Course Snapshot

Campus

Bendigo City Campus
	Code	HLT45021
	Length	12 to 18 months (Full Time), 18 to 24 months (Part Time)
	Days	-
	Delivery Mode	Workplace-based only
	Start Date	Rolling Enrolments
	End Date	Rolling Enrolments
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Certificate IV in Dental Assisting

About

Learn the Tools of the Trade

This qualification reflects the role of workers who provide an advanced level of assistance to a dentist, dental hygienist, dental prosthetist, dental therapist or oral health therapist, which contributes to the quality of oral health care.

This qualification is delivered in the workplace only, you must have employment in a suitable practice before commencing the course.

Appropriate candidates for the certificate IV should be experienced Dental Assistants that have been working in a practice for a minimum of 12 months. All applicants must meet the below criteria for direct entry;

The role should include the below;

Providing an advanced level of chair side assistance to a dentist, dental hygienist, dental prosthetist, dental therapist or oral health therapist
Mentoring and inducting new employees
Implementing and monitoring infection control and work health and safety policies and procedures
Monitoring compliance for WHS and infection control
Conducting workplace risk assessments

This qualification provides the knowledge and skills needed to provide an advanced level of assistance to a Dentist, Dental Hygienist, Dental Prosthetist, Dental Therapist or Oral Health Therapist, which contributes to the quality of oral health care. Delivery combines work experience and structured training to competently and safely assist the dental professional during oral health care procedures.

Our course delivery features a combination of on-campus and remote (online) learning. This flexibility allows our students to continue to study in a safe, guided and supported manner.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed to show that you have achieved the skills and knowledge required by the course. Assessments may include, demonstration, written, oral or practical assessment methods. You will know in advance about the type of assessment and how it will operate. There is the opportunity for reassessment and appeal, and you will be given this information.

What will I study?

Areas of study include: assisting with oral health care procedures and dental radiography; communication and administration in the dental practice; workplace health & safety and infection control.

Course Modules

Module Code	Module Title	Nominal Hours	Scope
HLTSTE003	Sterilise loads (HLTSTE003)	40	Core
HLTWHS003	Maintain work health and safety (HLTWHS003)	40	Core
HLTDEN018	Implement an individualised oral hygiene program (HLTDEN018)	300	Elective
HLTDEN021	Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice (HLTDEN021)	120	Elective
HLTDEN022	Prepare to expose a prescribed dental radiographic image (HLTDEN022)	90	Elective
HLTDEN023	Produce a prescribed dental radiographic image (HLTDEN023)	130	Elective
HLTDEN024	Implement an oral hygiene program for older people (HLTDEN024)	130	Elective
HLTDEN025	Implement an oral health promotion program (HLTDEN025)	130	Elective
HLTOHC007	Recognise and respond to oral health issues (HLTOHC007)	30	Elective
HLTOHC008	Inform and support patients and groups about oral health (HLTOHC008)	40	Elective
HLTOHC009	Apply and use basic oral health products (HLTOHC009)	40	Elective

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Course Dates

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Campus Location	Start Date(s)	End Date(s)	Days and Time
Bendigo City Campus	Rolling Enrolments	Rolling Enrolments	-
Bendigo City Campus	Rolling Enrolments	Rolling Enrolments	-
Bendigo City Campus	Rolling Enrolments	Rolling Enrolments	-

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Career Opportunities

Qualification Details

Employment Opportunities

This course may lead to employment as a Dental Assistant and with further study, a Dental Hygienist, Dental Therapist, Oral Health Specialist.

You must have employment in the relevant industry before commencing the course.

Qualifications

On successful completion of the course, you will be awarded the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (HLT45021). As part of the Australian Qualifications Framework this program is nationally recognised.

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Fees

Training is delivered with Victorian & Commonwealth Government funding.

Some or all of this training is provided with State or Federal Government funding. Are you eligible for Government Subsidised fees? Find out now!

You may be eligible for concession. Find out now!

To you check your eligibility click here.

The fees listed below relate to 2025 courses and are indicative pricing only as total costs vary depending on the units you elect to study.

Payment plans are available. Click here to find out more.
Course availability is subject to enrolment numbers.

Your total course fee will typically include your tuition fee (table 1), any applicable consumables and/or material fees (table 2).

This is a Free TAFE Course!!!

Even if you have studied a course at the same or higher level qualification, you could get your tuition for FREE! The below pricing table applies if you do not qualify for FREE TAFE.

*You may be entitled to free tuition fees for this course if you meet the eligibility criteria for the State Government’s FREE TAFE for Priority Courses initiative. It's important to know that you may incur other fees, such as materials fees, and you'll need to cover these costs yourself.

Tuition Fees

Enrolment type	Government Subsidised Indicative total tuition fee#	Concession Indicative total tuition fee#	Full Fee Indicative total tuition fee#
Standard	$3733.2	$746.64	$14945
Traineeship	$3733.2	$746.64	$14945

Other Fees

Enrolment Type	Average course material fees	Average course consumable fees
Standard	$245	$0
Traineeship	$245	$0

#The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.

* Materials/Consumables fees may vary for each individual based on the units they are studying.

Average tuition fees are based on the typical number of student contact hours undertaken by a student to complete this course. Average fees displayed are purely indicative and may not be your actual fee. Fees vary based on the number/hours of electives chosen by the student.

Click here to view maximum tuition fees. We strongly urge you to contact us for a more exact calculation of your fees. Additional fees may apply.

Your total course fee will typically include your tuition fee and non-tuition fees (table 1) and any applicable consumables and/or material fees (table 2).

Student Contact Hours

Total hours^	Indicative hours*	Government Subsidised $/SCH	Indigenous Concession $/SCH	Full Fee Indicative total tuition fee $/SCH
1220	1220	$3.06	$0.61	$12.25
1220	1220	$3.06	$0.61	$12.25

^This is based on the maximum number of student contact hours for the total duration of the course. Hours may vary depending on electives chosen by the student.

*This is based on the maximum number of student contact hours for the calendar year of 2025. Hours may vary depending on electives chosen by the student. If you have to undertake training as part of Skills Recognition, your tuition fees are charged according to the applicable rate per Student Contact Hour depending on your eligibility for government subsidised, concession or full fees.

For more information about our fees structure, click here.

Entry Requirements

Can I Apply?

Applicants must have successfully completed the HLT31812 Certificate III in Dental Assisting, HLT35015 Certificate III in Dental Assisting or HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting course.

Applicants must be currently employed at a dental practice for a minimum of 12 months, for a minimum of 15 clinical hours a week.

Undertake a Language, Literacy and Numeracy assessment and meet the minimum ACSF level.

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Lets Get Started

How Will I Be Selected?

Applicants must have successfully completed the HLT31812 Certificate III in Dental Assisting, HLT35015 Certificate III in Dental Assisting or HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting course.

Applicants must be currently employed at a dental practice for a minimum of 12 months, for a minimum of 15 clinical hours a week.

Have access to a reprocessing area for reusable instruments including sterilisation equipment.

Oral health promotions or oral health care units- Be able to conduct visual oral health checks on patients within your clinic, provide comprehensive information on oral care to elderly patients within your clinic or in an aged care facility and provide an oral health promotion program to a group within the community.

How Do I Apply?

Click on the 'Apply Now' button to start. Fill in the preliminary application form and we will contact you via email or phone to progress your enrolment.

For course information, please call 13 TAFE (13 8233) or fill our enquiry form.

Click here to find out more about our Online Service Standards.

For information on disability support at Bendigo TAFE, click here.