The Australian dental sector has undergone significant transformation due to advances in technology, changes in regulatory frameworks and evolving patient care requirements. To ensure the workforce is adequately prepared for these evolving demands, this project will ensure dental qualifications are relevant and support safe, effective care across a variety of practice settings. By reviewing the structure and content of current qualifications, the project aims to improve alignment with job roles, regulatory standards and future workforce requirements.
Key objectives
- Align qualifications with technological and clinical developments in dental practice.
- Ensure consistency and clarity across qualifications and units.
- Support career pathways and practical workforce readiness.
- Reflect the skills and knowledge required for modern models of care.
Project scope
We will review 5 qualifications, 2 skill sets and 46 units of competency that support training for a range of job roles including:
- dental assisting
- dental technology
- dental prosthetics.
The project will consider job tasks, performance expectations, assessment conditions and the incorporation of new tools and techniques shaping the future of dentistry.
Qualifications and units of competency
Qualifications
- HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting: reflects the role of workers who assist dental practitioners during oral health care procedures. The role includes maintaining high standards of infection control, assisting with practice administration and supporting quality and professionalism in the dental sector.
- HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting: reflects the role of workers who provide an advanced level of assistance to dental practitioners, which contributes to the quality of oral health care.
- HLT35115 Certificate III in Dental Laboratory Assisting: reflects the role of a dental laboratory assistant responsible for pouring impressions, producing custom-made trays, manufacturing occlusal registration rims, transferring oral records, articulating models for a range of prostheses and constructing mouthguards.
- HLT55118 Diploma of Dental Technology: reflects the role of a dental technician responsible for the construction and repair of dentures and other dental appliances, including crowns, bridges, partial dentures, pre- and post-oral and maxillofacial surgical devices and orthodontic appliances.
- HLT65015 Advanced Diploma of Dental Prosthetics: reflects the role of a dental prosthetist who works as independent practitioners in the assessment, treatment, management of a person who requires provision of removal dentures and who also provides unique flexible removable mouthguards used for sporting activities.
The purpose of these qualifications is to support a specific occupation. The HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting and HLT35115 Certificate III in Dental Laboratory Assisting also support pathways and applied learning.
Skill Sets
Unit of Competencies
Fact sheet
Functional analysis workshop
Thank you to all those who attended our online functional analysis workshop on Wednesday 22 October 2025. The workshop has helped to validate and refine the functions, tasks and skills which were identified through industry research and interviews. Your participation will help ensure the findings accurately reflect current and emerging industry practice and inform future training product development.
Project development is underway to undertake a comprehensive review and update the qualifications and skill set in dental assisting, technology and prosthetics, to ensure they are aligned with current industry needs, regulatory requirements, evolving patient-care methodologies, and create clear and sustainable career pathways to support existing and future growth in the industry.
Project Governance
A Technical Committee (TC) comprising of industry experts has been established to provide specialised advice for this project. Members were carefully selected based on their relevant expertise and experience in areas critical to the project. View the Terms of Reference and Technical Committee members.
The TC will work with HumanAbility in this project to:
- identify relevant stakeholders to consult with about the project
- provide insights on proposed communication and consultation strategies
- provide technical knowledge on the skills and knowledge required to meet graduate outcomes and workforce needs.
Additionally, we will engage in the following information gathering activities as part of the functional analysis:
- desktop research
- review available information on industry standards, working conditions, and employer recruitment selection criteria
- 24 virtual workshops to:
- exploring the skills organisations need
- discuss foreseeable changes in the sector
- understanding functions and sub functions of roles.
Vocational Educators, Trainers and Assessors
We're calling on trainers, educators and assessors of vocational qualifications in dental.
We need your feedback on existing qualifications, skill sets and units. We want to know what's working, what's not working and where things could change and improvements made.
Please submit your feedback by completing this form.
Start survey
Your feedback will influence the design of national qualification training products and contribute to resolving current workforce issues.
Draft materials will be developed and available for feedback during the Consultation stage.