Printing the course overview will compile details for all study options into a single file without units.
If you want to print the units out for one or multiple study options, select the appropriate checkbox.
Select at least one option to generate PDF.If you’ve ever thought about being a part of this essential profession then this is the perfect qualification to get you started.
As a Dental Assistant, you will be responsible for preparing the surgery, assisting the dentist chairside, processing and sterilising all of the instruments and cleaning the surgery. You will also develop skills in reception work and the management of supplies.
On successful completion of your Certificate III in Dental Assisting, you will have skills and experience relevant to current industry standards, trends and practices.
From semester 2, 2023, North Metropolitan TAFE's Dental courses are located within our newly fitted out dental department at our conveniently located Leederville campus.
As a part of this qualification, you will have the opportunity to take part in work placements at private dental practices, other dental organisations or at the OHCWA, giving you real experience in the industry in both privately run and government facilities.
Employer-based delivery (part-time)
If you are a Dental Assistant currently working chairside in a dental surgery, you may be able to complete this course by studying part-time, attending classes one day per week and incorporating workplace assessments. You will need the support of your employer to be eligible.
For more information, see the timetable tab below.
By the end of the course you'll be able to:
- Work in general and specialised dentistry
- Conduct infection control and sterilisation of instruments
- Produce a dental chart
- Engage in dental radiography and photography
- Understand microbiology
- Implement Workplace Health and Safety
- Engage in dental practice administration and reception duties
- Fabricate dental models and trays and make mouthguards
To make an informed choice about the suitability of this course, you need to take into account the essential skills and attributes you must demonstrate to pass the course:
- Interested in health care
- Confident, reliable with strong work ethics
- Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
- Good organisational skills and ability to perform a variety of tasks at once
- Able to work well within a team in a busy environment
- Demonstrate patience and willingness to work with a diverse range of people
Follow the link to find further information to help you make an informed choice about the suitability of this course.
This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where jobs are today, and into the future. As part of the state government Lower fees, local skills program, through to 31 December 2025 you'll only pay half the tuition fees (plus resource fee) capped at $1,200; or $400 if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession.
^ You will pay half price for the tuition fees on the Lower fees, local skills qualifications, however other fees may apply such as Resource fees that are specific to your course. For full details see our Half price courses page.
-
Entrance requirements
-
Timetable
-
Work placement
-
Important information
-
Job opportunities
-
Further study
If this course is deemed competitive, you will be informed during your application via TAFE Admissions and additional entrance requirements will apply.
| School Leaver | Non-School Leaver | AQF |
|---|---|---|
| OLNA or NAPLAN 9 Band 8 | C Grades in Year 10 English and Maths or equivalent | Certificate I or Certificate II |
You'll be able to access your personal timetable (find out how on our Timetables page), once you have paid your fees. In the meantime the information below provides an indication of the time commitment required to complete this course, depending on available study options.
On campus
This course requires your attendance in class for 2 - 3 days per week when studied full time, with the addition of simulation block weeks. Please note that an important part of your timetable is your work placement, please see the Work Placement Tab for further information. Simulation Block Weeks run during each stage of your course and will vary according to the stage you are enrolled into.
Employer-based delivery (part-time)
The employer-based course is delivered as a combination of workplace assessments and classroom based theory sessions.
To enrol in the employer-based course you must:
- Be employed in a dental surgery as a Dental Assistant, for a minimum of 15 hours / week, and have the support of the dentist(s) for gathering the evidence required and allowing reasonable access for a TAFE Lecturer to assess this evidence in the work place.
- Be able to attend theory and practical sessions for one full day a week on campus
At-home study
As well as the in-class and/or scheduled online component, you will need to complete approximately 7 hours of additional study each week outside of scheduled classes, including private study, assignment preparation, and research. You will need to have the basic technical requirements for at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.
Work placement 350 hours of work placement is mandatory for completion of this course. NMTAFE will arrange a suitable work placement within industry for you.
You will be required to undertake 50 hours of simulation plus 300 hours of clinical experience at various government and private dental facilities.
Work placement can be achieved by attending a four-week block of work placement every semester. . Successful completion of your work placement is required to qualify. As a student of NM TAFE, your work placement insurance is covered under the college.
In order to undertake mandatory work placement, you must have suitable:
- Uniform/scrubs for work placements
- Fully enclosed leather shoes
Note no jewellery is permitted on hands or wrists while you are on your work placement.
Please be aware that COVID-19 vaccination is an employment requirement for many healthcare providers.
