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Career pathway

Dental Assistants

ANZSCO 4232

Employed

27,300

Part-time share

58%

Female share

92%

Median weekly earnings

$1,211

Median age

30 yrs

Employment outlook

Declining

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

Dental Assistants is a job in Australia. The job figures on this page come from Jobs and Skills Australia and the ABS Census, where they are published. The courses listed here lead to this job. Compare the fee, study mode, length, place, and how to get in before you enquire.

Courses linked to this job include Certificate III in Dental Assisting and Certificate IV in Dental Assisting.

Jobs and Skills Australia rates the job outlook as Declining.

Jobs, part-time share, age, and pay appear on this page only when Jobs and Skills Australia or the ABS has published them for Dental Assistants. A blank is a missing figure, not a pay of zero. The courses below are linked to this job. Open one to compare the fee, study mode, length, campus, and how to get in.

There is no single national fee or length for training that leads to Dental Assistants. Each provider sets its own price, study mode, and entry rules. Those rules can include past study, an English level, work experience, or an interview. Check the AQF level, and whether you study in Australia or online, before you enquire.

About this career

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

What they typically do

  • 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

States and territories

Share of workers by location

NSW
29.2%
VIC
25%
QLD
23%
WA
10.7%
SA
6.8%
ACT
2.2%
TAS
2.2%
NT
0.8%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as a Dental Assistants.