Dental assistant

Jobs & Skills WA: Get the skills you need for the job you want, with fee-free and reduced-fee courses:

Dental assistant

Dental assistants greet and prepare clients for dental examinations. They are also responsible for sterilising and preparing dental equipment, and providing clerical assistance. Most importantly they assist the dentist while treatments are being carried out. This will include mixing materials for fillings, passing the dentist equipment and recording information as the dentist carries out an examination. Dental assistants occasionally travel to remote areas to provide dental care and assistance to children in regional schools and people in remote areas.

Working conditions

Dental assistants may work with only one other person or as part of a team. They may also work under pressure as some treatments may have to be completed within a certain time frame. Generally, dental assistants work within normal business hours Monday to Friday; however, they may be required to work Saturday mornings.

Tools and technologies

Dental assistants work with a variety of equipment including hand pieces and rotary cutting instruments, diagnostic equipment including x-rays and oral surgical instruments. They are required to use personal protective equipment, which is also given to clients. They also need to know how to perform injections and sterilise equipment.

Education and training

To become a dental assistant, you usually need to gain a qualification in dental assisting.

The Certificates III and IV in Dental Assisting are offered at registered training organisations throughout Western Australia.

You can also undertake a traineeship in Dental Assisting (Level 3) or (Level 4). A dental assistant traineeship usually takes 24 to 36 months to complete. A (Level 3) traineeship is available as a school-based traineeship.

Related courses

Jobs & Skills WA: Get the skills you need for the job you want, with fee-free and reduced-fee courses:

Apprenticeships and traineeships

As an apprentice or trainee, you are employed and get paid while you complete training towards a nationally recognised qualification. You'll do a combination of on the job training - gaining hands on skills, knowledge and experience - and structured training with a registered training provider such as TAFE. 

You can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are a school leaver, re-entering the workforce or as an adult or mature aged person wishing to change careers. You can even begin your apprenticeship or traineeship while you're still at school.

Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships

Free support and assistance

Your local jobs and Skills Centre can provide free information, support and assistance to help you decide on the best training options to meet your goals.

Call your local Jobs and Skills Centre
Call your local
Jobs and Skills Centre
13 64 64
Find your closest Jobs and Skills Centre
Use our map to
find your closest
Jobs and Skills Centre

Disclaimer

The information presented on the occupation profiles within this website is offered as a guide only.