Careers

How long is the Course?

Classroom course - duration is 11 months - attendance at the training centre is required one afternoon/evening of 6 hours duration per week. Additionally, there may be up to six full-day Saturday workshop/tutorials.
Full attendance is mandatory
Training Centres are located at Stanmore and Gosford.

Term & semester breaks are generally in line with public school vacations. Approx 1 – 2 hours per week of home study in addition to lecture attendance is recommended

Flexible delivery (correspondence) enroll anytime and study at your own pace. A tutor will be assigned to you and work through the course content with you.
Recommended time for completion is 12 - 18 months and students are encouraged to finalise their training within 2 years.
Additional fees may apply if training continues after 24 months.

Assessments may include simulated and actual workplace assessments, verbal questioning, written reports, project presentations, off the job practical assessments and assignments.
 

What accreditation will I receive?

On successful completion of the course, students will receive a nationally recognised Certificate III in Dental Assisting from the NSW Dental Assistants’ (Professional) Association, a Registered Training Organisation. (See the VETAB website for details).
 

Who can enrol?

Students must be 17 years of age, with at least a school certificate or equivalent qualification. International students require a minimum of School Certificate level English skills or 5.5 IELTS with good ability to converse in English.
Current employment in a dental practice with a minimum of 3 months experience is preferred, however students demonstrating a willingness to be placed in suitable employment and following consultation with the course co-ordinator will be considered. Students are required to be employed as dental assistants by the end of first term. Assistance with employment will be considered.

Students should have residency in NSW.

Enrolments are open now – application forms available from the Course Co-ordinator (see below)

Classroom based course commences: Stanmore February 2011
 

Course Delivery Options:

Classroom based - smaller class sizes and individual attention to students. Tutors are fully qualified and a variety of guest lecturers include specialist dentists highly regarded in their field of expertise.
Flexible delivery - study at home in your own time or select a mix of classroom sessions and home study.
Upgrades of Proficiency Certificates welcome - individual student assessment is given and any gap training identified. Your experience and skills are recognised.
Traineeships - if you are a new employee, or commencing a new work contract, you may be eligible for government funding for your course fees. Employers may also be eligible for up to $4000.00 government incentive payment.
 
Mature age students are welcome. Recognition of prior learning, formal or informal will be considered following assessment.

Conditions of enrolment may apply.
Current employment in the dental industry is essential.


Course Fee

Classroom based fee includes a mandatory Senior First Aid course
Flexible delivery does not include First Aid - this is the responsibility of the student, however we can assist you to find a course convenient for your location.
Fees cover the cost of all lectures, tutorials, the required text - The Manual of Dental Assisting 4e, course notes, handouts, materials, assessment fees, a WorkCover approved First Aid Certificate, the Nationally recognised Certificate III in Dental Assisting and the NSW DAA Badge on successful completion of training.
Fees may be paid in installments over an agreed timeframe.

Further information may be obtained by contacting the NSW DAA: (02) 9569 3220
or in writing to:
Course Co-ordinator
NSW Dental Assistants’ (Prof) Assn
PO Box 40
Westgate NSW 2048