Frequently Asked Questions
1. When can I enrol for a course?
Enrolments for the NZDA Certificate in Dental Assisting and NZDA Certificate in Dental Practice Administration are open from November to January for course commencement in February.
2. When does the course start?
Course information and access details will be sent to students before the course commences.
3. How long does the course run for?
The NZDA Certificate in Dental Assisting runs for approximately nine months, from February to early November.
The NZDA Certificate in Dental Practice Administration runs for approximately five months from February to June.
4. Do I have to be working in a dental practice to enrol and complete the course?
Yes. You must be working for an NZDA member for a minimum of 20 hours per week at the time of enrolment and for the duration of the course.
5. Can I work for any dentist?
No. You must be working for an NZDA member. Please check this before submitting your enrolment form.
6. Do I need access to a computer and the internet?
Yes. The courses are delivered online, so you will need reliable access to a computer or suitable mobile device and the internet to complete course learning activities and assessments.
7. Do I need to complete the required resuscitation training before enrolling or starting the course?
No. Your resuscitation training can be completed at any stage during the course.
By the end of the course, you must provide evidence of life support training equivalent to New Zealand Resuscitation Council CORE Immediate – Adult and Child, completed within the preceding two years.
8. What will I gain from completing the course?
The NZDA Certificate in Dental Assisting and NZDA Certificate in Dental Practice Administration provide formal NZDA recognition that you have developed the practical knowledge, workplace capability and role-specific skills needed to perform your role to a high standard within a New Zealand dental practice.
Note: The NZDA Certificate in Dental Assisting has not been NZQA accredited since 2022.
