HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting
12 monthsEarn your HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting online and start your career in the dental industry, working alongside dental professionals in a variety of roles.
The HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting is a comprehensive dental assistant online course designed to equip you with essential skills for a successful career in dental healthcare. This qualification covers key areas such as chairside assistance, infection control, dental practice administration, and assisting with dental radiography. The online course also includes 350 hours of compulsory practical work placement, giving you valuable hands-on experience in real dental settings.
This training prepares you for a range of duties that support the dental team, including preparing patients for treatment, managing infection control procedures, and assisting with dental procedures. With this dental assistant course certification, you’ll be ready to work in a variety of dental settings, assisting dentists and other professionals in delivering quality oral healthcare.
After completing this Cert III dental assisting course, you may choose to further enhance your skills by pursuing a Certificate IV in Dental Assisting.
Enrol now to study dental assisting online. Earn your Certificate III with the Institute of Allied Health and access a wide range of student supports to help you succeed.
You will learn:
How to provide a range of dental assisting tasks including:
Assisting with dental procedures
Infection prevention and control
Processing reusable medical devices and equipment
Supporting patient care
Career outcomes:
Dental Assistant
Use your attention to detail and caring nature to support dental professionals in providing high-quality oral healthcare.
Get more info
Care for a career? Fill in your details below and we will send you more information about our Certificate III in Dental Assisting.
Online Course Details
HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting
 |
Institute of Allied Health is a trading name for the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors Pty Ltd and qualifications are awarded by AIPC (RTO Provider Number 0670).
This Cert III in Dental Assisting is delivered online. You can study your online Certificate III full-time, part-time, or at your own pace. Full-time study typically takes approximately 12 months.
This dental assistant course has a work placement component. This involves 350 hours in the workplace, with some time spent at home completing activities that contribute to assessment.
To achieve this dental assisting qualification, students are required to complete 350 hours of compulsory practical placement, with some time spent at home completing activities that contribute to assessment.
You can choose your work placement location, but it needs Institute approval based on course requirements. We can help you find a suitable workplace if you are struggling to locate one.
To obtain entry to this online dental assistant course, you need to demonstrate completion of at least Year 10 (or equivalent) and be at least 16 years of age.
This course is not available to international students.
Discounted upfront payments $1990 (normally $2490- save 20%)
Fortnightly payments $99/fortnight x 26 payments
Online Course Structure
Unit 01 Participate in workplace health and safety
This unit covers the essential skills required to contribute to workplace health and safety practices, including identifying hazards, assessing risks, and following safe work procedures.
Unit 02 Work with Diverse People
This unit focuses on developing skills to work inclusively with people from diverse cultural, social, and linguistic backgrounds in a respectful and effective manner.
Unit 03 Apply Basic Principles and Practices of Infection Prevention and Control
This unit teaches the fundamental practices for preventing and controlling infections in a healthcare setting, emphasizing hygiene and safety protocols.
Unit 04 Communicate and work in health or community services
This unit provides skills in effective communication within health and community services, focusing on interaction with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
Unit 05 Work Effectively with Others
This unit covers the skills required to work collaboratively in a team environment, fostering positive relationships and effective teamwork.
Unit 06 Prepare for and Assist with Dental Practice
This unit teaches the essential skills required to prepare for and assist with various dental procedures, supporting dental practitioners in a clinical setting.
Unit 07 Process Reusable Medical Devices and Equipment
This unit involves the proper cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance of reusable medical devices and equipment to ensure patient safety and infection control.
Unit 08 Assist with Dental Radiography
This unit focuses on assisting with dental radiography procedures, including positioning patients, processing images, and ensuring safety in the dental radiography environment.
Unit 09 Assist with Administration in Dental Practice
This unit covers the administrative tasks required in dental practice, such as scheduling appointments, managing records, and maintaining patient confidentiality.
Unit 10 Provide First Aid
This unit equips students with the skills to deliver basic first aid in emergency situations, including CPR and managing a variety of common medical emergencies.
This Cert III Dental Assisting qualification requires the completion of HLTAID011, Provide First Aid. Students are required to attain this through an appropriate training organisation and provide a Statement of Attainment to receive a Credit Transfer for this unit. In undertaking this unit, students will need to have the physical capacity to undertake CPR for at least two minutes kneeling on the floor.
Online Study FAQs
Check out our frequently asked questions about the dental assistant course.
To become a dental assistant, you’ll need to complete a Certificate III in Dental Assisting. This course provides you with skills such as assisting dentists during procedures, preparing equipment, and supporting patients. It’s the first step to starting your career in dental assisting.
Yes, you can study the Certificate III in Dental Assisting online with the Institute of Allied Health. The course combines flexible online theory with 350 hours of practical work placement, ensuring you gain the hands-on experience needed to succeed.
The Certificate III in Dental Assisting teaches skills such as how to help dentists during procedures, clean and sterilise equipment, and follow infection control rules. The course also covers how to communicate well with patients and work as part of a dental team.
Key modules include:
"Apply Basic Principles and Practices of Infection Prevention and Control"
"Process Reusable Medical Devices and Equipment"
"Assist with Dental Radiography"
"Assist with Administration in Dental Practice"
This dental assistant course typically takes 12 months to complete, but you can choose to study full-time, part-time, or online, depending on your schedule and preferences.
Yes, you can become a dental assistant with no experience. Many entry-level positions don’t require prior experience, and completing a Certificate III in Dental Assisting will provide the training and practical skills you need to start your career.
You can become a dental assistant at 16, usually after completing Year 10. This is also the minimum age requirement to enrol in a Certificate III in Dental Assisting.
In Australia, dental assistants earn an average salary between $60,000 and $70,000 per year, according to SEEK (2025). Earnings can vary based on experience, location, and the type of practice, with entry-level roles offering less and experienced assistants earning more.
Care for a career at the Institute of Allied Health
Similar Allied Health Courses
Certificate IV in Dental Assisting Online
Advance your career with the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (HLT45021), designed for those already working in or seeking to work in the dental field.
Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance Online
This nationally recognised Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (HLT43021) is ideal for developing all-round skills in health assistance applicable across a range of allied health settings.
Certificate III in Health Services Assistance Online
Earn your online Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (HLT33115) to qualify for diverse roles assisting healthcare professionals in client care.
IAH Promises To You
Guarantee of Education Excellence
We stand by our education and support. Having specialised in flexible education for over 30 years, we’ve refined our curriculum and support services to be the industry benchmark.
#1 Graduate Outcome Program
Our Alumni communities assist our graduates achieve their desired outcome such as employment or utilising their knowledge in their existing field. Free mentoring is included.
30-Day Money Back Guarantee
Our guarantee to new students is this – if for any reason whatsoever you choose to withdraw from your course within 30-days, we’ll provide a no questions asked 100% refund.
