Qualification Outline
22/07/2026 6:22 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
HLT45015
AYY9
Replaced
Replaced
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Releases
| Release Version | Release Date | TGA Status | DTWD Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | 08/12/2015 | Current | Transition (Replaced) |
Description
This qualification reflects the role of workers who provide an advanced level of assistance to a dentist, dental hygienist, dental prosthetist, dental therapist or oral health therapist, which contributes to the quality of oral health care.
To achieve this qualification, the candidate must have completed at least 250 hours of work as detailed in the Assessment Requirements of the units of competency.
Jurisdictional legislative radiation licensing requirements may apply to candidates who undertake Group A electives for Radiography specialisation. If Radiography units or a Radiology specialisation is not selected,no licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
^ From 1 July 2022 the core unit HLTAID003 must no longer be delivered and will be replaced in the Packaging Rules by the unit HLTAID011 - for more information see: https://asqa.gov.au/news-events/news/reminder-about-superseded-hlt-first-aid-units
Schedule
Packaging Rules
Total number of units = fourteen (14)- ten (10) core units
- four (4) elective units, consisting of:
- at least three (3) units must be from those units listed under Groups A, B, C, D or E
- up to one (1) unit from any endorsed Training Package or accredited course - these units must be relevant to the work outcome
Any combination of electives that meets the rules above can be selected for the award of the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting. Where appropriate, electives may be packaged to provide a qualification with a specialisation.
Packaging for each specialisation:
All Group A electives must be selected for award of the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Radiography)
All Group B electives must be selected for award of the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Oral Health Promotion)
All Group C electives must be selected for award of the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (General Anaesthesia and Conscious Sedation)
All Group D electives must be selected for award of the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Technical Records)
All Group E electives must be selected for award of the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Practice Administration Work)
All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.
1. Core Units
All ten (10) units must be completed.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWA51 | HLTDEN003 | Assist with administration in dental practice | 35 | Unit of competency |
| AWA52 | HLTDEN002 | Assist with dental radiography | 45 | Unit of competency |
| AVC29 | CHCCOM005 | Communicate and work in health or community services | 50 | Unit of competency |
| AVA32 | HLTINF001 | Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures | 30 | Unit of competency |
| AVA29 | HLTINF003 | Implement and monitor infection prevention and control policies and procedures | 25 | Unit of competency |
| WG740 | HLTWHS003 | Maintain work health and safety | 40 | Unit of competency |
| AWA53 | HLTDEN001 | Prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures | 300 | Unit of competency |
| AVA31 | HLTINF002 | Process reusable medical devices and equipment | 70 | Unit of competency |
| WG732 | HLTAID003 | Provide first aid | 20 | Unit of competency |
| AVC09 | CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | 30 | Unit of competency |
2. Group A Elective Units - Radiography Specialisation
All Group A electives must be selected for award of the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Radiography).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWA47 | HLTDEN007 | Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice | 110 | Unit of competency |
| AWA44 | HLTDEN008 | Prepare to expose a prescribed dental radiographic image | 80 | Unit of competency |
| AWA46 | HLTDEN009 | Produce a prescribed dental radiographic image | 115 | Unit of competency |
3. Group B Elective Units – Oral Health Promotion Specialisation
All Group B electives must be selected for award of the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Oral Health Promotion).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWA50 | HLTDEN004 | Implement an individualised oral hygiene program | 295 | Unit of competency |
| AWA43 | HLTDEN011 | Implement an oral health promotion program | 115 | Unit of competency |
| AWA45 | HLTDEN010 | Implement an oral hygiene program for older people | 115 | Unit of competency |
4. Group C Elective Units – General Anaesthesia and Conscious Sedation Specialisation
All Group C electives must be selected for award of the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (General Anaesthesia and Conscious Sedation).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWA49 | HLTDEN006 | Assist in oral health care procedures during conscious sedation | 160 | Unit of competency |
| AWA48 | HLTDEN005 | Assist in oral health care procedures during general anaesthesia | 180 | Unit of competency |
5. Group D Elective Units – Technical Records Specialisation
All Group D electives must be selected for award of the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Technical Records).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWA30 | HLTDET002 | Construct custom impression trays | 25 | Unit of competency |
| AWA31 | HLTDET001 | Construct models | 35 | Unit of competency |
| AWA39 | HLTDEN014 | Take a clinical photograph | 45 | Unit of competency |
| AWA42 | HLTDEN012 | Take an impression for study models | 70 | Unit of competency |
6. Group E Elective Units – Dental Practice Administration Work Specialisation
All Group E electives must be selected for award of the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Practice Administration Work).
Please refer to the packaging rules for the the full details of available options.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AWA41 | HLTDEN013 | Allocate treatment appointments according to priority | 25 | Unit of competency |
| AUH10 | BSBADM409 | Coordinate business resources | 20 | Unit of competency |
| AUJ06 | BSBMED401 | Manage patient recordkeeping system | 40 | Unit of competency |
7. Other Elective Units
Up to one (1) unit may be completed.
Please refer to the packaging rules for the the full details of available options.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J092 | HLT43012 | Certificate IV in Dental Assisting | Qualification |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BGW8 | HLT45021 | Certificate IV in Dental Assisting | Qualification |
No information
Entry Requirements
No information
Traineeships and Apprenticeships