A Positive Step for the Profession: Dental Assistants Award Pay Rate Increases and Updated Classifications April 2026
The recognition of dental assistants through the Fair Work Commission’s review is a significant milestone for the dental industry. It acknowledges the highly skilled and essential work dental assistants perform every day in supporting clinicians, maintaining safety standards and delivering quality patient care.
As a result, dental assistants will see updated classification structures and phased wage increases, beginning 1 April 2026.
What changes from 1 April 2026
From the first full pay period on or after 1 April 2026, two key changes take effect:
1.New classification structure
Dental assistants will transition into revised Support Services classification levels within the HPSS Award.
New classifications for dental assistants employed on or before 31 March 2026 will depend on their:
- previous classification level
- qualifications, and
- industry experience.
The correct level will depend on qualifications, industry experience and duties performed.
| Previous Support Services Classification | Description / Typical Experience | New Support Services Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Entry level support services employee | Level 3 |
| Level 2 | Unqualified dental assistant with less than 12 months industry experience | Level 3 |
| Level 2 | Unqualified dental assistant with 12 months to under 4 years industry experience | Level 5 |
| Level 2 | Dental assistant who: • Holds a Certificate III or equivalent, or • Is unqualified with 4+ years experience, or • Has experience assessed as equivalent to Certificate III |
Level 6 |
| Level 4 | Higher level support services role | Level 6 |
| Level 5 | Advanced or supervisory support services role | Level 7 |
Managers should review position descriptions and duties to ensure each team member is placed at the correct classification level.
Note: These transitional arrangements apply to dental assistants employed under the Health Professionals and Support Services Award and may not apply where employees are covered by enterprise agreements or paid above award arrangements.
2. First stage wage increase
These figures apply to minimum award rates only. Practices already paying above award may not need to adjust pay if current wages remain compliant.
16.2 Support Services employees
(b) Dental assistants—until 31 December 2026
These are transitional minimum award rates for dental assistants that apply until 31 December 2026, after which further adjustments are scheduled.
Employee classification / Minimum weekly rate $ (full-time employee)/ Minimum hourly rate $
Level 3 (unqualified with less than 12 months industry experience as a dental assistant)
1056.00/ 27.79
Level 5 (unqualified with 12 months’ to up to 4 years’ industry experience as a dental assistant)
1057.60 / 27.83
Level 6
• Certificate III or equivalent qualification; or
• unqualified with 4 years’ or more industry experience as a dental assistant; or
• unqualified with equivalent experience to a Certificate III qualification as assessed by the employer
1111.10 / 29.24
Level 7
• Certificate IV or equivalent qualification; or
• equivalent experience to a Certificate IV qualification as assessed by the employer
1148.90 / 30.23
NOTE: See Schedule C—Summary of Hourly Rates for a summary of hourly rates of pay including overtime and penalty rates.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL FWC GUIDE HERE
What practice managers should do now
Managers should start preparing by:
• Reviewing current dental assistant duties and responsibilities
• Identifying the appropriate award classification level
• Checking current pay rates against the new minimums
• Updating payroll systems ready for April 2026 changes
• Communicating upcoming changes with practice owners and staff
Early preparation will make the transition smoother and ensure ongoing compliance.
READ MORE ABOUT THE DECISION ON OUR POST:
Updated classification and wage levels for dental assistants
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute legal, industrial relations or employment advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate at the time of publication, award interpretations and pay rates may change. Dental practices should refer to the Health Professionals and Support Services Award 2020 (MA000027) and the latest Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides, or seek professional advice from a qualified workplace relations adviser to confirm their specific obligations.