How to become a certified dental assistant in South Africa

To become a certified dental assistant in South Africa, one must first complete a recognized dental assisting program. These programs are typically offered by technical colleges or vocational schools and can take anywhere from six months to two years to complete. During the program, students will learn about dental anatomy, oral health, dental procedures, and infection control.

After completing the program, graduates must pass the National Certificate in Dental Assisting exam, which is administered by the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA). This exam tests the student's knowledge and skills in dental assisting and includes both written and practical components.

Once the student has passed the exam, they can apply for registration with the South African Dental Technicians Council (SADTC). The SADTC is the regulatory body for dental assistants in South Africa and ensures that all registered dental assistants meet the required standards of practice.

To maintain their certification, dental assistants must complete continuing education courses and renew their registration with the SADTC every two years. This ensures that they stay up-to-date with the latest developments in dental assisting and continue to provide high-quality care to their patients.