Certificate III In Dental Assisting

This is a Free TAFE for Priority Course. Find out about your eligibility

Play a crucial role in supporting dentists in delivering oral healthcare

Course code

HLT35021

Delivery location

Frankston

International

Not available for International students

Length

Full Time, 9 months.

Start dates

20 January, 14 July

• Timetable

  Days of delivery will depend on enrolled group. Classes run from 9am-4pm.
  
  • Days per week: 3
  • Hours per day: 6
  • Expected hours of self-directed learning per week: 3
  
  All learning is conducted in-person on campus.

• Study units

  Unit code	Unit Description
  HLTAID011	Provide First Aid
  HLTDEN028	Provide effective oral hygiene instruction to patients with an oral health treatment plan
  HLTDEN015	Prepare for and assist with dental procedures
  HLTWHS001	Participate in workplace health and safety
  HLTDEN016	Assist with dental radiography
  CHCCOM005	Communicate and work in health or community services
  HLTINF002	Process reusable medical devices and equipment
  CHCDIV001	Work with diverse people.
  HLTDEN017	Assist with administration in dental practice
  HLTINF006	Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control

• Assessment methods

  • Observation
  • Questioning or Test/Quiz
  • Project
  • Portfolio

• Admission requirements

  You must be 18 or over before placement.

  Inherent requirements

  Our inherent requirements are a guide to help you decide if a course is right for you.

  If you are a student with a disability, long-term illness, mental health condition or are a primary carer of an individual with a disability, you can apply for support through our Equitable Learning and Disability Support team.

  Physical:
  Stand and walk for long periods of time (more than 30 minutes)
  Provide basic cleaning tasks like wiping surfaces, mopping, and carrying cleaning supplies of varying weights. You will also need to be able to safely use a stepladder
  
  Cognitive/Emotional:
  Strong written, verbal and non-verbal interpersonal skills
  Work within infection control and general WHS guidelines.
  
  Industry:
  Emotional flexibility
  Basic computer literacy, including but not limited to the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), email functions, internet browsing and other general computer functions.
  Access to the internet to engage in self-study
  
  The following dress code applies on campus and/or on placement:
  • Shoes – black, non-slip, covering your whole foot to your ankle
  • Uniform – as provided by Chisholm
  • Hair – must be kept above your shoulders (long hair tied up into a bun)
  • No eye lash extensions
  • Nails – must be kept short, no acrylic nails, no nail polish
  • Piercings – no large loops
  • Jewellery – kept to a minimum, hand jewellery limited to a single band (no stones)
  • Personal hygiene – showering and wearing of deodorant is expected

  Language, literacy and numeracy

  You are required to complete a language, literacy and numeracy skills test before course commencement. This will determine course suitability and if you may need additional support.
  
  We use an approved online skills review tool to determine your language, literacy and numeracy skills within the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF).
  
  Below are the levels required for this course:

  • Language and literacy: 2
  • Numeracy: 2

• Practical placement

  You will need to attend 350 hours of practical placement.
  
  You will be responsible for find finding your placement host and negotiating the number of days and hours you will work.
  
  When you approach the end of your placement, an assessor from Chisholm will attend and assess your final tasks to complete your course.

  Documentation or licences required for practical placement

  Vaccination certificates are required.
  
  You must also:
  • Hold a valid Working with Children Check (volunteer or employee) for the duration of the program.
  • Hold a valid National Police Record Check. If you believe there would be a disclosable issue on your National Police Check, a confidential conversation will be required before enrolment to determine suitability for work within the healthcare environment.

• Simulated work environment

  You'll have a chance to learn hands-on, in our dental simulation labs. While in the dental simulation lab, policies need to be followed.
  
  The following code and policies apply when in the labs or placement:
  • Shoes – black, non-slip, covering your whole foot to your ankle
  • Uniform – as provided by Chisholm
  • Hair – must be kept above your shoulders (long hair tied up into a bun)
  • No eye lash extensions
  • Nails – must be kept short, no acrylic nails, no nail polish
  • Piercings – no large loops
  • Jewellery – kept to a minimum, hand jewellery limited to a single band (no stones)
  • Personal hygiene – showering and wearing of deodorant is expected
  
  Chisholm is a smoke free campus. Should you choose to smoke off premises during your lunch break, your uniform must be covered. If you are dealing with clients, you will need to ensure your breath is freshened along with removal of any smoke odour.

• Course and career pathways

  Nationally recognised training	Certificate III In Dental Assisting	Certificate IV In Dental Assisting
  Possible job outcome	dental assistant	dental assistant

• Fees

  Tuition fees* (GST exempt)

  Fees

  Fee Type	Fee Amount	Select
  Free TAFE	FREE	freeAmount
  Concession	$749	ConcessionAmount
  Government subsidised	$3,741	GovernmentSubsidisedAmount
  Full fee paying	$10,755	FullfeeAmount
  Mandatory other fees** (GST inclusive)
  Materials	$190	MaterialFeeAmount
  And one of: Student services – concession (annual) OR	$135	studentservicefeewithConcession
  Student services - no concession (annual)	$270	studentservicefeewithnoConcession

  Total fees  

  *Student tuition fees are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Please note: Fees will be subject to change if the course runs over two or more calendar years. Check here to see if you are eligible for government-subsidised training. Training to eligible students is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth funding. Students with a disability are encouraged to apply for this course using Skills First funding.
  **You are required to pay additional fees for materials and support services, not covered by your tuition fees. This may include things like learning resources, personal protective equipment/clothing, and vary depending on the course you study. Material fees are also subject to change given individual circumstances. Please note: You will also be required to pay the Student Services fee for each year of enrolment.

• Help with fees

  Payment plans

  At Chisholm, you can spread your tuition costs over the year by making part payments via direct debit on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis. Payment plans are available for local students enrolling in certificate level courses only. Read more about payment plans.

  Scholarships

  Annual scholarships may be available to eligible students suffering financial hardship through the Caroline Chisholm Education Foundation. Find out more about the scholarships, which to date have supported more than 150 students with grants ranging from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on circumstance and the area of study.

  Government-subsidised training

  Check here to see if you are eligible for government-subsidised training. Training to eligible students is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth funding. Students with a disability are encouraged to apply for this course using Skills First funding.

• Skills recognition

  Your current skills, knowledge and experience can help you get a qualification.

  Find out about skills recognition and RPL for certificate to advanced diploma courses.

  Find out about advanced standing for graduate certificate, graduate diploma and bachelor degree courses.