423211 Dental Assistant

ANZSCO Occupation Code: 
423211
ANZSCO Occupation Name: 
Dental Assistant
Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List: 
No
Short-term Skilled Occupation List: 
No
494: 
No
PMSOL Occupation: 
No
ANZSCO Occupation Description: 

423211 DENTAL ASSISTANT

Alternative Titles:
Dental Chairside Assistant
Dental Nurse

Prepares patients for dental examination and assists Dental Practitioners, Hygienists and Therapists in providing care and treatment.
Skill Level: 4

ANZSCO Skill Level: 
4

4232 Dental Assistants

ANZSCO Unit Group Code: 
4232
ANZSCO Unit Group Name: 
Dental Assistants
ANZSCO Unit Group Description: 

4232 DENTAL ASSISTANTS

DENTAL ASSISTANTS prepare patients for dental examination and assist Dental Practitioners, Hygienists and Therapists in providing care and treatment.
Indicative Skill Level:
Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.
In Australia:
AQF Certificate II or III (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

In New Zealand:
NZ Register Level 2 or 3 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

At least one year of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
Tasks Include:

receiving and preparing patients
arranging and handing instruments, medication, and other dental requisites to Dental Practitioners
preparing dental materials and processing X-rays
using suction devices and water sprays
performing routine maintenance on equipment
sterilising and preventing cross infection of equipment
may advise patients on dental health education and post-operative care and procedures
may act as receptionist for Dental Practitioners
may perform billing and other clerical tasks

Avg. weekly earnings - males (May 2012): 
0.00
Avg. weekly earnings - females (May 2012): 
0.00
Avg. weekly earnings - persons (May 2012): 
659.90