Become qualified to take dental x-rays and provide advanced chair-side assistance in dental health settings.
You'll learn through a mixture of on-the-job experience and off-the-job training. You'll benefit from the opportunity to apply what you've studied straightaway, building your professional skills and industry experience as you go.
The on-the-job component occurs in your workplace, under the training support of a licensed dental operator working at their own clinic or dental practice. The off-the-job component includes online and face-to-face lectures, activities, workshops and practical labs. On campus at RMIT University, you’ll study in state-of-the-art facilities located at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne.
Put theory into practice under the training support of a licensed dental operator.
Elevate your training with access to cutting-edge technology and industry-leading facilities, designed to support excellence in dental education.
Study within a culture of excellence, guided by academic expertise and supported by qualified industry professionals, including dentists, dental operators, hygienists, and therapists.
To enrol and attend this course, you must be currently employed and working as a dental assistant, ensuring you can apply your learning directly in a real clinical setting.
Your study in this certificate is scheduled for 1 to 3 days at a time, with sessions held approximately every 2 to 3 weeks, to provide flexibility to balance your professional and study commitments. This structure allows you to progressively build your skills while continuing to gain practical experience in your workplace.
You will train in fully operational dental radiography simulation clinics, where you will develop hands-on skills in both intraoral and extraoral imaging techniques, including orthopantomogram (OPG) and lateral cephalometric radiographs. These practical sessions are designed to build your confidence and competence in a safe, supervised environment using industry-standard equipment.
Assessment is designed to support your learning through a blend of knowledge tests, case studies, assignments, and practical observations, ensuring you are prepared for real-world dental radiography practice.
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.
As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:
RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.
Throughout the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography), you will engage with industry-informed learning, guided by qualified RMIT teachers, as well as industry professionals, including dentists, dental operators, hygienists, and therapists, ensuring your skills align with current clinical practice.
The training in this certificate comprises 530 hours of structured learning activities and 137 hours of unstructured study.
The program is primarily delivered through face-to-face classes, with some online sessions to support flexible learning.
Classes are scheduled for 1 to 3 days at a time, with sessions held approximately every 2 to 3 weeks.
This course is competency-based and has been designed to help you develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively in your chosen field. You will learn and be assessed by practising and demonstrating your capabilities, all of which can be readily applied in the workplace.
In addition to the specific vocational skills you build throughout this course, you will also develop a set of essential employability skills, including communication, planning, organising, and problem solving, self-management, initiative and teamwork. These foundational skills will enable you to navigate the world of work, collaborate effectively with others, and successfully get the job done.
As part of this certificate, you will complete 2 compulsory core subjects covering workplace health and safety and the sterilisation of instruments.
You will also undertake 6 elective subjects designed to develop your skills in recognising and responding to oral health issues, applying safe radiation biology and protection practices, preparing and producing dental radiographic images, and performing additional clinical tasks such as taking impressions and clinical photographs.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.
Completing the Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography) will enhance your career as a dental assistant, equipping you with advanced chairside support skills for both private and public dental practices.
As a graduate, you will play an integral role within the dental health team, with the specialised skills to produce high-quality intra-oral and extra-oral radiographic images. These capabilities expand your scope of practice and increase your value within modern dental settings.
You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
This course includes practical placement. If you are successful in obtaining a place in the course, you must meet a number of immunisation and compliance requirements upon commencement of your studies.
You must hold a Victorian Working with Children Check valid for 5 years, prior to undertaking clinical components as part of this course.
Note: For clinical components undertaken interstate, a valid Working With Children Check for that state is required.
You must present evidence of a successful Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this course.
Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using your name and RMIT-issued student email address once you have commenced your studies. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
You will be required to undertake COVID19 Vaccination as part of this course. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
You will be required to undertake annual influenza vaccination as part of this course. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
Please note: A full course of immunisations can take up to 7 months to complete, you should contact your medical practitioner prior to entering the program to commence immunisations. It is a requirement that you will have commenced all immunisations and will continue to progress this until completion of the vaccination courses by the deadlines set by the university.
Important: Additional immunisations may be required in response to changes in Government regulations or at the request of the placement host organisation.
