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  • HLT45021
  • Certificate IV
  • Current
  • NATIONALLY RECOGNISED · AQF

Certificate IV in Dental Assisting

This qualification covers providing an advanced level of assistance to dental practitioners to support quality oral health care, including sterilising loads and maintaining work health and safety. Dental radiography work also requires a radiation user licence from the relevant state or territory regulator. Experienced dental assistants may be able to have their skills recognised through RPL.

TRAINING PACKAGE
HLT Health
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who have achieved: HLT31812 Certificate III in Dental Assisting or HLT35015 Certificate III in Dental Assisting or HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting or equivalent.
SUPERSEDES
HLT45015 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (not equivalent)

WHO IT'S FOR

Dental assistants who already hold a Certificate III in Dental Assisting, or equivalent, and provide advanced support to dental practitioners.

TYPICAL JOB ROLES

  • Dental assistant
  • Dental nurse
  • Dental surgery assistant

Qualification structure

8 Units must be completed: at least 4 units from the electives listed below. Up to 2 units from the electives listed below or any other endorsed Training Package or accredited course. Any combination of electives that meets the rules above can be selected for the award of the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting. Electives may be packaged to provide a Qualification with a specialisation, as outlined below. Packaging for specialisation: All Group A electives must be selected for award of the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography). All electives chosen must contribute to a valid, industry-supported vocational outcome.

Core units

2 units
  1. HLTSTE003Sterilise loads
  2. HLTWHS003Maintain work health and safety

Elective units

30 units

Group A electives: DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY specialisation (3 units)

  1. HLTDEN021Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice
  2. HLTDEN022Prepare to expose a prescribed dental radiographic image
  3. HLTDEN023Produce a prescribed dental radiographic image

Other Electives

  1. BSBOPS401Coordinate business resources
  2. BSBMED301Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
  3. BSBMED401Manage patient recordkeeping system
  4. CHCCCS014Provide brief interventions
  5. CHCDIV002Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety
  6. CHCEDU001Provide community focused health promotion and prevention strategies
  7. HLTCCD003Use medical terminology in health care
  8. HLTDEN015Prepare for and assist with dental procedures
  9. HLTDEN018 (has a prerequisite)Implement an individualised oral hygiene program
  10. HLTDEN019 (has a prerequisite)Assist in dental procedures during general anaesthesia
  11. HLTDEN020Assist in dental procedures during conscious sedation
  12. HLTDEN024Implement an oral hygiene program for older people
  13. HLTDEN025Implement an oral health promotion program
  14. HLTDEN026Take an impression for study models
  15. HLTDEN027Take a clinical photograph
  16. HLTDEN029 (has a prerequisite)Assist in dental procedures during relative analgesia
  17. HLTDET001Construct models
  18. HLTDET002Construct custom impression trays
  19. HLTDET003Construct registration rims
  20. HLTDET005Construct thermoformed bases and appliances
  21. HLTOHC007Recognise and respond to oral health issues
  22. HLTOHC008Inform and support patients and groups about oral health
  23. HLTOHC009Apply and use basic oral health products
  24. HLTOHC011Apply fluoride varnish
  25. HLTSTE004Manage sterile stock
  26. SIRXMGT001Supervise and support frontline team members
  27. TLIP5037Develop workplace policy and procedures

This unit has a prerequisite unit. Check the unit on training.gov.au for details.

PREREQUISITES

  • HLTDEN019 Assist in dental procedures during general anaesthesia — prerequisite: HLTDEN001 Prepare for and assist with dental procedures; HLTDA303D Prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures; HLTDEN015 Prepare for and assist with dental procedures
  • HLTDEN029 Assist in dental procedures during relative analgesia — prerequisite: HLTDEN001 Prepare for and assist with dental procedures; HLTDA303D Prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures; HLTDEN015 Prepare for and assist with dental procedures
  • HLTDEN018 Implement an individualised oral hygiene program — prerequisite: HLTDEN001 Prepare for and assist with dental procedures; HLTDA303D Prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures; HLTDEN015 Prepare for and assist with dental procedures

EVIDENCE YOU'LL NEED

  • Resume showing your work history
  • Reference letters from employers
  • Photos or videos of jobs you've done
  • Payslips or employment contracts

LICENSING

Dental radiography work must only be performed by a person with a radiation user licence granted by the relevant State /Territory regulatory authority under legislation.

View on training.gov.au(opens in a new tab)

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