Overview
Learning Objectives Overview
The Certificate III in Dental Assisting provides comprehensive preparation for a career in oral healthcare. This qualification reflects the diverse responsibilities of dental assistants who support dental practitioners during clinical procedures. Dental assistants serve as the first point of contact for patients, creating a friendly practice environment and delivering high-quality care.Their professional duties include client service delivery, administrative functions, and clinical management. The program equips students with essential skills in infection control, patient communication, and professional practice standards, enabling them to work effectively across various dental settings.


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Course Duration
12 Months
AQF Level
3
Study Mode
domestic
Delivery Locations
Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane
Course Start Dates
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
Additional Details
Course Overview
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.
Why study Certificate III in Dental Assisting at IHNA?
- Flexible Learning: Online theory classes with on-campus simulation workshops.
- Guaranteed Placement: Gain hands-on experience with professional placements.
- Monthly Intakes: New Batches Starting Every Month
- 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
Course Structure
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 |
Mode of Delivery
(Blended: online real time theory tutorials with on campus skills training in a simulation environment)
The course is provided through blended mode of delivery. It will be delivered over 1402 hours including:
- Theory, tutorials, simulations, and formative activities (640 hours)
- Summative assessment (100 hours)
- Professional experience placement (PEP) (350 hours)
- Self-learning (312 hours)
Besides the above structured learning, students are advised that they will be required to do unstructured learning as assigned.
Professional Experience Placement (PEP)
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.
Entry Requirements
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.
Digital Literacy
- Students should possess basic computer skills covering the most common usages of a computer, including managing computer files, word processing, using spreadsheets and databases; creating presentations; finding information and communicating using computers; and being aware of social and ethical implications of Internet use.
- Students should be in possession of their own laptops to facilitate the training and assessment.
- A National Police Clearance or Australian Federal Police (AFP) Clearance certificate
- Immunisation prior to undertaking Professional Experience Placement (PEP) in healthcare facilities
- Declaration of having a disability, disorder, or on any medication that will need reasonable adjustments to fulfil these requirements
- Working with Children Check (WWCC): Students may have the opportunity to work with patients under the age of 18. Before students are allowed to contact with minors, students need to obtain a WWCC check.
Professional Experience Placement (PEP) Requirements
(Students are encouraged to disclose any disabilities, disorders, or medications that may require reasonable adjustments to help us provide appropriate support.)
How is the Course Assessed?
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)
RPL & credit transfer
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
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.
Credit Transfer(CT)
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 are eligible for RPL or CT, you may be able to finish the course faster and reduce the total course fees. Check your eligibility with us.
Ready to Apply?
- Application: Submit your online application by clicking “Enrol Now” on the top right corner of the course page.
- Interview: Once you’ve met IHNA’s eligibility criteria you will be contacted for an interview with an admissions consultant
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Pathways
Relevant Courses for Comprehensive Learning.
- Certificate IV in Dental Assisting
- Diploma in Dental Technology
- Advanced Diploma of Dental Prosthetics
Explore opportunities
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Dental Assistant
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Dental Nurse
-
Dental Assistant and receptionist
Fees & Funding
Know about Fee Structure and Fundings in
Course Fees for Full Fee-Paying Students
$2,499
$3,499
Course Fees for Full Fee-Paying Students
$2,499
$3,499
Course Fees for Full Fee-Paying Students
$2,499
$3,499
Course Fees for Full Fee-Paying Students
$2,499
$3,499
Attention Students
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.
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