Welcome to the website of the national Dental Assistants Professional Association (DAPA). The Dental Assistants Professional Association is a membership body actively representing dental assistants, receptionists and practice managers across Australia.
Train while you work — start your Certificate III in Dental Assisting in 2026
DAPA is now accepting Expressions of Interest for upcoming intakes of the HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting, delivered as a workplace traineeship. This flexible model allows dental assistants to gain a nationally recognised qualification while remaining fully employed.
The Dental Assistants Professional Association is pleased to announce the outcomes of the 2025 Annual General Meeting. Members endorsed the appointment of Barbara (Barb) Hayes as DAPA’s National President and Chair of the Board. Barb brings decades of experience in dental assisting, education, and infection prevention and control, and has been a long-standing advocate for the profession. Her leadership will continue to guide DAPA’s work in strengthening standards, expanding professional development, and amplifying the voice of dental assistants across Australia.
In today's dental industry, maintaining impeccable infection control isn't just a regulatory requirement—it's the foundation of patient trust and practice excellence. At DAPA, we understand that while practitioners set the standards, the dedicated staff implements these critical procedures daily. That's why comprehensive, hands-on training for your entire Team is essential.
Introduction
Over the past twelve months, the Dental Assistants Professional Association (DAPA) has continued to build on the strong foundation established in 2024. This year was marked by delivery, growth, and momentum across training, advocacy, and member engagement. We strengthened our education programs, expanded our partnerships, and advanced DAPA’s advocacy role to ensure that Dental Assistants are recognised as vital professionals in Australia’s oral health sector.
Keep updated with industrial changes and access to our office for advice about your wage and employment conditions through membership.
Watch this space for upcoming network meetings and professional development opportunities!
Your professional body also provides advice, education and support for you and your career.
Join today!
The Dental Assisting Professionals Association (DAPA) hosted a truly fantastic and insightful webinar and panel discussion last night, celebrating the diverse and elevated career pathways available to dental assistants. The event, which exceeded its registration limit, was a powerful tribute to the profession.
Celebrating the Success of Our Melbourne and Sydney Conferences
I am delighted to share the outstanding success of our recent Melbourne and Sydney Dental Assistant Conferences, which together brought nearly 200 DAs for two days of learning, networking, and professional growth.
Two Days of Learning and Inspiration
One of the great rewards of being an Association is the opportunity to actively advocate for our members and the sector.
At the upcoming Fair Work Commission (FWC) Award Review on Gender Undervaluation, we are honoured to represent Dental Assistants across Australia.
This crucial review seeks to address the systemic undervaluation of roles predominantly held by women, and with nearly 38,000 Dental Assistants in Australia—98% of whom work on a part-time or casual basis - your voices must be amplified and heard.
The Dental Assistants Professional Association is an approved NSW Smart and Skilled* provider, and more information on this can be found at the smart and skilled website https://education.nsw.gov.au/skills-nsw
*'This training is subsidised by the NSW Government.'
