{"id":40968,"date":"2025-07-28T08:57:40","date_gmt":"2025-07-27T22:57:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/?p=40968"},"modified":"2025-07-28T08:58:29","modified_gmt":"2025-07-27T22:58:29","slug":"modernising-the-role-of-dental-assistants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/modernising-the-role-of-dental-assistants\/","title":{"rendered":"Modernising the role of dental assistants"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-estimated-reading-time yoast-reading-time__wrapper\"><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-icon=\"clock\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" style=\"display:inline-block;vertical-align:-0.1em\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__spacer\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:1em\"><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__descriptive-text\">Estimated reading time: <\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__reading-time\">5<\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__time-unit\"> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"797\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants-797x1024.jpg\" alt=\"modernising the role of dental assistants\" class=\"wp-image-40969 lazyload\" style=\"width:400px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants-797x1024.jpg 797w, https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants-233x300.jpg 233w, https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants-768x987.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants-327x420.jpg 327w, https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants-654x840.jpg 654w, https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants-150x193.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants-300x386.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants-600x771.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants-696x894.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 797px) 100vw, 797px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"797\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants-797x1024.jpg\" alt=\"modernising the role of dental assistants\" class=\"wp-image-40969 lazyload\" style=\"width:400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants-797x1024.jpg 797w, https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants-233x300.jpg 233w, https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants-768x987.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants-327x420.jpg 327w, https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants-654x840.jpg 654w, https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants-150x193.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants-300x386.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants-600x771.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants-696x894.jpg 696w, https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dental-assistants.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 797px) 100vw, 797px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Aukse Lavers, DAPA\u2019s membership engagement officer in Sydney<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-workforce-shortages-inconsistent-training-and-high-turnover-are-straining-the-dental-sector-yet-the-answer-might-be-as-simple-as-modernising-the-role-of-dental-assistants-by-marina-williams\">Workforce shortages, inconsistent training, and high turnover are straining the dental sector\u2014yet the answer might be as simple as modernising the role of dental assistants. By Marina Williams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dental assistants are ready, willing and able to do more in the clinic, says Martin Thomas, CEO of the <a href=\"https:\/\/secure.dapa.asn.au\/home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dental Assistants Professional Association <\/a>(DAPA). But he believes without an overhaul of some national standards and clearer career pathways, their potential remains restricted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIn a time of widespread shortages and increasing patient demand, we need every member of the team working to the top of their skills,\u201d Thomas says. \u201cDental assistants are highly adaptable and vital to how clinics run. With the right support, advanced training, and recognition, they can do more.\u201d<\/p><div class=\"bitem-article-desktop-720x300-in-text\" id=\"bitem-4187367524\"><!-- Bite 720x300 [async] -->\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">if (!window.AdButler){(function(){var s = document.createElement(\"script\"); s.async = true; s.type = \"text\/javascript\";s.src = 'https:\/\/servedby.engagemedia.com.au\/app.js';var n = document.getElementsByTagName(\"script\")[0]; n.parentNode.insertBefore(s, n);}());}<\/script>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\nvar AdButler = AdButler || {}; AdButler.ads = AdButler.ads || [];\r\nvar abkw = window.abkw || '';\r\nvar plc705185 = window.plc705185 || 0;\r\ndocument.write('<'+'div id=\"placement_705185_'+plc705185+'\"><\\\/'+'div>');\r\nAdButler.ads.push({handler: function(opt){ AdButler.register(165450, 705185, [720,300], 'placement_705185_'+opt.place, opt); }, opt: { place: plc705185++, keywords: abkw, domain: 'servedby.engagemedia.com.au', click:'CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER' }});\r\n<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Expanding dental assistant (DA) scope could help stem industry workforce shortages and deliver clinical and economic benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jobs and Skills Australia reports an annual loss of 1800 roles from the profession, while an ADA-DAPA workforce survey cites low pay, poor recognition and limited career progression as key reasons for attrition. It\u2019s also been widely reported that rural vacancies remain high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Two-thirds of survey respondents claim they\u2019re keen to upskill for tasks in such areas as taking impressions and applying fluoride varnish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDelegating appropriate tasks to well-trained dental assistants frees up dentists for complex procedures and improves workflow and patient access,\u201d Thomas says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2024 ADA dental insights report cites boosting DA numbers as a business priority in the next 12 months, with forecasts that demand for dentists and therapists will reach 1900 by 2027.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cGiven that the demand for dentists and therapists is predicted to grow over the next three years, there\u2019s no evidence that the growth of the DA workforce to support this demand has been considered,\u201d Thomas says. \u201cThe DA workforce will also need to grow by at least seven per cent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>DAPA is advocating for national minimum training standards, including a modernised Certificate III, micro-credentials, and an Advanced Diploma in Dental Assisting. A 2024 Coursera report shows 97 per cent of universities say micro-credentials improve employability, with 68 per cent planning adoption within five years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aukse Lavers, DAPA\u2019s membership engagement officer in Sydney, believes the dental assistant role deserves recognition as a genuine career path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After more than five years chairside and now in a training role, Lavers is clear on the issue. \u201cEvery patient deserves to know the person caring for them is trained.