NMTAFE students undertaking work placements or who are required to attend a healthcare or community setting as part of their studies are advised to check directly with the healthcare provider regarding their policy settings around vaccination and proof of vaccination requirements.
As a student you will also have additional costs associated with your study, for example text books and stationery, printing and other materials required for your assignments.
Please note there are additional costs to pay when enrolling in this course:
- Working With Children Check (WWCC) may be required if you are over the age of 18
- Uniform – Polo shirt and pants and apron, scrubs and fully enclosed leather shoes. Details of these will be given at orientation.
In order to attend a work placement in the government clinics you will be required to provide evidence of the following vaccinations:
- Hepatitis B (you will require a minimum of 2 out of 3 vaccinations before term 2)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
- Varicella
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP record of vaccination within the last 10 years)
- COVID-19
- Screening for Tuberculosis using the Mantoux or HEAF or Quantiferon test.
- Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) if required
The associated costs for these vaccinations will vary depending on your doctor and what vaccinations are needed.
Serology to confirm immunisation should be provided within the first three weeks of your course.
To prevent delays in work placement it is recommended that you commence or discuss your vaccination status with your GP as soon as possible.
Further information regarding the vaccinations will be given to you at orientation.
Please be aware that COVID-19 vaccination is an employment requirement for many healthcare providers.
NMTAFE students undertaking work placements or who are required to attend a healthcare or community setting as part of their studies are advised to check directly with the healthcare provider regarding their policy settings around vaccination and proof of vaccination requirements.
Other job titles may include:
- Dental Receptionist
- Dental Practice Manager
- Dental Sales Representative
Please note this list should be used as a guide only as job titles and qualification requirements may vary between organisations.
Visit one of our four Jobs and Skills Centres located at NMT's Balga, Joondalup, Midland and Perth campuses for free career planning advice and job search support.
Study options and next steps
Click on your preferred option below to get started with your application.
Continuous enrolment, 2024
Leederville - Traineeship Regional
| Duration | 2 Years | ||||||||||||
| When | Continuous enrolment, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Where | Leederville | ||||||||||||
| How | Combined (Online and On Campus) | ||||||||||||
| Course fee |
|
Half price fees
The Lower fees, local skills (half price) discount and fee caps have already been applied to the Tuition fees displayed above. Please note that fee caps only apply to the calendar year, so multi-semester courses across more than one calendar year may have a higher fee. See the Half price courses page for more details.
Lower fees, local skills are available to residents of Western Australia, and temporary residents holding certain visa types. They are not available for people living outside of Western Australia, or international students. Full eligibility details are available on our Half price courses page.
Enquiries regarding fees can be made by calling us.
T 1300 300 822
*Fee disclaimers
The fees quoted are estimates only and are for the entire course for students enrolling on a full-time basis. Please view the full list of Fee disclaimers.
Please note fees listed include all units required to gain this qualification. If you're a continuing student and have successfully completed a lower-level qualification that is a prerequisite for this course, you'll only pay for the units that you need to enrol in, to complete this course.
Enquiries regarding fees can be made by calling us.
Semester 1, 2024
Leederville - On Campus - Traineeship
| Duration | 12 Months | ||||||||||||
| When | Semester 1, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Where | Leederville | ||||||||||||
| How | Combined (Online and On Campus) | ||||||||||||
| Course fee |
|
Half price fees
The Lower fees, local skills (half price) discount and fee caps have already been applied to the Tuition fees displayed above. Please note that fee caps only apply to the calendar year, so multi-semester courses across more than one calendar year may have a higher fee. See the Half price courses page for more details.
Lower fees, local skills are available to residents of Western Australia, and temporary residents holding certain visa types. They are not available for people living outside of Western Australia, or international students. Full eligibility details are available on our Half price courses page.
Enquiries regarding fees can be made by calling us.
T 1300 300 822
*Fee disclaimers
The fees quoted are estimates only and are for the entire course for students enrolling on a full-time basis. Please view the full list of Fee disclaimers.
Please note fees listed include all units required to gain this qualification. If you're a continuing student and have successfully completed a lower-level qualification that is a prerequisite for this course, you'll only pay for the units that you need to enrol in, to complete this course.
Enquiries regarding fees can be made by calling us.
Leederville - Employer Based
| Duration | 12 Months | ||||||||||||
| When | Semester 1, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Where | Leederville | ||||||||||||
| How | Employer-based | ||||||||||||
| Course fee |
|
Half price fees
The Lower fees, local skills (half price) discount and fee caps have already been applied to the Tuition fees displayed above. Please note that fee caps only apply to the calendar year, so multi-semester courses across more than one calendar year may have a higher fee. See the Half price courses page for more details.
