Health
Dental surgery assistant
Six months to assist the dentist at the chair, welcome patients and make the practice a safe, well-run place.
State diploma · CQIPre-registration open
Free pre-registration, with no commitment. Fees can be paid in instalments.
- Duration
- 6 months
- Two intakes a year
- Entry level
- BEPC or CAP
- Required on entry
- Qualification
- CQI
- Awarded by the State
- Next intake
- 12 October 2026
- Pre-registration open, classes begin in 2 days
The job, day to day
The dental surgery assistant works directly alongside the dentist. At the chair, the assistant prepares the tray, passes instruments, operates suction and lighting, and reassures the patient. Away from the chair, the assistant sterilises equipment, keeps the appointment book, welcomes patients and manages records and supplies.
The course teaches both sides of the job. You learn the anatomy of the mouth and teeth, the main dental treatments and the instruments that go with them. You learn sterilisation and hygiene, which are central to patient safety, then reception, appointment booking and running the practice.
After six months you are able to assist a dentist and to take charge of the organisation of a dental practice or a hospital dental department.
What you will be able to do
Assist the dentist at the chair
Prepare the tray, pass instruments, operate suction and lighting.
Sterilise equipment
Clean, package and sterilise according to protocol.
Welcome and reassure patients
Ease anxiety and explain the treatment simply.
Manage appointments and records
Schedules, patient files and treatment follow-up.
Keep the practice supplied
Stocktaking, orders and storage of consumables.
Where this course can lead
Private dental practices
Chairside assistance, sterilisation and patient reception.
Hospital dental departments
Within the dental teams of hospitals and health centres.
Dental clinics
Organising appointments, records and supplies.
A State-recognised qualification
The CQI is a State qualification, awarded under the authority of the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training. It officially certifies your professional skills.
- Qualification
- CQI
- Authority
- MINEFOP
- Completed in
- 6 months
Two intakes a year
- Next intake
12 October 2026
Confirmed date
Pre-registration open, classes begin in 2 days
No closing date. You can still join up to fourteen days after classes begin.
- Following intake
January 2027
Exact day to be confirmed by the centre
Provisional date, pre-registration open
Pre-registering already reserves your place.
Free pre-registration Reserve your place for 12 October 2026
Pre-registration is free and carries no commitment. The registrar will call you back to confirm your place.
- Free
- No commitment
- Nothing to pay online
What happens next
- You start here, then complete your file in a few minutes.
- The registrar calls you back to confirm your place.
- You pay the fees at the registrar's office in Fouda, in instalments if you wish.