Course Outline

Dental practice administrators are central to the patient experience and the effective operation of a dental practice. They support communication with patients, appointment and administrative processes, patient records, practice systems and the wider dental team.

The NZDA Certificate in Dental Practice Administration develops the practical, dental-specific knowledge and skills needed to support patients, clinicians and the day-to-day administration of a dental practice effectively.

The programme consists of two parts:

Foundation Pathway
Provides core knowledge relevant to people working within the dental environment.

Students who have successfully completed the Foundation Pathway within the previous two years will receive recognition of prior learning and will not need to repeat it.

Dental Practice Administration Pathway
Builds on the Foundation Pathway with learning specifically focused on the administrative functions of a dental practice.

The programme combines online learning and assessment with supervised practical experience in the workplace. Competency is evaluated through assessment of practical tasks, knowledge checks embedded throughout the online learning, and a final online assessment.

Enrolment

Enrolments for the NZDA Certificate in Dental Practice Administration are open from November to January, with the course commencing in February.

To enrol, students must:

• be employed by an NZDA Member for a minimum of 20 hours per week at the time of enrolment and throughout the course
• have a supervising dentist who is an NZDA member and is willing and able to support their progress and take responsibility for the required workplace assessments
• have access to a reliable computer or mobile device and internet connection.

The supervising dentist retains overall responsibility for supporting the student’s progression through the course and ensuring completion of the required workplace assessments.

Course completion requirements

To successfully complete the course, students must:

• complete all online learning and assessments within the prescribed timeframes; and
• by the end of the course, provide evidence of current life support training equivalent to New Zealand Resuscitation Council CORE Immediate – Adult and Child, completed no more than two years before the course end date.