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lavers began her career in oral health in 2018, retraining at 30 after leaving hospitality. She quickly advanced in general and orthodontic practices. \u201cDental assistants already do so much that goes unrecognised\u2014patient communication, infection control, clinical set-up, post-care instructions,\u201d she says. \u201cWe\u2019re often the first and last person a patient sees. That trust brings them back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now at DAPA and completing a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Lavers says, \u201cWe\u2019re not trying to replace dentists. We\u2019re supporting them\u2014and that support should be trained, valued and visible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Her experience reflects the reality for many in the workforce, Thomas adds. \u201cThere\u2019s an entire cohort of assistants already working who are hungry for more,\u201d he says. \u201cWith digital tools, simulation-based learning, and targeted micro-credentials, we can upskill quickly and effectively.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>Dental assistants already do so much that goes unrecognised\u2014patient communication, infection control, clinical set-up, post-care instructions. We\u2019re often the first and last person a patient sees. That trust brings them back. <br><br><strong>Aukse Lavers, membership engagement officer, DAPA<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>International models offer a potential blueprint. In the US and Europe, Expanded Function Dental Assistants (EFDAs) perform tasks such as intraoral scanning, oral health education, infection control and minor procedure support under general supervision. At one US community clinic, the addition of two EFDAs generated 88 extra appointments and AUD$15,000 in monthly revenue. Another US study on expanding DA scope reported productivity gains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thomas stresses that upskilling would be optional for assistants, but it is strongly encouraged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cStronger teams are more efficient, more engaged, and deliver better care,\u201d he says. \u201cDentistry is still stuck in the mindset that being a DA is a stepping stone. We need to see it as a profession in its own right\u2014with pathways, credentials and respect.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>DAPA is trialling blended pre-employment and traineeship models with government workforce grants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cNot every practice has to jump on board immediately,\u201d Thomas says. \u201cBut we need a framework that allows those who want to lead to get started.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Corporate providers like Pacific Smiles and Bupa Dental are already expanding DA responsibilities through internal training. \u201cIt\u2019s not just about revenue; it\u2019s about workflow, access and staff morale,\u201d Thomas says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cRegulatory bodies such as ADA and Ahpra would likely need to endorse changes in scope and accountability frameworks. National consistency will take collaboration, but with strong leadership across the sector, meaningful reform could begin within two to three years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Public health and Aboriginal medical services are also extending DA roles into outreach and education, Thomas says, with assistants delivering oral health promotion, triage, and community engagement. \u201cIt\u2019s not about replacing dentists\u2014it\u2019s about ensuring the whole team works efficiently and safely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>National change will require reviewing scope of practice guidelines, supervision models, and possible legal protection of the DA title. Currently, anyone can use the title regardless of training, which Thomas says is outdated. \u201cWe\u2019ve seen this happen in pharmacy and veterinary nursing. It\u2019s time for dental to catch up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>DAPA is working with ADA Victorian Branch on a pilot project to improve recruitment and retention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s no appetite to over-regulate. But we do need clarity\u2014and trust. Dentists need confidence that assistants are trained, capable and accountable. When that happens, delegation increases\u2014and so does productivity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To help build that future workforce, DAPA has launched a four-week pre-employment program that offers prospective assistants insights before enrolling, with graduates receiving units of competency and priority access to traineeships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe want to reduce churn by making sure people know what they\u2019re signing up for,\u201d Thomas says. \u201cIt\u2019s about building a pipeline of skilled assistants who want to stay.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, he says, elevating the profession is essential. \u201cWe can\u2019t keep running clinics like it\u2019s 2005. This is about working smarter, not harder\u2014so we can deliver better care to more Australians.\u201d &nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Workforce shortages, inconsistent training, and high turnover are straining the dental sector\u2014yet the answer might be as simple as modernising the role of dental assistants. By Marina Williams Dental assistants are ready, willing and able to do more in the clinic, says Martin Thomas, CEO of the Dental Assistants Professional Association (DAPA). But he believes [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":40970,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7170,688],"tags":[165,1508,684],"class_list":{"0":"post-40968","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-featured","8":"category-your-world","9":"tag-dental-assistants","10":"tag-dental-assistants-professional-association","11":"tag-featured"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.9 (Yoast SEO v25.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Modernising the role of dental assistants - Bite Magazine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bitemagazine.com.au\/modernising-the-role-of-dental-assistants\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Modernising the role of dental assistants\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Workforce shortages, inconsistent training, and high turnover are straining the dental sector\u2014yet the answer might be as simple as modernising the role of dental assistants. By Marina Williams Dental assistants are ready, willing and able to do more in the clinic, says Martin Thomas, CEO of the Dental Assistants Professional Association (DAPA). 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By Marina Williams Dental assistants are ready, willing and able to do more in the clinic, says Martin Thomas, CEO of the Dental Assistants Professional Association (DAPA). 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