All students are required to be tested for infection with blood borne viruses (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV) no more than 12 months prior to course commencement. Students and practitioners performing exposure-prone procedures, such as dental and oral health students, are required to repeat this testing every 3 years due to an increased risk of infection transmission.
Please note: A full course of immunisation requirements can take up to 7 months. It is essential to confirm these requirements with the School as soon as possible.
A pathway is an alternative way to get into a course. RMIT's pathways can help you move through different levels of study to reach the qualification you're aiming for, even if you don't meet the requirements for your destination course.
Unfortunately we are currently unable to offer formal pathways into this course. Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.
When you successfully complete this certificate, you may be eligible to apply for further studies at RMIT such as a diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree.
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.
When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.
The tuition fees you will pay depends on your eligibility for government subsidies.
Not sure which fee type applies to you? Learn more and check your eligibility.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
You may be eligible for a fee concession if you hold a valid Commonwealth Health Care Card, Pensioner Card, or Veteran's Gold Card, or are enrolled in the Asylum Seeker VET program. Find out more about fee concessions.
| Item Cost (AUD) | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition fee student pays
$0.00
Tuition fees fully subsidised under Free TAFE scheme
|
Tuition fees fully subsidised under Free TAFE scheme
|
$0.00 |
|
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
$299.00
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
|
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
|
$299.00 |
|
Material fees
N/A
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
N/A
|
|
Estimated total cost to you
$299.00
Includes all fees listed above
|
$299.00 |
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $30.13 per nominal hour ($17,324.75 total).
| Item Cost (AUD) | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition fee student pays
$0.00
Concession rate applied
|
Concession rate applied
|
$0.00 |
|
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
$57.50
Concession rate applied
|
Concession rate applied
|
$57.50 |
|
Material fees
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
|
Estimated total cost to you
$57.50
Includes all fees listed above
|
$57.50 |
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $30.13 per nominal hour ($17,324.75 total).
| Item Cost (AUD) | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition fee student pays
$7,000.00
Tuition fees after government subsidy
|
Tuition fees after government subsidy
|
$7,000.00 |
|
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
$299.00
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
|
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
|
$299.00 |
|
Material fees
N/A
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
N/A
|
|
Estimated total cost to you
$7,299.00
Includes all fees listed above
|
$7,299.00 |
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $13.75 per nominal hour ($7,906.25 total).
| Item Cost (AUD) | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition fee student pays
$1,400.00
Concession rate applied
|
Concession rate applied
|
$1,400.00 |
|
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
$57.50
Concession rate applied
|
Concession rate applied
|
$57.50 |
|
Material fees
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
|
Estimated total cost to you
$1,457.50
Includes all fees listed above
|
$1,457.50 |
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $16.95 per nominal hour ($9,746.25 total).
| Item Cost (AUD) | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition fee student pays
$13,750.00
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
|
The total tuition fee you will be charged for a full-fee place
|
$13,750.00 |
|
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
$299.00
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
|
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
|
$299.00 |
|
Material fees
N/A
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
N/A
|
|
Estimated total cost to you
$14,049.00
Includes all fees listed above
|
$14,049.00 |
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $ per nominal hour ($ total).
| Item Cost (AUD) | Description | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Tuition fee student pays
$0.00
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
|
Tuition fees exempt for eligible students in a government subsidised place
|
$0.00 |
|
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
$0.00
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
|
Based on 2027 cap of $386 per calendar year
|
$0.00 |
|
Material fees
N/A
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
Total cost of material fees associated with this course
|
N/A
|
|
Estimated total cost to you
$0.00
Includes all fees listed above
|
$0.00 |
The tuition fees shown include the Victorian Government contribution. This amount is reflected in your fees and is paid directly to RMIT by the Government: $13.75 per nominal hour ($7,906.25 total).
Generated on 23 July 2026 | RMIT University's Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Code is 3046 | Payment and refund information
VET Student Loan cap for Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography) (C4419): $
Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.
Learn about eligibility for VSL|
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$0
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$0
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$ per nominal hour ($ total).
Choose the specific course plan to see relevant fee information:
VET Student Loan cap for (): $
Any tuition fees above the cap must be paid upfront to RMIT by their due date. Caps are indexed annually by the Commonwealth Government. Eligibility applies.
Learn about eligibility for VSLRMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures
