Dental assistant courses online
Set yourself up for a solid career as a dental assistant with these online courses.
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
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:
See the latest deals for dental assistant courses online
Deal
Up to 70% off dental assistant courses
Get up to 70% off dental assistant courses. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Get certificates with free course guides and career advice
Apply to online courses like medical, first-aid, construction, business, psychology, marketing, English, manufacturing, event management, bookkeeping, photography, human resource, interior design, beauty, graphic design, personal training, speech pathology, dental assistant, cyber security, social media, counselling, agriculture, education, naturopathy, work health and safety and more. Associate degree, diploma, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, certificate IV, and short courses are available. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Get the latest career advice and resources
Choose a course from Australia's best TAFEs, colleges and universities and get the latest advice and resources to help you advance in your career. Subjects include accounting, advertising, business, beauty therapy, dentistry, education, language, graphic design, hospitality, horticulture, interior design, allied medical, IT, photography, personal training, real estate, speech pathology, work health and safety, social media marketing and more. T&Cs apply.
Deal
Find the perfect course for you
Choose from 200+ short courses from Australia's leading online providers. Subjects include agriculture, business, English, education, dental assisting, medical, naturopathy, nutrition, interior design, floristry, digital marketing, graphic design, photography, personal training, beauty, child care, work health and safety, and more. T&Cs apply.
More guides on Finder
-
Online hospitality courses
Here’s where you can gain qualifications in hospitality at your own pace with an online course.
-
How to start a landscaping business
How to start your landscaping business from the ground up.
-
How to start a virtual assistant business
The steps you’ll need to take to set up a successful virtual assistant business, from choosing a niche to finding your first paying customer.
-
How to start a dog training business
If you love spending time with dogs and you know how to train them, you might want to start a dog training business.
-
How to start a pet grooming business
How to start a pet grooming company, from the equipment to the key skills you’ll need.
-
How to start a daycare business
Nurture your dream of starting a daycare company with this step-by-step guide.
-
How to start a pet sitting business
A step-by-step guide to starting your own pet sitting business.
-
How to start a wedding planning business
Read our comprehensive guide to starting a wedding planning business you can be proud of.
-
Online nail technician courses
Become an in-demand nail tech with these online nail technician courses.
-
Pharmacy courses online
Get a healthy dose of information to help you choose the right online pharmacy course for you.
Ask an Expert
