if required

The associated costs for these vaccinations will vary depending on your doctor and what vaccinations are needed.

Serology to confirm immunisation should be provided within the first three weeks of your course.

To prevent delays in work placement it is recommended that you discuss your vaccination status with your GP as soon as possible.

Further information regarding the vaccinations will be given to you at orientation.

Please be aware that COVID-19 vaccination is an employment requirement for many healthcare providers. NMTAFE students undertaking work placements or who are required to attend a healthcare or community setting as part of their studies are advised to check directly with the healthcare provider regarding their policy settings around vaccination and proof of vaccination requirements.

 

How do I get more information?

If you want more information or have any questions specific to dental assisting, please feel free to contact us:

E  leederville@nmtafe.wa.edu.au

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    Certificate III in Dental Assisting

    National ID HLT35021 | State ID BGW7

    Learn in our new purpose built dental facilities

    You'll gain a broad range of skills from assisting chairside to reception work and the management of supplies. You'll also have the opportunity for industry experience by taking part in work placements.

    Campuses
    • Leederville

    Study Modes
    • Combined (Online and On Campus)
    • Employer-based
    • On campus

    Certificate IV in Dental Assisting

    National ID HLT45021 | State ID BGW8

    Gain the skills to pour models, make thermoformed appliances and take clinical photographs.

    This course is ideal for qualified dental assistants who are looking to upskill, diversify, and be able to further assist the dentist within the dental practice.

    Campuses
    • Leederville

    Study Modes
    • On campus

    Certificate III in Dental Laboratory Assisting

    National ID HLT35115 | State ID AYY4

    Train in our new simulated dental laboratory

    This course will prepare you to work as a laboratory assistant. You'll gain the skills to assist dentists and dental technicians to construct, repair and adjust dental appliances.

    Campuses
    • Leederville

    Study Modes
    • On campus

    Diploma of Dental Technology

    National ID HLT55118 | State ID BDQ5

    The perfect qualification to get you started in the Dental Technology profession

    This apprenticeship will give you the skills to prepare work for dental surgeries and produce dental appliances such as bridges and splints.

    Campuses
    • Leederville

    Study Modes
    • Apprenticeship