The Dental Assistants' Professional Association

📢 The Melbourne DAPA Conference 2026 Program is now live!

Get ready for a day of practical learning, industry insights and meaningful connections with dental professionals from across Victoria and beyond.

This year's Melbourne program covers some of the most important topics shaping our profession, including Fair Work updates, scope of practice, infection control, radiology, workplace wellbeing and career development.

Whether you're a dental assistant, practice manager, dentist, hygienist, therapist, technician or reception team member, you'll leave with practical knowledge, fresh ideas and renewed confidence to take back to your workplace.

📍 Cliftons Melbourne
📅 Saturday 29 August 2026

View the full program and secure your place today: https://nectarcc.eventsair.com/dapa-conference-series-2026/

Been working as a Dental Assistant for years without a formal qualification? 🦷

Your on-the-job experience counts for more than you might think. Through DAPA, eligible existing workers may be able to access EQF funding to complete their HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting - without the full course cost and without stepping away from your job.

✔️ Eligible students may access subsidised or fee-free training ✔️ Keep working while you study ✔️ Flexible, workplace-based learning ✔️ Walk away with a nationally recognised qualification ✔️ Open the door to further study, like Certificate IV

It's a simple way to turn the skills you already use every day into a qualification that's officially yours.

🚨 June intake is closing soon - don't miss out.

👉 Apply now: https://dapa.readystudent.io/apply_to_course/eoi_0626_cert_iii
👉 Learn more about EQF funding: https://secure.dapa.asn.au/home/node/338

HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting | HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting | RTO 90424 | This funding is specifically for existing employees, not new trainees. Funding details are on the application.

Give your DAs the qualification they deserve, without disrupting your clinic. DAPA's HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting is delivered as a workplace traineeship - staff train while they work, with no time away from the surgery.

✔ Nationally recognised qualification
✔ Delivered by DAPA - Australia's peak body for dental assistants
✔ Strong completion rates & proven outcomes for practices
✔ EQF funding may help subsidise the cost for existing employees

🚨 Places are limited and filling fast - June intake closes shortly.

👉 Apply now: https://dapa.readystudent.io/apply_to_course/eoi_0626e_cert_iii

Learn more about EQF funding: https://secure.dapa.asn.au/home/node/338

👉 Want the EQF funding pack? Email [email protected]

HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting | HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting | RTO 90424 | Funding eligibility criteria apply - details available on application.

Did you miss our Burnout, Boundaries & Balance webinar last night?

If you couldn't make it live, or would like to revisit the discussion, the recording is now available to watch on demand.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us for this important conversation on stress, burnout and wellbeing in the dental profession. The engagement, questions and shared experiences highlighted just how valuable these conversations are for our profession.

🎥 Watch the webinar replay here: https://go.savemymarketing.com/TfL178

Looking after yourself is just as important as looking after your patients.

Running on empty lately? This is your sign to slow down and prioritise you. ❤️

If you’ve been feeling burnt out, overwhelmed or emotionally exhausted at work, you are not alone and this webinar was created for Dental Assistants just like you.

With only a few spots remaining, join us for:

Burnout, Boundaries & Balance
A Wellbeing Webinar for Dental Assistants
📅 Tomorrow | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
🎤 Melanie Aley

A practical and supportive session filled with real strategies to help manage stress, prevent burnout and create healthier boundaries at work and beyond.

Last chance to register now! >> https://go.savemymarketing.com/TfL178

1 week to go ⏰

A few spots remain for DAPA’s upcoming wellbeing webinar, Burnout, Boundaries & Balance.

If work has been feeling overwhelming, this session is designed to support Dental Assistants with practical tools to better manage stress, prevent burnout and create healthier boundaries.

📅 10 June 2026
⏰ 6:30pm – 7:30pm
🎤 Melanie Aley

Secure your spot now: https://go.savemymarketing.com/TfL178

You've spent years building real skills in practice. Now it's time to get the qualification to match. 🦷

If you're already working in dental assisting, EQF funding may help you gain your Certificate III with financial support for existing workers.

✔ Strengthen your professional standing
✔ Open pathways to Certificate IV
✔ Build confidence in your future career growth

June enrolments are now open.
👉 Students: Apply here → https://dapa.readystudent.io/apply_to_course/eoi_0626_cert_iii

Want to know more about EQF funding? → https://secure.dapa.asn.au/home/node/338

HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting | HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting | RTO 90424 | Funding eligibility criteria apply - details available on application.

If you’ve been feeling mentally exhausted, overwhelmed or like you’re constantly running on empty at work, you’re not alone.

Recent workforce research conducted by DAPA found that 20% of new Dental Assistants leave the profession within the first 45 days.

That’s why DAPA is hosting:
Burnout, Boundaries & Balance
A Wellbeing Webinar for Dental Assistants

This practical and supportive session will explore how to better manage stress, prevent burnout and build healthier boundaries at work and beyond.

Whether you’re new to the industry or have years of experience, this webinar is designed to support your wellbeing and help you feel more balanced, confident and supported in your role.

📅 10 June 2026
⏰ 6:30pm - 7:30pm
🎤 Melanie Aley - Associate Professor, registered dental hygienist and academic

Register now: https://go.savemymarketing.com/TfL178

⚠️ Applications close TODAY for DAPA’s June intake of the HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting.

This is the final opportunity for Dental Assistants and dental practices to secure enrolments for the upcoming intake.

Specialised streams include:

✔ Radiography

✔ Dental Technical Skills

This advanced qualification supports Dental Assistants to strengthen clinical capability and develop practical, industry-relevant skills in areas including:

• dental radiography

• digital imaging

• bleaching trays

• mouthguard construction

• advanced technical procedures

Eligible NSW students may also qualify for funding or traineeship pathways.

Apply now → https://dapa.readystudent.io/apply_to_course/eoi_0526_cert_iv

Learn more → https://secure.dapa.asn.au/home/node/338

RTO 90424