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Dentistry and oral health courses

Keen to work in dental care? You can start with a certificate in dental assisting, or train as a dentist with a degree. Here's what each course leads to, how long it takes and what it costs.

Quickest way to start
4 months
Certificate III, full time at TAFE NSW
TAFE cost from
$1,450
subsidised Certificate III, TAFE NSW
What the jobs pay
$63,000 to $168,100
median pay across 3 jobs, some estimated
Demand
2 of 3 jobs
are on the national shortage list

Which course do you need?

It depends on the job you want.

  • Illustration of a person working as a dental assistant

    Certificate III in Dental Assisting

    Work as a dental assistant

    Assist the dentist during treatment, take and process x-rays, sterilise instruments and look after patients through their appointment.

    JobDental Assistant

    Median pay$63,000

    How long it takes
    4 to 18 months full time at TAFE NSW
    What it costs
    $1,450 at TAFE NSW if you're eligible for a subsidised place, or $9,830 full fee
    How you'll study
    Online, on campus, a mix or on the job
    See the Certificate III and where to study it
  • Illustration of a person working as a dental technician

    Diploma of Dental Technology

    Make dentures, crowns and other dental appliances

    Build and repair dentures, crowns, bridges and orthodontic devices in a lab, working from a dentist's written prescription.

    JobDental Technician

    Median pay$67,600 (estimate)

    How long it takes
    About 2 years full time at TAFE NSW
    What it costs
    $23,283 at Holmesglen Institute if you're eligible for a subsidised place, or $33,420 full fee
    How you'll study
    Online or on campus
    See the Diploma and where to study it
  • Illustration of a person working as a dentist

    Bachelor of Dental Surgery

    Become a dentist

    Diagnose and treat problems with teeth and gums, and show patients how to look after their mouth.

    JobDentist

    Median pay$168,100

    How long it takes
    5 years full time
    How you'll study
    On campus
    See the Bachelor degree and where to study it

How much it costs at TAFE

If you're eligible for a government-subsidised place, you pay much less than the full fee, and in some states these courses can be free. Here's what each TAFE lists.

  • TAFE NSWNSW

    Certificate III
    $1,450 subsidised
    $9,830 full fee
    Diploma
    Not listed

  • Chisholm InstituteVIC

    Certificate III
    $3,942 subsidised
    $10,956 full fee
    Diploma
    Not listed

  • Holmesglen InstituteVIC

    Certificate III
    $3,105 subsidised
    $11,178 full fee
    Diploma
    $23,283 subsidised
    $33,420 full fee

  • TAFE QueenslandQLD

    Certificate III
    $3,640 subsidised
    $7,560 full fee
    Diploma
    $31,350 subsidised
    $36,475 full fee

Fees as each TAFE shows them on its website, checked 20 September 2026. “Not listed” means the TAFE doesn't show that fee online. Private colleges set their own fees.

Other university courses

Other certificates and diplomas

Jobs you can do with this study

Pay is the median for everyone in the job, not a starting salary.

“In demand” means the job is on the national skills shortage list. Pay marked as an estimate is our own analysis, not a published figure. Check the course and provider are approved for the work you want, as rules differ by state.

Still not sure which one fits you?

Answer a few quick questions about your time, state and budget, and we'll show the courses that suit you.

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Related study

Qualifications from training.gov.au, the national VET register, and Course Seeker, run by the Tertiary Admissions Centres and the Australian Government Department of Education. TAFE fees, lengths and study modes from each TAFE's own course pages. Pay and shortage status from Jobs and Skills Australia, except pay marked as an estimate. Providers are never ordered by who pays.