Build your career as a Dental Assistant

health & community

Dental Assistant

Dental Assistants and Nurses play vital roles in healthcare, providing essential support and improving patient care in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, and specialist practices. With the growing demand for healthcare services, both professions offer strong job security and excellent career growth opportunities. Dental Assistants can specialise in areas like orthodontics or oral surgery, while nurses can advance into specialised fields such as aged care, emergency, or surgical nursing, further expanding their career prospects.

Ready to make a difference in healthcare? Take the first step towards a rewarding career as a Dental Assistant or Nurse today.

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EMPLOYED 27,100
PART-TIME SHARE 49%
AVERAGE FULL-TIME HOURS 39
MEDIAN WEEKLY EARNINGS $1,139

The scope of a Dental Assistant includes a variety of tasks such as patient care, administrative support, and equipment management, all of which contribute to efficient dental practices. With the dental industry growing steadily, job opportunities are expanding, and 38.4% of Dental Assistants hold a Certificate III, which enhances their qualifications and skills. This role typically offers a supportive work environment, job satisfaction, and the chance to make a positive impact on patients' oral health.

Gender Split

Created with Highcharts 11.1.0MaleFemale

Employment by State

Created with Highcharts 11.1.030.6%​30.6%26.7%​26.7%22.4%​22.4%6.9%​6.9%8.1%​8.1%2.3%​2.3%0.8%​0.8%2.1%​2.1%

Highest Level of education (%)

Created with Highcharts 11.1.04.3%​4.3%2.9%​2.9%18.9%​18.9%38.4%​38.4%10.4%​10.4%12.5%​12.5%3.1%​3.1%Below Year 10Years 11 & 10Year 12Certificate III/IVAdvanced Diploma/DiplomaBachelor DegreePost Graduate/ Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate0%2%4%6%8%10%12%14%16%18%20%22%24%26%28%30%32%34%36%38%40%42%4…

Age Brackets

Created with Highcharts 11.1.015-1920-2425-3435-4445-5455-5960-6465 and over

What can you expect from working as a Dental Assistant or Nurse?

Dental Assistants play a vital role in supporting dental professionals and ensuring efficient patient care. Key duties include:

  1. Prepare Treatment Rooms: Ensure that all necessary instruments and materials are ready for dental procedures.
  2. Assist During Procedures: Provide support to dentists by handing them instruments and managing patient comfort.
  3. Take Dental X-Rays: Capture accurate images of patients' teeth and jaws to aid in diagnosis.
  4. Sterilise Instruments: Follow strict protocols to clean and disinfect dental tools to maintain a safe environment.
  5. Educate Patients: Guide patients on proper oral hygiene practices and post-treatment care to promote dental health.

How to become a Dental Assistant or Nurse?

To become a Dental Assistant, you typically need a high school diploma and relevant training, often obtained through online courses or vocational programs. These educational pathways equip you with essential skills, such as patient care and office management, allowing you to enter the dental field quickly and effectively. With a focus on flexibility, online courses make it easier to balance studies with other commitments while starting a rewarding career in dentistry.

HLT35021

Certificate III in Dental Assisting

Gain the skills you need to become a dental assistant, and watch as you transform people’s lives for the better. Learn all the knowledge needed to provide effective support in a dental practice, ensuring smooth operations and patient comfort. Join...
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*The information on this page is sourced from the Jobs and Skills Australia website, based on their occupational data collected in May 2024. Where job titles may not be exact matches, related job areas have been used. This data is intended as a guide only.

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