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.
It’s back! DAPA’s Big Day Out for Dental Assistants – the DAPA Conference 2025 – returns with more inspiration, innovation, and connection than ever before.
With the theme “Empowering Tomorrow’s Dental Assistants: Innovation, Advocacy, Sustainability”, this full-day conference will equip you with the skills to advance your career, inspire you to be a confident advocate for your patients and profession, and motivate you to embrace sustainable practices that help build a greener future for dentistry.
Why Attend DAPA 2025?
Award Wages Increase for Health Professionals and Support Services Employees – What This Means for Dental Assistants
From July 2025, updated pay rates will apply to Dental Assistants and other support services employees covered under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award (MA000027).
This is part of the Annual Wage Review 2025 conducted by the Fair Work Commission, which sets minimum award wages for the new financial year.
Most dental assistants in private practices fall under the Support Services section (Part 4: 16) of this award.
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.
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!
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.'
