Want to enter the dental industry? Government-supported dental assistant training allows you to quickly enter the industry from scratch
Government-supported training programs | Earn while learning | Practical experience | Low barriers to entry
In Australia, the dental industry continues to grow, and the demand for professional dental assistants is increasing. Whether you are a young person who has just graduated, an adult who wants to change careers, or a parent who wants to return to the workplace, the government-supported Certificate III in Dental Assisting course provides you with a fast, safe and low-threshold entry path. By combining paid internships + government-subsidized tuition, this program allows you to obtain a nationally recognized professional qualification certificate within 12 months, while accumulating practical experience and starting a stable and promising career. This type of program is jointly launched by the Victorian Government, DHSV (Dental Health Service Victoria) and local public dental institutions, providing students with full support such as no tuition pressure, work arrangements, and career guidance. Take action now, seize this high-value training program suppported by the government, with limited opportunities, and take your first step into the medical industry!
✅ Fully supported by the Victorian Government
You can obtain the Certificate III in Dental Assistant (HLT35021) through Victoria's TAFE program, which subsidizes tuition fees for approved students. Eligible candidates will receive full government support without having to worry about tuition pressure.
💰 Earn while you learn
Through the Dental Assistant Internship Program launched by Dental Health Victoria (DHSV) and Jobs Victoria, students can work as paid employees in public dental clinics for 12 months while completing their certification.
🎓 Nationally recognized and job-ready
- Graduates will receive a nationally recognized Level III certificate, eligible to work in public and private dental settings.
👥 Career Development
Upon completion of the course, you can work as a Dental Assistant - opportunities include specialist roles in Radiology, Oral Health Education, Sterilization and Leadership, or seamlessly transition to Certificate IV or higher.
📝 Eligibility and Application Steps
👥 Who is eligible
The program prioritizes:
- Unemployed or facing barriers to employment in Victoria
- Priority Groups: Youth (<25 years), Adults aged 45+, Migrants, Aboriginal Australians, Veterans, People with Disability, Single Parents.
📝 How to Apply
Eligibility Check: Victorian residents, aged 18+, priority groups preferred
Search for vacancies: Directly through DHSV's careers page (eg: EACH, DPV jobs).
Submit an online application through the Victorian Job Portal
Interview and contract: You will be matched with a public dental institution and training institution
Start working and learning, and receive support and guidance throughout the training
🔚 Why choose this program?
- Full package: paid position + certified training + 12 months of practical work experience
- Fast promotion: Enter the dental industry in one year without having to worry about tuition fees
- Strong support system: including guidance, salary benefits and comprehensive career development
🏆 Real Success Stories
Aisha – Young Metro Trainee
Hired at RDHM in 2023, Aisha completed both her traineeship and theory blocks. Now works full-time assisting in oral health promotion and coordinating smile-screening events in schools.
Rahim – Migrant Graduate
After arriving in Victoria in 2022, Rahim joined the program via his local community dental agency. He now manages client appointments and sterilisation protocols, with opportunities to advance into management roles.
Monica – Re-career Returner
At 48, Monica left retail and entered the traineeship through a DHSV intake. She quickly secured full-time placement in regional dental clinics and is now mentoring Trainee Assistants in her team.
🚀 Start a career in public dental nursing
- Gain paid training and certification in Victoria’s public dental industry
- No tuition pressure, supported by the government
- Get support from DHSV and TAFE partners to accumulate practical experience
- Employment in public clinics, schools or community agencies after graduation
🔗 How to get started
Check if you are eligible for TAFE support and apply through your local TAFE.
Search for "DHSV Dental Assistant Training Program" to find vacancies and clinics.
Apply for training and then combine paid work with TAFE learning.
Graduate with a Level III certificate and start a stable healthcare career.
Joining the Dental Health Service of Victoria (DHSV) means not only starting a job, but also entering a secure, developing and meaningful medical career. DHSV provides employees with a variety of full-time, part-time or temporary positions to suit your pace of life at different stages. Here, you will enjoy attractive salary packages and generous benefits, including government-mandated pensions, paid annual leave, sick leave and long service leave, and professional liability insurance to protect your employment safety.
DHSV is committed to creating an environment of continuous growth and learning. DHSV provides employees with opportunities for continuous learning and career development support. You will work with a professional team from multidisciplinary backgrounds in a state-of-the-art clinical environment to cope with diverse and challenging clinical work. In addition, DHSV's service network covers many popular locations in Victoria. Whether you want to develop in the metropolitan center or take root in a regional city, DHSV have suitable job opportunities for you. In particular, DHSV also support employees who are interested in developing private practice to help you achieve career diversification.
🏁 Summary
Victoria offers a complete government-supported pathway to help you become a dental assistant - including no tuition pressure, paid work, public sector internship and nationally recognized qualifications. It is ideal for people seeking a debt-free, skills-based health care career.