Lower fees, local skills are available to residents of Western Australia, and temporary residents holding certain visa types. They are not available for people living outside of Western Australia, or international students. Full eligibility details are available on our Half price courses page.
Enquiries regarding fees can be made by calling us.
T 1300 300 822
*Fee disclaimers
The fees quoted are estimates only and are for the entire course for students enrolling on a full-time basis. Please view the full list of Fee disclaimers.
Please note fees listed include all units required to gain this qualification. If you're a continuing student and have successfully completed a lower-level qualification that is a prerequisite for this course, you'll only pay for the units that you need to enrol in, to complete this course.
Enquiries regarding fees can be made by calling us.
Leederville - On Campus
| Duration | 12 Months | ||||||||||||
| When | Semester 1, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Where | Leederville | ||||||||||||
| How | On campus | ||||||||||||
| Course fee |
|
Half price fees
The Lower fees, local skills (half price) discount and fee caps have already been applied to the Tuition fees displayed above. Please note that fee caps only apply to the calendar year, so multi-semester courses across more than one calendar year may have a higher fee. See the Half price courses page for more details.
Lower fees, local skills are available to residents of Western Australia, and temporary residents holding certain visa types. They are not available for people living outside of Western Australia, or international students. Full eligibility details are available on our Half price courses page.
Enquiries regarding fees can be made by calling us.
T 1300 300 822
*Fee disclaimers
The fees quoted are estimates only and are for the entire course for students enrolling on a full-time basis. Please view the full list of Fee disclaimers.
Please note fees listed include all units required to gain this qualification. If you're a continuing student and have successfully completed a lower-level qualification that is a prerequisite for this course, you'll only pay for the units that you need to enrol in, to complete this course.
Enquiries regarding fees can be made by calling us.
Continuous enrolment, 2023
Leederville - Off Campus - Traineeship Regional
| Duration | 2 Years | ||||||||||||
| When | Continuous enrolment, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Where | Leederville | ||||||||||||
| How | Combined (Online and On Campus) | ||||||||||||
| Course fee |
|
Half price fees
The Lower fees, local skills (half price) discount and fee caps have already been applied to the Tuition fees displayed above. Please note that fee caps only apply to the calendar year, so multi-semester courses across more than one calendar year may have a higher fee. See the Half price courses page for more details.
Lower fees, local skills are available to residents of Western Australia, and temporary residents holding certain visa types. They are not available for people living outside of Western Australia, or international students. Full eligibility details are available on our Half price courses page.
Enquiries regarding fees can be made by calling us.
T 1300 300 822
*Fee disclaimers
The fees quoted are estimates only and are for the entire course for students enrolling on a full-time basis. Please view the full list of Fee disclaimers.
Please note fees listed include all units required to gain this qualification. If you're a continuing student and have successfully completed a lower-level qualification that is a prerequisite for this course, you'll only pay for the units that you need to enrol in, to complete this course.
Enquiries regarding fees can be made by calling us.
Leederville - Off Campus - Traineeship Regional
| Duration | 2 Years | ||||||||||||
| When | Continuous enrolment, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Where | Leederville | ||||||||||||
| How | Combined (Online and On Campus) | ||||||||||||
| Course fee |
|
Half price fees
The Lower fees, local skills (half price) discount and fee caps have already been applied to the Tuition fees displayed above. Please note that fee caps only apply to the calendar year, so multi-semester courses across more than one calendar year may have a higher fee. See the Half price courses page for more details.
Lower fees, local skills are available to residents of Western Australia, and temporary residents holding certain visa types. They are not available for people living outside of Western Australia, or international students. Full eligibility details are available on our Half price courses page.
Enquiries regarding fees can be made by calling us.
T 1300 300 822
*Fee disclaimers
The fees quoted are estimates only and are for the entire course for students enrolling on a full-time basis. Please view the full list of Fee disclaimers.
Please note fees listed include all units required to gain this qualification. If you're a continuing student and have successfully completed a lower-level qualification that is a prerequisite for this course, you'll only pay for the units that you need to enrol in, to complete this course.
Enquiries regarding fees can be made by calling us.
