Dental assistant courses online
Set yourself up for a solid career as a dental assistant with these online courses.
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A career as a dental assistant can be both stable and rewarding with the potential to grow into other roles such as a dental hygienist.
Working as a dental assistant blends administrative tasks with patient-focused and practical work in the dentist's surgery.
If you've got a practical mind and a love of working with people, this may be a career path worth exploring.
Here's what you need to know about taking a dental assistant course online.
Where can I find dental assistant courses online?
What dental assistant courses are available online?
Short courses
Get an initial overview of what's involved in a dental assistant's role. You'll need to complete at least a certificate to get work in the industry.
Course | Information | Institution |
---|---|---|
Purpose Driven Dental Assisting |
| Udemy |
Become a Dental Assistant |
| Udemy |
Certificates
These accredited dental assisting courses offer online qualifications at the certificate III and certificate IV level.
Course | Information | Institution |
---|---|---|
Certificate III in Dental Assisting |
|
|
Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Oral Health Promotion Specialisation) |
| |
Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Radiography Specialisation) |
|
Diploma
Cover a wide range of areas in dental assisting with a diploma.
Course | Information | Institute |
---|---|---|
Dental Assistant Diploma |
| International Career Institute |
Who should take an online dental assistant course?
If you enjoy caring for people and are looking for a stable job that is growing in demand, a career as a dental assistant could be just right for you.
If you have a background in customer service or possess good people skills, these are transferable skills to the field of dental assisting.
There's also room to specialise in dental radiography or oral health promotion and expand into teaching or working as a dental product sales representative.
What topics may be covered in a dental assistant course online?
An online dental assistant course will cover a broad range of topics necessary to work alongside dentists and help clients feel at ease in the dentist chair.
Subjects will vary from course to course, but here are a few common areas to expect:
- Participate in workplace health and safety
- Process reusable medical devices and equipment
- Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures
- Provide or assist with oral hygiene
- Assist with dental radiography
- Prepare for or assist with oral health care procedures
- Work with diverse people
- Inform and support patients about oral health
- Assist with administration in dental practice
- Communicate and work in health or community services
How long does an online dental assistant course take to complete?
A certificate-level dental assistant course typically takes up to 12 months to complete online. If you'd like to be qualified sooner, self study courses let you learn in your own time and at your own pace meaning you could finish sooner.
Since dental assistant work requires a practical approach and interaction with customers, your course will likely include a work placement component. You'll likely need to arrange a dental practice and supervisor to work with you in order to meet your required hours.
What are the career opportunities after taking a dental assistant course?
A qualification in dental assisting is highly recognised and in demand in the current job market.
When you complete your accredited course, you'll be able to start working in a private or specialist practice. This includes places such as a public dental health clinics, hospital dental clinics and even working with the Australian Defence Force.
Potential opportunities include:
- Dental assistant
- Dental receptionist
- Practice manager
- Research assistant
- Educator
- Dental sales representative
Completing an online dental assistant course can also pave the way to higher education and further career opportunities such as a dental hygienist.
What equipment and software will I need?
At a minimum, you'll need access to a laptop or computer and a good Internet connection. Many online institutions that offer dental assisting qualifications also require the following:
- Microsoft Office 2010 or equivalent
- Adobe Reader XI or equivalent
- Adobe Flash Player 10 or higher
See the latest deals for dental assistant courses online
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