HLT45021 - Certificate IV in Dental Assisting

Course Summary

The Certificate IV in Dental Assisting reflects the role of dental professionals who provide advanced support to dental practitioners, enhancing the quality of oral health care. The skills acquired through this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards, and relevant industry codes of practice. 

Dental radiography tasks must be performed in strict accordance with the radiation legislation and regulatory requirements of the relevant State or Territory. Depending on the jurisdiction, individuals may be required to hold a current radiation user license and/or meet prescribed training, supervision, and regulatory requirements.

Graduates of the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography specialisation) supports eligibility to meet these requirements; subject to approval by the relevant regulatory authority. 

Requirements - To Be Eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.

To help us understand how best to support you, you’ll need to complete the bksb (Basic Key Skills Builder) online literacy, numeracy and digital literacy assessments to progress your application. Alternatively, completion of an equal or higher level course may exempt you from this testing.

Entry to this qualification requires students to have successfully completed and hold one of the following qualifications: 

HLT31812 Certificate III in Dental Assisting or 
HLT35015 Certificate III in Dental Assisting or 
HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting or equivalent. 

You must be an existing employee or a volunteer in a dental practice in order to satisfy the assessment requirements for each of the units of competency within this qualification.

Please note that assessment tasks for unit HLTDEN023 require students to have access to suitable dental imaging equipment. This includes extra‑oral imaging such as orthopantomogram (OPG) imaging and may also include lateral cephalograms for orthodontic radiographic assessments. Cone beam imaging is not required.

As part of the application process, students must upload a completed and signed copy of the Pre-admission Form.

Vocational Placement and Work Integrated Learning

Students must complete a Vocational Placement and/or Work Integrated Learning as part of this qualification.

Additional information

On the job training is an important and vital factor in successfully completing this qualification. Students must be an existing employee or a volunteer in a dental practice in order to satisfy the assessment requirements for each of the units of competency within this qualification.  Students are required to be working or volunteering in a dental facility with the appropriate equipment and imaging equipment for assessment.  It is recommended for students to work a minimum of 12 hours per week in order to gain the skills and knowledge as outlined in each of the units of competency.

Course Details

Admission Codes

Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations

Completion of HLT45021 - Certificate IV in Dental Assisting may provide opportunities for potential career advancement in the dental industry. Typical roles can include Dental Assistant, Senior Dental Assistant, and Clinical Co-ordinator. 

Successful students will be able to apply for a radiation licence applicable in their state/territory.