Commissioners Information Bulletin 326
Issued: 14 December 2007

Health Services - Amended Vocational Training Order for the recognised traineeship vocation of Health Services - Dental Assisting

At the request of the NSW Community Services and Health Industry Training Advisory Body (ITAB), the Commissioner for Vocational Training has approved the amendment to the existing Vocational Training Order (VTO) for the recognised traineeship vocation of Health Services by amending the name of the recognised traineeship vocation from Health Services to Health Services - Dental Assisting and by updating the qualifications, under section 6 of the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act, 2001.

The revised VTO includes its change of title and specifies two replacement qualifications. These replacement qualifications are HLT31807 Certificate III in Dental Assisting and HLT43007 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting. Both qualifications are from the Health Training Package HLT07.  

Vocational Training Order (VTO) Standard Format

The VTO in each instance specifies:

1. the appropriate term or terms for apprenticeship or traineeships in that vocation
2. the appropriate probationary period or periods for apprenticeships or traineeships in that vocation, having regard to the term or terms specified for them under paragraph (a)
3. the appropriate qualification or qualifications that may be awarded in relation to an apprenticeship or traineeship in that vocation
4. any other training to be provided in addition to the training required for an appropriate qualification
5. such other matters relating to the training of apprentices or trainees in that vocation as the Commissioner considers appropriate.

A copy of the VTO supporting the recognised traineeship vocation of Health Services - Dental Assisting is at Attachment A.

For the purpose of the VTO in NSW, trainees will now be able to gain HLT31807 Certificate III in Dental Assisting and HLT43007 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting.

The packaging and structure requirements for this qualification are outlined at Attachment B.

Industrial arrangements

Public Hospitals Dental Assistants (State) Award
Public Hospital Dental Staff (State) Award
Public Hospital Dental Therapists (State) Award

Gaps exist in the private sector Dental Assisting award.  It is currently being negotiated before the Industrial Commission.

Note - Applications under the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 to establish any traineeship or apprenticeship will not be approved unless the Commissioner is satisfied that appropriate industrial arrangements are in place.

Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETS)

The ITAB has advised that NSW Dental Assistants’ Professional Association has advised that HLT31807 Certificate III in Dental Assisting is not appropriate for Years 11 & 12 students without development of industry endorsed resources and delivery strategies that undergo a pilot process. The ITAB is currently facilitating this process with all key stakeholders.

The ITAB has advised that HLT43007 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting is not appropriate for a school based traineeship.

Learning resources and assessment materials

RTOs are advised to visit NavigatingNSW for essential information about delivering training in NSW for this area of the Health industry.  Access to the ITAB website is via www.csh-itab.com.au

The ITAB will assist RTOs in identifying training support needs.  The ITAB will prioritise needs according to training market demands to seek suitable funding for development of support materials.

Licensing

There are currently no licensing requirements within the community services and health industry in New South Wales. However the following is a requirement for training and working in the public health industry sector. Many private employers also implement these policy directives in NSW.

Immunisation: Health workers and learners undertaking work placement in NSW Health facilities must comply with the assessment, screening and vaccination requirements of Policy Directive PD 2007_006. Evidence of immunity (record of vaccination signed by a vaccination provider, or serological confirmation of immunity) is a NSW Health requirement for students to be accepted for clinical placement in all areas

Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Person:  Health workers and learners undertaking work placement in NSW Health facilities must comply with Employment Screening Using Criminal Record Checks Policy Directive PD2005_552

Availability of Registered Training Organisations

The National Training Information website http://www.ntis.gov.au identifies RTOs in NSW registered to deliver qualifications from the HLT07 the Health Industry Training Package. NSW Dental Assistants’ Professional Association and NSW Health are RTOs which may deliver these qualifications.

For any enquiries regarding this CIB, please contact the Vocational Training Tribunal Unit on (02) 9266 8579.

PHILLIP MOORE
Commissioner for Vocational Training