Semester 2, 2023
Leederville - Employer Based
| Duration | 12 Months | ||||||||||||
| When | Semester 2, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Where | Leederville | ||||||||||||
| How | Employer-based | ||||||||||||
| Course fee |
|
Half price fees
The Lower fees, local skills (half price) discount and fee caps have already been applied to the Tuition fees displayed above. Please note that fee caps only apply to the calendar year, so multi-semester courses across more than one calendar year may have a higher fee. See the Half price courses page for more details.
Lower fees, local skills are available to residents of Western Australia, and temporary residents holding certain visa types. They are not available for people living outside of Western Australia, or international students. Full eligibility details are available on our Half price courses page.
Enquiries regarding fees can be made by calling us.
T 1300 300 822
*Fee disclaimers
The fees quoted are estimates only and are for the entire course for students enrolling on a full-time basis. Please view the full list of Fee disclaimers.
Please note fees listed include all units required to gain this qualification. If you're a continuing student and have successfully completed a lower-level qualification that is a prerequisite for this course, you'll only pay for the units that you need to enrol in, to complete this course.
Enquiries regarding fees can be made by calling us.
Leederville - On Campus
| Duration | 12 Months | ||||||||||||
| When | Semester 2, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Where | Leederville | ||||||||||||
| How | On campus | ||||||||||||
| Course fee |
|
Half price fees
The Lower fees, local skills (half price) discount and fee caps have already been applied to the Tuition fees displayed above. Please note that fee caps only apply to the calendar year, so multi-semester courses across more than one calendar year may have a higher fee. See the Half price courses page for more details.
Lower fees, local skills are available to residents of Western Australia, and temporary residents holding certain visa types. They are not available for people living outside of Western Australia, or international students. Full eligibility details are available on our Half price courses page.
Enquiries regarding fees can be made by calling us.
T 1300 300 822
*Fee disclaimers
The fees quoted are estimates only and are for the entire course for students enrolling on a full-time basis. Please view the full list of Fee disclaimers.
Please note fees listed include all units required to gain this qualification. If you're a continuing student and have successfully completed a lower-level qualification that is a prerequisite for this course, you'll only pay for the units that you need to enrol in, to complete this course.
Enquiries regarding fees can be made by calling us.
Leederville - Combined (Online and On Campus) Traineeship
| Duration | 12 Months | ||||||||||||
| When | Semester 2, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Where | Leederville | ||||||||||||
| How | Combined (Online and On Campus) | ||||||||||||
| Course fee |
|
Half price fees
The Lower fees, local skills (half price) discount and fee caps have already been applied to the Tuition fees displayed above. Please note that fee caps only apply to the calendar year, so multi-semester courses across more than one calendar year may have a higher fee. See the Half price courses page for more details.
Lower fees, local skills are available to residents of Western Australia, and temporary residents holding certain visa types. They are not available for people living outside of Western Australia, or international students. Full eligibility details are available on our Half price courses page.
Enquiries regarding fees can be made by calling us.
T 1300 300 822
*Fee disclaimers
The fees quoted are estimates only and are for the entire course for students enrolling on a full-time basis. Please view the full list of Fee disclaimers.
Please note fees listed include all units required to gain this qualification. If you're a continuing student and have successfully completed a lower-level qualification that is a prerequisite for this course, you'll only pay for the units that you need to enrol in, to complete this course.
Enquiries regarding fees can be made by calling us.
Leederville - Off Campus - Traineeship
| Duration | 2 Years | ||||||||||||
| When | Semester 2, 2023 | ||||||||||||
| Where | Leederville | ||||||||||||
| How | Combined (Online and On Campus) | ||||||||||||
| Course fee |
|
Half price fees
The Lower fees, local skills (half price) discount and fee caps have already been applied to the Tuition fees displayed above. Please note that fee caps only apply to the calendar year, so multi-semester courses across more than one calendar year may have a higher fee. See the Half price courses page for more details.
Lower fees, local skills are available to residents of Western Australia, and temporary residents holding certain visa types. They are not available for people living outside of Western Australia, or international students. Full eligibility details are available on our Half price courses page.
Enquiries regarding fees can be made by calling us.
T 1300 300 822
*Fee disclaimers
The fees quoted are estimates only and are for the entire course for students enrolling on a full-time basis. Please view the full list of Fee disclaimers.
Please note fees listed include all units required to gain this qualification. If you're a continuing student and have successfully completed a lower-level qualification that is a prerequisite for this course, you'll only pay for the units that you need to enrol in, to complete this course.
Enquiries regarding fees can be made by calling us.
Get help
This form is only for course enquiries. If you would like to apply, please refer to the Study options and next steps section above.