〉 START YOUR CAREER
Introduction to Dental Practice Management Course
Build a clear understanding of the practice manager role, the expectations and responsibilities, and the core skills and systems that keep a dental practice running smoothly — so you can manage with structure and confidence.
Starting as a Dental Practice Manager
Stepping into dental practice management can feel overwhelming, especially when you are expected to manage people, systems, patients, problems and business outcomes — often with very little formal training.
This introductory course has been designed for new, aspiring and developing dental practice managers who want to better understand the role, build practical skills and feel more confident in the day-to-day demands of practice management.
Is this course for you?
This course is ideal if you are:
- New to dental practice management
- Moving from reception or dental assisting into a management role
- Already managing parts of the practice but unsure where to start
- Wanting to understand what a practice manager is really responsible for
- Looking for practical, dental-specific training without committing to a higher-level qualification yet
Course outcomes
Across 7 practical lessons, you will be introduced to the key areas of dental practice management, including:
- The role and expectations of a dental practice manager
- Staff management and team communication
- Financial awareness and basic practice KPIs
- Marketing and patient growth
- Patient care management
- Office systems and daily operations
- How to get organised and manage your role with more confidence
This self-guided course is brought to you exclusively by ADAAMA. Upon successful completion of the final assessment, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
〉〉 ACADEMIC PATHWAY
Workplace Experience
Minimum of 6 months experience in a dental practice, preferably some experience performing reception, administrative and managerial tasks.
Course Delivery
A self-guided short course, each lesson is delivered via a PDF Workbook containing reading content and worksheet and reflection exercises.
Duration
Complete the course within 2-5 months
Study Load
7 lessons of approximately 5 learning hours each, 2-3 weeks per unit.
Support
- Free online support for all students via email
- Join the free group sessions*
- 1-1 tutorage session upon request (additional fee)
Invest in Your Dental Practice Management Career
Investing in your dental practice management career means building the skills and confidence to lead your team, manage systems effectively and contribute to the growth of the practice. With the right foundation, you can move from simply managing daily tasks to understanding how your role influences patient experience, team performance and overall results. This course is a practical starting point to help you step into the role with clarity, develop your capability and create a more organised, productive practice environment.
Lesson 1
The Role of the Dental Practice Manager
Introduces the purpose and scope of the role including key responsibilities, expectations, boundaries, and the mindset required to succeed. You will also reflect on your own motivations, strengths, and readiness to step into a management role.
Lesson 2
Patient Care Management
We focus on the patient experience. You’ll learn how managers influence patient flow, communication, and consistency, and why patient care sits at the centre of a successful practice.
Lesson 3
Staff Management
An introduction to communication, accountability, team expectations, performance conversations and supporting a productive workplace culture. You’ll explore how to support, guide, and manage staff effectively, set clear expectations, and handle common people challenges with confidence.
Lesson 4
Office Management
Covers the operational backbone of the practice. This lesson looks at systems, policies, compliance, and processes that keep the practice running smoothly and safely.
Lesson 5
Organisation Skills
Develop practical skills to manage your time, workload, and priorities. This lesson is about creating structure, reducing overwhelm, and staying in control of your role.
Lesson 6
Financial Management
Understand the basic numbers every manager should know, including production, collections, expenses, budgets and key performance indicators. introduces the numbers behind the practice.
Lesson 7
Marketing Management
Learn how the practice manager can support patient growth, internal marketing, patient retention and consistent communication. You’ll explore how managers support marketing activities, attract the right patients, and help the practice grow in a sustainable way.
Final Assessment
Quiz
Gain a certificate of successful completion from ADAAMA by completing the quiz covering key aspects of the course (delivered online or via PDF).
Course Fees
Introduction to DPM Course
$599 AUD + GST
Payment via invoice
Course fee as at May 2026
Employers, Invest in Your Dental Practice Manager!
If you have a team member stepping into a senior reception, administration or practice management role, this course can help them understand the expectations of the position and build confidence before taking on greater responsibility. Supporting early training can reduce overwhelm, improve communication and create a clearer pathway for future leadership.
