The Dental Assistant Traineeship program (offered by Dental Health Services Victoria in conjunction with RMIT University) provides formal training to become a qualified dental assistant.The program has an educational component supported by RMIT and an on-the-job component supported by an offer of employment at RDHM.
Contents:
Modules
Intake dates
Application process
Related links
Contact information
1. Fundamentals of Dental Assisting (3 months)
During this module, participants are closely supported by a senior clinical dental assistant and receive a basic introduction to the role of the dental assistant with a focus on general dentistry. This provides a foundation for entry into the Certificate III in Dental Assisting at RMIT and participants will receive an RDHM Fundamentals of Dental Assisting certificate. The module includes a:
- four week induction program
- four week rotation in the Undergraduate Training Clinic
- four rotation in the General Practice / Primary Care Department
The program comprises of lectures, clinical observation, clinical chair-side assisting and theory and clinical assessments. Topics covered include:
- Infection Control
- How to communicate and work effectively in health
- Occupational Health & Safety
- Instruments and equipment
- How to assist with dental radiography
- How to prepare for and assist in oral health care procedures (including dental charting)
2. Certificate III in Dental Assisting (12 months)
This module builds on the Fundamentals of Dental Assisting module and is delivered in partnership with RMIT.
Study requirements
Participants will be enrolled at RMIT to complete the theory and clinical components of the formal training program. This will include four study blocks of one week each that will include lectures simulated practical components, assessments and oral presentations. A ½ day of study time is scheduled during work hours on site at RDHM to enable participants to access educators and peer support. In addition to this, participants are encouraged to dedicate a minimum of 5 hours per fortnight to study outside of work hours.
Clinical Rotations
Trainee dental assistants will complete clinical placements throughout various disciplines, including:
- Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics
- Orthodontics/ Endodontics
- Paediatric Dentistry
- Special Needs Dentistry
- General Practice / Primary Care
- Undergraduate Teaching Clinics
- Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and Theatre
- Implant and Oral Medicine Clinics
- Central Sterilising Services Department
- Community Dental Clinic - 3 week placement
- Administration
Workplace assessment
- Theory (assignments/learning guides/portfolios, written tests and exams)
- Clinical (assessment of clinical and theoretical competencies)
Costs
| RMIT course fees (paid by DHSV) | $5,500 (approximately) |
| RMIT tuition fees (paid by student) | $550 (pending govt subsidy) |
| Compulsory text books (paid by student) | $220 (approximately) |
Please note: These fees are approximate and subject to change.
3. Introduction to the role of the qualified dental assistant (3 months)
After successfully completing the Certificate III requirements you will spend the remainder of your 18 month program doing this advanced module that is designed to assist in consolidating your newly acquired skills and take your dental assisting career to the next level. Participants in this module are paid as a qualified dental assistant and provided with opportunities to work with the most elite oral health professionals in Australia, undertaking rotations in specialised departments such as:
- Day Surgery Unit
- Implant Clinic
- Domiciliary Oral Health Unit
- A speciality department of your choice
- After hours emergency service
Participants will also be provided with the opportunity to spend a week gaining insight into skills needed in senior roles at RDHM.
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- 27 February (applications close 20 January - interviews running from 30 January until 3 February)
- 28 May (applications close 13 April - interviews running from 23 until 27 April)
- 20 August (applications close 6 July - interviews running from 16 until 20 July)
- 26 November (applications close 5 October - interviews running from 15 until 19 October)
Please note, all applications must go via www.dentaljobs.org.au 
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- RDHM recruits 2 participants for each intake of the Dental Assistant Traineeship program.
- Positions are advertised on www.dentaljobs.org.au. Applicants must submit their applications through this website. Email applications are not accepted.
Please note: To be eligible for this program, you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency.
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If you have a specific inquiry, require clarification or would simply like to be placed on the list of interested applicants, please contact:
Trainee Dental Assisting program
Phone: 9341 1179
Email: traineeda.inquiries@dhsv.org.au
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