Also called Dental Nursing, Dental Assisting offers an exciting and rewarding career in Australia’s fast growing health care industry and is never short of job opportunities – in Australia and overseas.
Dental Assisting provides a diverse career and scope to develop a broad range of technical and interpersonal skills in a stimulating high-tech environment.
What does a Dental Assistant do?
Dental Assistants are an integral part of the patient-care team that works together to ensure a positive experience for the patient, whether it is: 1 In the surgery: sets up for procedures, assists the dentist during procedures, charting, mixes materials, maintains stock levels and coordinates change over between patients.
2 In the sterilisation room: prepares and packs instruments for sterilisation, operates steriliser and
stores sterilised instruments correctly
3 At reception: greets patients, schedules appointments, answers enquiries and processes accounts,
and makes post-operative telephone calls.
What personal qualities does a Dental Assistant need?
• A friendly, caring and mature attitude
• Empathic to the needs of others
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Dedication and good grooming
• Good organisational and time management skills
What are my job prospects?
Excellent! Dental assistants are always in demand for both full-time and part-time employment in general
and specialist areas no matter where you live: metropolitan, regional and rural areas.
What are the career opportunities for a Dental Assistant?
There are many opportunities for a dental assistant to advance:
• Assisting with complex treatments
• Clinical and Administrative Coordinators
• Dental Radiography
• Dental Hygienist
• Practice Manager
• Dental Health Educator
