Career

Dental Assistants

Healthcare & Medical

Career stats

Weekly pay

$1,102

Prospects

Medium

Employed in Australia

35,100

Growth

Moderate growth

Overview

Dental Assistants prepare patients for dental examination and assist Dental Practitioners, Hygienists and Therapists in providing care and treatment.

Job Titles

mdi-briefcase-variant Dental Assistant

Job Tasks

This occupation may include associated occupations with varying tasks.

  • receiving and preparing patients
  • arranging and handing instruments medication and other dental requisites to Dental Practitioners
  • preparing dental materials and processing X-rays
  • using suction devices and water sprays
  • performing routine maintenance on equipment
  • sterilising and preventing cross infection of equipment
  • may advise patients on dental health education and post-operative care and procedures
  • may act as receptionist for Dental Practitioners
  • may perform billing and other clerical tasks

Training & Qualifications

Vocational education & training (VET)

  • Certificate III in Dental Assisting

 

Short Courses Available

  • Certificate IV in Dental Assisting
More about VET

Industry

Healthcare & Medical

Are you interested in helping people improve their health? Do you enjoy caring for others? Perhaps you would like to assist people experiencing a disability, or are keen to get involved in the wellness industry. If you are intrigued by these possibilities, a job in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector may be for you.The Health Care and Social Assistance industry encompasses a diversity of occupations, ranging from fields such as dental hygiene, optometry, pharmacy, disability services, mental health and aged-care, to fitness training, sports science, lifestyle coaching and nutrition.The Health Training Package offers over 75 Vocational and Training (VET) qualifications, so if you’re interested in health you’ll probably find an occupation and qualification to suit you!Don’t forget it’s possible to begin your Health Care and Social Assistance career by training for VET qualifications to start with before possibly working your way up to a University Degree.The Health Care and Social Assistance sector has experienced strong growth in the last ten years, making it one of Australia’s largest employers and the growth is forecast to continue, so jobs in this industry are expected to be plentiful. Check out the list of qualifications below.

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Other careers in this industry include:

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