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1. Frequently Asked Questions

   

   1. When can I enrol for the course?

   Enrolments will be open from October to December, for course commencement the following February.

    

   2. When does the course start?

   Course material will be sent out to students for the course starting 1st February.

    

   3. How long does the course go for?

   The course runs for nine full months with completion in early November.

    

   4. Do I have to be working in order to enrol/complete this course?

   Yes, you must for a NZDA member a minimum of 20 hours per week at the time of enrolment and for the duration of the course.

    

   5. Can I complete the course if I am on a work visa?

   No, you must be a permanent resident of New Zealand in order to enrol/complete this course.

    

   6. Do I have to be working as a dental assistant within the practice?

   Yes, you must be working as a dental assistant for a minimum of 20 hours per week.

    

   7. Can I work for any dentist?

   No, you must be working for an NZDA member. Please check this before sending in your enrolment forms.

    

   8. Do I need to have access to a computer/internet?

   Yes, as all of your assessments will need to be completed online, an easily accessible and reliable computer/internet is a must.

    

   9. Will I need to attend any classes?

   There are two lectures held throughout the year for students, these however are optional and will not disadvantage a student in any way if unable to be attended. All of the assessments for this course are accessed and completed online.

    

   10. Do I need to complete the necessary resuscitation certificate before enrolment/starting the course?

   No, your CORE Immediate Resuscitation Certificate needs to be completed before the end of the course. This can be done at any stage throughout the course year, with an opportunity provided by NZDA for students to complete this during the second lecture of the year.

    

   11. What will I gain from completing the NZDA Certificate in Dental Assisting?

   The NZDA Certificate in Dental Assisting is formally recognised by NZDA and its members as 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.

2. Introduction to Dental Assisting

   

   The NZDA Introduction to Dental Assisting is a one-month module offered to dental assistants as a basic overview to dental assisting. It provides the introductory skills and knowledge necessary to work safely and effectively in a dental practice with patients, staff, visitors and suppliers.

   The one-month module is recommended for dental assistants that have either commenced work in a dental practice without any prior training or for those re-entering the workplace after having spent time away from dental assisting.

   The Introduction to Dental Assisting can be completed at the beginning of any month, between the months of April and October. This course is available to staff working for NZDA members and can be used and an introductory platform for those interested in completing the yearlong NZDA Certificate in Dental Assisting course.

   Note: This course is not a prerequisite for the certificate course nor is it recognised as prior learning for the certificate course.

   The Introduction to Dental Assisting covers the following topics:

   1. Work ethically
   2. Communicate effectively
   3. Follow standard precautions
   4. Limit contamination
   5. Handle sharps safely
   6. Identify hazards and control risk
   7. Identify teeth and assist with charting

   Students enrolled in this course will receive one learner guide booklet with written self-assessment tasks to be completed. Students will also be provided a username and password for completion of the related online assessment, accessing learning tutorials and online charting scenarios. 

   Students will have one month to read their learner guide and complete their online assessment. Upon conclusion of the module, completed course material needs to be sent into NZDA within the stipulated time frame for review. Students will be issued with a certificate of completion once materials have been received by NZDA.

3. Conference

   

4. Well Aware

   Our mission is to improve wellbeing at all levels of the dental profession. Raising awareness, providing practical tools and offering ongoing support to our members.

   Personal Resources
   Tools to help your physical, mental, financial, and social wellbeing.

   Practice Resources
   Tools for an inclusive, connected, and proactive practising environment.

   Profession Resources
   Tools that focus on leadership, support and growth of wellbeing in the dental sector.

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5. Members

   2025 Employers' Guide now available

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6. My Dashboard

7. Course provider terms and conditions

   

   As of October 2021, the Dental Council recertification programme requires oral health professionals to develop a Professional Development Plan (PDP) and attend activities that contribute toward this (PDAs).

   By registering to become a course provider with the New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA), you should be familiar with this document and the requirements outlined within the Dental Council Recertification Handbook.

   By applying to become a course provider you confirm that you have read, understood and will adhere to the following terms and conditions;

   Course criteria will be met and detailed within all applications submitted for NZDA approval noting:

   • The content of the course must reflect accepted practice based on critical appraisal of scientific literature. Presentations of theories and techniques that are not supported by scientific evidence nor generally accepted by the dental professions may not be recognised.
     • The course provider should have sufficient educational expertise to develop and run the course. The status and impartiality of the providing organisation will be a consideration. Promotion of a particular product line by a commercial organisation may not be recognised.
     • The course must demonstrate continuing quality improvement processes. The use of post-activity evaluation to assess the effectiveness of the activity is encouraged.
   • Applications for approval will be submitted to NZDA well in advance of the course commencement. Applications may take up to 10 working days to be processed by NZDA.
   • If approved, the attendance register provided to you by NZDA will be returned to NZDA in a timely manner with all participants names and signatures.
   • The six digit attendance code provided to you by NZDA will be given out to participants after completion of your course and will only be given to those that have attended and signed the attendance register.
   • Any advertising or promotional materials produced in relation to an approved course will contain the NZDA disclaimer statement;* This activity has been registered with NZDA for online recording of Professional Development Activities (PDAs). NZDA does not imply promotion or endorsement of the contents of any course or activity. Attendees need to use professional judgment to assess the validity and usefulness of techniques, materials or therapeutic products to their own practice.
   • Changes to course provider details will be advised to NZDA as they occur. Mainly referring to the change of any person responsible for submitting course applications for approval.

   Should it become apparent to NZDA that the above terms and conditions are not being adhered to your course provider status will be reviewed, which may result in termination of your course provider access.

8. NZ Dental Research Foundation

   

   The Trustees of the Research Foundation Board are very grateful for the continuing support from NZDA members for dental research in New Zealand.

   “Established in May 1964, the New Zealand Dental Research Foundation awards grants for research projects related to dentistry. Its overall purpose is to “promote, foster and extend the study and practice of the art and science of dentistry in New Zealand”.

   Donations from NZDA members provide a major contribution toward enabling dental research projects to be undertaken. Your generosity is much appreciated.

   Dr Robert Max, ChairmanNZ Dental Association Research Foundation Trustees

9. Dental education trust

   

   The Continuing Dental Education Trust (Auckland) was formerly known as the Dental Advisory Committee of the Postgraduate Medical Committee in the University of Auckland - the 'DAC'.

   This award is intended to support New Zealand based dental research which has clinically applicable outcomes. The award may be used to fund all or part (grant-in-aid) of a research project.

10. PDA import - legacy