About the course

The New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) recognises the important role dental assistants play in the successful day to day running of the dental practice. We are proud to offer the NZDA Certificate in Dental Assisting course to dental assistants working alongside our NZDA members, who wish to further their knowledge and develop their skills within this profession. Annually 150 – 200 students throughout New Zealand graduate with our certificate.

The NZDA course has been structured over one academic year commencing in February and concluding in November. It is a modular, online, correspondence course which includes a combination of self-directed learning activities, lectures, online assessments and practical workplace experience.

Students completing this course will gain formal recognition from NZDA in having developed the skills to work competently and safely assisting a dentist, dental therapist, or dental hygienist during oral health care procedures.

Note: As of 2022 the NZDA Certificate in Dental Assisting course is no longer NZQA accredited.

Entry requirements

Enrolments for the NZDA Certificate in Dental Assisting are open from October to early December, for course commencement on the 1st of February the following year.

To qualify for enrolment in the NZDA Certificate in Dental Assisting, students must be permanent residents of New Zealand, and be employed as a dental assistant by an NZDA member for a minimum of 20 hours per week at the time of enrolment and for the duration of the course year.

All students require a supervising dentist, who is ultimately responsible for their progression on the course and is able to conduct their practical workplace observation assessments. Supervising dentists must be NZDA members who are willing and able to support their dental assistant throughout the course.

Students must have use of a computer with internet access.

*This course is not available to international students.

About the provider