Qualification Outline
22/07/2026 10:51 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
HLT45021
BGW8
Current
Approved
National Endorsed, State Implementation and Classification
Releases
| Release Version | Release Date | TGA Status | DTWD Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.00 | 22/12/2025 | Current | Approved |
| 3.00 | 07/12/2021 | Replaced | Approved |
| 2.00 | 02/07/2021 | Replaced | Approved |
| 1.00 | 30/04/2021 | Replaced | Approved |
Description
This qualification reflects the role of workers who provide an advanced level of assistance to dental practitioners which contributes to the quality of oral health care.
The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
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.
Units of competency that contain:
- pre-requisites are identified within the Qualification Packaging Rules on the training.gov.au (TGA) website
- mandatory work placement requirements are identified within the specific Qualification Packaging Rules and Units of Competency on the training.gov.au (TGA) website
Schedule
Packaging Rules
Eight (8) Units must be completed:- Two (2) core units
- Six (6) elective units, consisting of:
- at least four (4) units from the electives listed below.
- up to two (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.
Units of competency that contain:
- pre-requisites are identified within the Qualification Packaging Rules on the training.gov.au (TGA) website
- mandatory work placement requirements are identified within the specific Qualification Packaging Rules and Units of Competency on the training.gov.au (TGA) website
1. Core Units
These units must be completed.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WG740 | HLTWHS003 | Maintain work health and safety | 40 | Unit of competency |
| AUZ71 | HLTSTE003 | Sterilise loads | 30 | Unit of competency |
2. Electives: Group A - Dental Radiography Specialisation (3 units)
To achieve Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography), all Group A electives must be completed.
| State Code | National Code | Title | Hours | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI55 | HLTDEN021 | Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice | 110 | Unit of competency |
| ODI44 | HLTDEN022 | Prepare to expose a prescribed dental radiographic image | 80 | Unit of competency |
| ODI83 | HLTDEN023 | Produce a prescribed dental radiographic image | 115 | Unit of competency |
3. Electives - Other Electives
At least four (4) units must be completed from this group.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AYY9 | HLT45015 | Certificate IV in Dental Assisting | Qualification |
No information
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.
Traineeships and Apprenticeships