Dental Assistant

What does a dental assistant do?
Prepares patients for dental examinations and assists dentists in providing care and treatment.

Skill Level:
The entry requirement for this occupation is an AQF Certificate II or higher qualification or at least 1 years relevant experience.

Tasks Include:

• receives and prepares patients
• arranges and hands instruments, medication and other dental requisites to dentists
• prepares dental materials
• takes, processes and mounts X-rays
• uses suction devices and water sprays
• performs routine maintenance on equipment
• may advise patients on dental health education and post-operative care and procedures
• may act as the dentist's receptionist
• may perform billing and other clerical tasks  

Dental Assisting - A Challenging and Rewarding Career (PDF)

Personal requirements

• Manual dexterity
• Good communication skills and interpersonal skills
• Ability to concentrate and follow instructions
• Good organisational ability and time management skills
• Interest in Health Care work

Related Jobs

• Dental Therapist
• Dental Technician
• Dental Hygienist

What training is required to become a dental assistant?
Much training is received 'on the job', but training courses are available and recommended.

Information relating to education and training, employment opportunities and additional information is specific to each State/Territory. To see the relevant information, select the state:

 NSW/ACT   NT   QLD   SA   TAS   VIC   WA

Employment Opportunities
Most dental assistants are employed by dentists in private practices and clinics. Some dental assistants undertake further study to become dental therapists or dental hygienists. Job prospects depend on the state of personal dental health and dental health education, the public's ability to pay for dental services and the costs of dental services and health insurance covering dental work.