Qualification Outline
22/07/2026 6:38 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Certificate IV in Dental Assisting
Certificate IV in Dental Assisting
HLT43012
J092
Replaced
Replaced
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Releases
| Release Version | Release Date | TGA Status | DTWD Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | 07/05/2012 | Current | Approved |
Description
This qualification provides the knowledge and skills necessary to provide an advanced level of chairside assistance to the operator, including contributing to the quality of dental care provided through well developed communication skills; providing an oral health education program that promotes good oral health as part of general good health; as well as implementing and monitoring infection control policy and procedures.
This qualification allows the dental assistant to select electives to address specific workplace needs in line with jurisdictional Dental Acts and Regulations.
This qualification is suited to Australian Apprenticeships pathways.
Schedule
Packaging Rules
ENTRY REQUIREMENTSTo gain entry into HLT43012 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting a candidate must demonstrate competence through a recognised training program or recognition process, in all core units from the HLT31812 Certificate III in Dental Assisting (as listed below):
- HLTDA303D Prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures (Note pre-requs: HLTIN301C, HLTIN302C, HLTWHS200A)
- HLTDA304D Assist with dental radiography (Note pre-requs: HLTIN301C, HLTIN302C, HLTWHS200A)
- HLTDA306D Assist with administration in dental practice (Note pre-requs: HLTIN301C, HLTIN302C, HLTDA303D, HLTWHS200A)
- HLTFA311A Apply first aid
- HLTHIR301C Communicate and work effectively in health
- HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures
- HLTIN302C Process reusable instruments and equipment in health work (Note pre-requ: HLTIN301C)
- HLTWHS200A Participate in WHS processes
PACKAGING RULES
Seven (7) units of competency are required for award of this qualification including:
- three (3) core units
- four (4) elective units
A wide range of electives is available and can be packaged to provide either:
- a generic qualification that covers a range of dental assisting work functions, or
- a targeted qualification as required for specific work roles
Elective units may be selected from:
- Group A electives which are required for work in dental radiography and meet licensing requirements for this work
- Group B electives which are recommended for work in oral health promotion
- Group C electives which are recommended for work in general anaesthesia and conscious sedation
- Group D electives which are recommended for dental assisting work with extended duties
- Group E electives which are recommended for dental practice administration work
- Group F electives which are recommended for culturally aware and respectful practice
- Other relevant electives listed in the qualification outline
- Units of competency to address workplace requirements and packaged at the level of this qualification or higher in Health and/or Community Services Training Packages
- Where appropriate, to address workplace requirements, one (1) unit of competency packaged at the level of this qualification or higher in other relevant Training Packages or accredited courses where the details of those courses are available on TGA or other public listing
Pathways
| State Code | Title |
|---|---|
| CA40 | Dental Radiography |
1. Core Units
All three (3) units must be completed.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD048 | HLTAMBFC301D | Communicate with clients and colleagues to support health care | 20 | Unit of competency |
| WD312 | HLTWHS300A | Contribute to WHS processes | 30 | Unit of competency |
| D8309 | HLTIN403C | Implement and monitor infection control policy and procedures | 25 | Unit of competency |
2. Group A Dental Radiography
The following three (3) units of competency are required for work in dental radiography.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD111 | HLTDA410D | Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice | 75 | Unit of competency |
| WD112 | HLTDA411D | Prepare to expose a prescribed dental radiographic image | 80 | Unit of competency |
| WD113 | HLTDA412D | Produce a dental radiographic image | 80 | Unit of competency |
3. Group B Oral Health Promotion
The following three (3) elective units are recommended for Oral Health Promotion work.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD108 | HLTDA407D | Implement an individualised oral hygiene program | 80 | Unit of competency |
| D5859 | HLTDA414B | Implement an oral health promotion program | 120 | Unit of competency |
| D5858 | HLTDA413B | Implement an oral hygiene program for older people | 120 | Unit of competency |
4. Group C General Anaesthesian and Conscious Sedation
The following two (2) electives are recommended for work in assisting with general anaesthesia and sedation.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD110 | HLTDA409D | Assist in oral health care procedures during conscious sedation | 75 | Unit of competency |
| WD109 | HLTDA408D | Assist in oral health care procedures during general anaesthesia | 200 | Unit of competency |
5. Group D Dental Assisting Work
The following five (5) electives are recommended for dental assisting work with extended duties.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD123 | HLTDT302D | Construct custom impression trays | 28 | Unit of competency |
| WD122 | HLTDT301D | Construct models | 30 | Unit of competency |
| WD459 | HLTDT303D | Construct registration rims | 28 | Unit of competency |
| D5862 | HLTDA417B | Take a clinical photograph | 20 | Unit of competency |
| D5860 | HLTDA415B | Take an impression for study models | 20 | Unit of competency |
6. Group E Dental Practice Administation Work
The following six (6) electives are recommended for dental practice administration work.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WD083 | HLTCOM405D | Administer a practice | 30 | Unit of competency |
| D0550 | BSBADM409A | Coordinate business resources | 20 | Unit of competency |
| D0701 | BSBFIA301A | Maintain financial records | 60 | Unit of competency |
| D0840 | BSBMED401B | Manage patient record keeping system | 40 | Unit of competency |
| D8283 | HLTHIR404D | Work effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people | 30 | Unit of competency |
| D8281 | HLTHIR403C | Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers | 30 | Unit of competency |
7. Group F Culturally Aware and Respectful Practice
One (1) or both units are recommended to be completed.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D8283 | HLTHIR404D | Work effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people | 30 | Unit of competency |
| D8281 | HLTHIR403C | Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers | 30 | Unit of competency |
8. Other Relevant Elective Units
The remaining units may be chosen from the elective units listed.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the full details of available options.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D074 | HLT43007 | Certificate IV in Dental Assisting | Qualification |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AYY9 | HLT45015 | Certificate IV in Dental Assisting | Qualification |
No information
Entry Requirements
To gain entry into HLT43007 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting a candidate must demonstrate competence through a recognised training program or recognition process, in all core units from the HLT31812 Certificate III in Dental Assisting (as listed below):
HLTDA303D Prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures
(Note pre-requs: HLTIN301C, HLTIN302C, HLTWHS200A)
HLTDA304D Assist with dental radiography
(Note pre-requs: HLTIN301C, HLTIN302C, HLTWHS200A)
HLTDA306D Assist with administration in dental practice (Note pre-requs: HLTIN301C, HLTIN302C, HLTDA303D, HLTWHS200A)
HLTFA311A Apply first aid
HLTHIR301C Communicate and work effectively in health
HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures
HLTIN302C Process reusable instruments and equipment in health work
(Note pre-requ: HLTIN301C)
HLTWHS200A Participate in WHS processes
Traineeships and Apprenticeships