Several institutions in South Africa offer a Higher Certificate in Dental Assisting.
Becoming a dental assistant in South Africa is an exciting career path for those who want to work in healthcare without spending years at university. It’s more than just handing tools to a dentist; it’s about building patient trust, mastering dental technology, and keeping a practice running smoothly. Here’s what you need to know.
The Basics of Becoming a Dental Assistant
The starting point for this career is a Grade 12 certificate. This qualification ensures you have the foundation needed to handle the demands of the role, which combines technical and interpersonal skills. Once you’ve completed matric, you can enrol in a one-year Certificate of Higher Learning in Dental Assisting. This course is available at institutions like UNISA and South Africa’s universities of technology.
This training is hands-on and prepares you to work directly with dentists and patients. By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, making you job-ready.
What Will You Learn?
The training to become a dental assistant covers everything from managing the front desk to assisting during dental procedures. You’ll learn to:
- Sterilise tools and keep workspaces clean to maintain a safe environment for both patients and staff.
- Assist dentists during treatments, ensuring they have everything they need to work efficiently.
- Operate X-ray machines, position patients, and process images.
- Take dental impressions, which are used for crowns, dentures, or bridges.
In addition to these technical skills, you’ll also be trained to guide patients on how to maintain good oral hygiene. This includes teaching them proper brushing techniques or how to care for their teeth after procedures.
Is This Career for You?
Being a dental assistant isn’t for everyone. It’s a great fit if you enjoy working with people and can stay calm under pressure. You’ll be interacting with patients who might be nervous or in pain, so having a compassionate nature is essential. You also need to be comfortable working in close quarters with patients, including those with severe dental problems.
This career is especially appealing if you’re fascinated by healthcare but don’t want to commit to years of study. In just one year, you can start earning a salary that ranges between R11,000 and R24,000 per month, depending on your experience and location.
What Makes Dental Assisting Special?
What sets dental assistants apart is their role in connecting patients with the care they need. While the dentist focuses on the procedures, the dental assistant ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. You’re the first person a patient interacts with and the one who helps them feel at ease during treatment.
Beyond patient care, you’ll also gain hands-on experience with advanced dental tools and techniques, making this a career that’s both practical and cutting-edge.
Dental Assistant Course Requirements at Different Institutions
Below is a breakdown of the key dental assistant course requirements across various universities.
Central University of Technology (CUT) – Higher Certificate: Dental Assisting
- Campus: Bloemfontein
- Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
- SAQA Credits: 141
- NQF Level: 5
Admission Requirements:
- For candidates who matriculated in 2007 or earlier: A minimum of 50% on Standard Grade or 40% on Higher Grade in Biology/Physiology is required.
- For candidates who completed the NSC in 2008 and onwards: A minimum of 50% in Life Sciences is required.
- Minimum APS: 25+
- Subject requirements:
- English (HL/FAL): Minimum Level 3
- Mathematics: Minimum Level 2
- Life Science: Minimum Level 3
Career Opportunities:
Qualified Dental Assistants can work as Practice Managers, dental suppliers, and oral healthcare providers in South Africa and abroad.
For more details, visit CUT Dental Assisting Programme.
Durban University of Technology (DUT) – Higher Certificate in Dental Assisting
- Campus: ML Sultan Campus
- Qualification Code: HCDNA1
- NQF Level: 5
- SAQA ID: 97879
Entry Requirements:
- NSC: Minimum of English at Level 3, Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy at Level 3 (60%-70%), Life Science at Level 3
- SC (Pre-2009): English at E level (Higher Grade) or C level (Standard Grade), and Mathematics/Biology at E level (Higher Grade) or C level (Standard Grade)
- National Certificate (Vocational): 60% in English, 60% in Mathematics/Mathematics Literacy, and 70% in four relevant vocational subjects.
Additional Requirements:
- Candidates must attend an interview and take an entrance test.
- Admission may be based on work experience, age, and maturity for candidates 23 years and older.
For more details, visit DUT Dental Assisting Programme.
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) – Higher Certificate in Dental Assisting
- Qualification: Higher Certificate
- Minimum APS:
- 18 with Mathematics/Technical Mathematics
- 21 with Mathematical Literacy
- Subject Requirements:
- English (HL or FAL): Level 4
- Mathematics: Level 3 or Mathematical Literacy: Level 4
- Vocational Subjects: Level 3
Career Path:
The course equips students with the foundational skills to assist in dental practices and manage oral healthcare facilities.
For more details, visit TUT Dental Assisting Programme.
