How do I become a dental nurse?
Certificate IV in Dental Assisting
- Completed Certificate III in Dental Assisting or equivalent qualifications
Certificate III in Dental Assisting
- There are no mandated entry requirements.
Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography)
- Completed Certificate III in Dental Assisting or equivalent qualifications
Related occupations
Dental Technician
A Dental Technician creates dental appliances like dentures and mouthguards by taking impressions and using various materials and techniques.
Oral Health Therapist
An Oral Health Therapist enhances clients' dental health by examining mouths, providing advice, designing preventative programs, and performing minor procedures.
Dental Hygienist
A Dental Hygienist performs minor procedures, cleans teeth, offers preventative care advice, and collaborates with dentists in various settings.
Dental Assistant
Dental Assistants support dentists during treatments, manage equipment, advise on oral care, and may conduct x-rays if qualified.
Prosthetic Technician
A Prosthetic Technician creates and repairs dental prosthetics like dentures, using moulds and various construction techniques.
Dental Prosthetist
A Dental Prosthetist prepares prosthetic appliances, makes dentures and mouthguards, assists with fittings, and requires strong customer service and attention to detail.
Dental Lab Assistant
A Dental Lab Assistant supports dental practices by taking impressions, creating custom mouthpieces, and performing repairs while ensuring excellent customer service.
Dentist
A Dentist examines and treats oral health issues, performing cleanings, fillings, extractions, and sometimes orthodontic procedures.
Treatment Coordinator
A Treatment Coordinator creates dental treatment plans, discusses costs, insurance, and payment options, ensuring clear communication and detail.
Orthodontist
Orthodontists are qualified dentists who focus on straightening teeth, fixing jaw alignment problems, and helping their clients achieve a beautiful...
Periodontist
Periodontists specialise in treating gum diseases and perform surgeries to install dental restorations, requiring strong communication skills and expertise.
Prosthodontist
Prosthodontists specialise in creating and fitting prosthetic devices for patients with missing teeth or facial deformities, ensuring functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Endodontist
Endodontists specialise in treating tooth pulp issues and perform procedures like root canal therapy and dental implants, ensuring patients' teeth are restored.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon performs surgeries on the mouth, jaw, and face, managing trauma and diseases to restore health and quality of life.
Paediatric Dentist
A Paediatric Dentist delivers dental care to children, focusing on treatment, preventive care, and educating families about oral health.
Common questions
How much does a Dental Nurse earn?
In Australia, a full time Dental Nurse generally earns $1,300 per week ($67,600 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.
What are the job opportunities for a Dental Nurse?
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
How do I become a Dental Nurse?
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.