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A Dental Nurse assists dentists as they provide oral health treatment to patients. You might get patients ready for their treatment and work alongside dentists during procedures. Dental Nurses may prepare equipment for treatments and they might operate some dental instruments such as suction tools. You might speak with patients about their dental care or perform administrative duties such as booking appointments or taking payments.
Dental Nurses need to have excellent personal skills and be able to communicate with a range of patients. You’ll need good attention to detail and should be able to follow directions closely. It’s important that you are passionate about dental care and can demonstrate this to your patients.
There are 4 courses available for people who want to become a Dental Nurse.
Possible job outcomes:
The HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting provides the knowledge and skills needed to assist a dentist, dental hygienist or dental therapist during all health care procedures. During the course students gain skills in maintaining high standards of infection control, working in health and community services, first aid and assisting in dental radiography. .
Average duration: 12 months.
The HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting is for experienced dental assistants who are ready to take their career to the next level. This nationally recognised qualification helps you develop an advanced skill set that includes dental radiology, infection controls and sterilisation methods, sterilised stock control, anaesthesia and conscious sedation, business administration, oral health programs, fluoride treatments, construction of dental appliances, patient records management, using medical terminology, and much more. Enquire now for the list of study units, dental career outcomes, and enrolment centres near you..
Are you an experienced dental assistant wanting to specialise in radiography work? Try the HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography). This nationally recognised qualification builds on your existing skills and knowledge and teaches you how to take dental x-rays and produce specific images according to the instructions of the dentist. The course covers: principles of radiation biology and how they apply to dentistry, exposing radiographic images, sterilising tools and equipment, on-the-job safety, using correct medical terminology, assisting with advanced dental procedures requiring anaesthesia and conscious sedation, business administration skills. Enquire now for entry requirements, dental radiology career outcomes, and upcoming enrolment dates..
The Dual Certificate III in Dental Assisting & Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Oral Health Specialisation) combines two dental qualifications for students seeking a career in Dental Assistance with specialist oral health knowledge. Students will learn how to implement and monitor infection prevention and control policies and procedures, implement an individualised oral hygiene program as well as assist with dental radiography..
Average duration: 18 months.
In Australia, a full time Dental Nurse generally earns $1,150 per week ($59,800 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
The number of people working as a Dental Nurse has grown strongly in recent years. There are currently 31,900 people employed in this role in Australia compared to 17,100 five years ago. Dental Nurses may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
If you’re thinking of starting a career as a Dental Nurse, consider enrolling in a Certificate IV in Dental Assisting. This qualification will prepare you to work in a dental practice with topics such as patient preparation, infection control, dental radiology and practice administration. This course involves a work placement and you may be able to specialise in an area of interest such as oral health promotion or radiography.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within dentistry. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Dentistry
Dental Assistant
$1,150 weekly pay
Dental Lab Assistant
Dental Nurse
Dental Technician
Oral Health Therapist
$1,440 weekly pay
Prosthetic Technician
Treatment Coordinator
$1,350 weekly pay
Dental Hygienist
Dental Prosthetist
$1,550 weekly pay
Dentist
$2,800 weekly pay
Endodontist
$1,500 weekly pay
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Orthodontist
Paediatric Dentist
Periodontist
Prosthodontist
Learn more about Dental Nurse courses in your area.