Dental assistants prepare patients for oral examination and assist other dental workers, such as dentists, dental therapists and dental hygienists, in providing treatment to the teeth, mouth and gums. Dental assistants also carry out reception and administration duties.
Personal requirements for a Dental Assistant
- Good with hands
- Able to concentrate and follow instructions
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Good organisational and time management skills
- Interested in healthcare work.
Education & Training for a Dental Assistant
To become a dental assistant, you usually have to complete a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You can also become a dental assistant through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.
Dental assistants can undergo further training to allow them to take dental radiographs, perform technical procedures or to work in oral health promotion. You may be required to provide evidence of relevant immunisations as a condition of your studies or to work in a dental clinic. You may also need to obtain a National Police Certificate and a Working with Children Check.
Duties & Tasks of a Dental Assistant
- Receive patients and prepare them for necessary dental procedures
- Prepare surgery for dental treatment with correct instruments/materials for use as directed by the operator
- Record findings from oral examinations
- Provide instruments and dispense materials during oral examinations or treatments, as directed by the operator
- Provide pre- and post-operative instructions for patients undergoing general or local anaesthesia
- Clear the patient’s mouth of saliva or dental materials used in the treatment by operating handheld suction or air and water-spraying equipment
- Clean and sterilise instruments used after treatment
- Clean and tidy the surgery, and implement standard decontamination procedures for infection control
- Process, mount and file dental X-rays
- Maintain and restock dental supplies
- Perform routine care and maintenance of dental equipment and instruments
- Make appointments for patients, keep records of patients’ treatments and send out reminders for re-examinations
- Prepare accounts and collect payments
- Answer the telephone and carry out other office duties.
- May advise patients on dental health education and post-operative care and procedures.
- May act as receptionist for Dental Practitioners.
- Performing routine maintenance on equipment.
- Sterilising and preventing cross infection of equipment.
- Preparing dental materials and processing X-rays.
- Arranging and handing instruments, medication, and other dental requisites to Dental Practitioners.
- Receiving and preparing patients.
- May perform billing and other clerical tasks.
- Using suction devices and water sprays.
Working conditions for a Dental Assistant
Dental assistants may work with just one person, or as part of a team. They may have to work under pressure as most treatments have to be completed in a minimum amount of time.
Employment Opportunities for a Dental Assistant
Most dental assistants are employed by dentists in private practices or in public clinics. Some dental assistants undertake further study to become dental hygienists. Others gain further administrative experience and qualifications to progress to practice management.
Skill level rating
Employment by state ACT: 1.6%
Age brackets 15-19: 6.2%
65 and Over: 0.8%
Education level Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 12.5%
Bachelor degree: 11.1%
Below Year 10: 0%
Certificate III/IV: 42.9%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 2.2%
Year 10 and below: 6.9%
Year 11: 3.6%
Year 12: 20.9%
Years 11 & 10: 4%