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.
Nominations will soon open for the Vern-Barnett Awards for Excellence in Dental Assisting. Nominate those special members of your Dental Team!
The Vern-Barnett Awards have been established to commemorate the contributions made by Kathy & Dr Brian Vern-Barnett to the education, advancement and recognition of Dental Assisting as an integral part of the dental health team.
These Awards give Dental Clinics the opportunity to recognise their indispensable team members for the valuable contribution they have made to the dental practice.
Heading to ADX Brisbane this March?
Come visit DAPA at Stand 566 to connect with your DA community, explore career opportunities, and see how we support dental assistants across Australia! As the only organisation dedicated to advocating for and developing DAs, we are here to help you grow and succeed.
DA Afternoon Tea – Saturday, 2:30 PM
DAPA has proudly supported YWAM Medical Ships Australia for some years, and in 2025, the opportunity is again open for dental assistants, dentists, oral health therapists, sterilisation technicians, and general volunteers to make a real difference in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences—offering the chance to provide essential dental care to communities with limited access while immersing yourself in a truly rewarding outreach program.
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.
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.
Keep updated with industrial changes and access to our IR and HR hotline for advice about your wage and employment conditions through Platinum level 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 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.'
