Partnership tackles workforce shortages and boosts prevention

OHV and Kangan Institute are equipping dental assistants with advanced skills that directly contribute to improved community health outcomes.

This collaboration has launched two key initiatives designed to upskill and empower dental assistants:

• A new short course in fluoride varnish application tailored to dental assistants, which commenced on 2 June this year, with 15 students completing the short course.
• A co-designed pathway for dental assistants to upskill from a Certificate III to Certificate IV in Dental Assisting, which began on 16 June and has already been taken up by 38 dental assistants from across Victoria

Both courses are delivered online, offering maximum flexibility through a workplace-based learning model that allows participants to study while continuing to work.

“These initiatives are about more than just filling workforce gaps — they’re about transforming the role of dental assistants,” said OHV CEO Susan McKee. “By expanding their scope of practice, we’re giving dental assistants greater autonomy, more responsibility, and the recognition they deserve.”

Kangan Institute CEO Sally Curtain, added: "We’re proud to partner with Oral Health Victoria to co-design agile, workplace-based training that gives dental assistants more skills, confidence and career momentum."

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said: "We're boosting the dental assistant workforce with more training and support - so more Victorians across the state can access the very best dental care."

The upskilling pathway opens doors to leadership roles — a vital strategy for improving long-term workforce retention in public oral health.

The short course in fluoride varnish application and Certificate IV pathway form part of a broader strategy to shift towards preventative, community-based oral health care, equipping the workforce with skills that meet the changing needs of Victorians.

Media contact:
Rania Spooner | rania.spooner@dhsv.org.au | 0409 430 462