The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistent compliance with infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards and legislative requirements as they relate to the dental prosthetist's specific job role

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Where, for reasons of safety, access to equipment and resources and space, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Method of assessment

Evidence of essential knowledge and understanding may be provided by:

traditional or online (computer-based) assessment

questions during workplace assessment

written assignments/projects

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.

Staff and/or client feedback

Supporting statement of supervisor

Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning

Role play/simulation

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

Applied oral anatomy

dentition - arrangement of the teeth, naming and coding of teeth

structures of the oral cavity - hard and soft palate, lateral and posterior borders of the oral cavity, tongue and floor of the mouth

teeth - form and function

Changes that occur in elderly people

fundamental knowledge of systemic disease including angina, congestive heart failure, stroke, parkinson's disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, nutritional deficiencies

fundamental knowledge of the relationship between nutrition and the efficiency of the dentition

psychological changes

xerostomia produced by certain medications and its adverse effects on denture retention and comfort

Dental practice/organisation policy and procedures

Dental and medical records and charts including:

confidentiality of client records

FDI notation and Palmer notation systems and charting symbols for tooth surfaces, cavities and other dental problems

items that constitute a dental record

knowledge of correct dental terminology and how it is used in dental charting

the purpose and requirements for maintaining accurate records of examination, treatments, materials used and drugs/medicaments prescribed

the purpose of study casts and the materials used in their construction

the reasons for taking radiographs and photographs

Factors influencing the outcome of prosthetic treatment

Why medical and dental emergencies occur and the appropriate response

Dental materials

Oral pathology including:

pathology of dental caries and periodontal disease.

signs and symptoms of infectious diseases that affect the oral cavity including oral fungal and bacterial infections

the causes of dental caries and periodontal disease.

the role of bacteria, diet and dental plaque.

Retracting soft tissues and moisture control

methods for controlling moisture

methods for providing a clear field of vision

methods of retracting and protecting soft tissue

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Consistently prepare clients, environments, instruments and materials for prosthetic procedures

Consistently maintain and store instruments, equipment, materials and medicaments in accordance with manufacturer specifications

Consistently comply with WHS procedures

Consistently implement standard precautions

Consistently follow procedures to ensure client safety during prosthetic procedures

Consistently maintain records of maintenance procedures and processes

In addition, the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

Care for the older client and modify a course of treatment so that it meets the particular needs of the elderly

Communicate appropriately with the older client so that their particular problems can be assessed as accurately as possible allowing a realistic treatment plan to be developed

Consistently apply standard and additional precautions during all prosthetic procedures

Consistently follow sequenced written instructions and manufacturer specifications for the preparation of materials and medicaments

Consistently demonstrate interpersonal skills when relating to people from a range of social, cultural and religious backgrounds and physical and mental abilities

Consistently demonstrate communication skills as required in fulfilling the job role as specified by the dental practice/organisation including:

acknowledging and responding to a range of views

active listening

asking for clarification from client and/or carer

asking questions

negotiation

Consistently deal with conflict

Consistently work with others and display empathy with client and relatives

Consistently use problem solving skills required including:

selecting and preparing instruments, equipment and materials as required for specific removable dental prosthetic procedures

using available resources

Explain both the treatment plan and the limitations of treatment using language that can be easily understood by the client

Recognise, respond to and assist with dental and medical emergencies

Select and apply procedures to perform a range of tasks specific to the dental prosthetist's job role

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues, including efficient use of power and other resources

Use literacy skills to read and follow directions, policies and procedures including:

infection control policies and procedures

WHS policies and procedures

practice policies and procedures

Use safe work practices to minimise the risk of transmission of infection including:

consistently follow the procedure for washing and drying hands

consistently limit contamination

consistently maintain clean surfaces and manage blood and body fluid spills

consistently protect materials, equipment and instruments from contamination until required for use

consistently put into practice clean and sterile techniques

consistently use personal protective equipment

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Charts, records and required laboratory work may include:

Completed medical questionnaires

Consent documents obtained for treatment

Copies of correspondence relating to the client

Dental charts and dental treatment records

Diagnostic models

Notes made by staff following telephone conversations

Photographs

Radiographs, tracings and measurements

Records of financial transactions

Reports to and from referring dentists and specialists

Personal protective equipmentmay include:

Examination gloves that comply with AS/NZS 4011 and surgical gloves that comply with AS/NZS 4179

Footwear to protect from dropped sharps and other contaminated items

Glasses, goggles or face-shields

Gowns and waterproof aprons that comply with AS 3789.2 and AS 3789.3

Guidelines for latex allergic clients and staff

Surgical face masks that comply with AS 4381

Standard precautions must include:

Appropriate reprocessing and storage of reusable instruments

Aseptic technique

Personal hygiene practices especially washing and drying hands before and after client contact

Safe disposal of sharps and other clinical waste

Safe handling of sharps

Surface cleaning and management of blood and body fluid spills

Techniques to limit contamination

Use of personal protective equipment

Equipment, instruments and materials may include but are not limited to:

Equipment

handpieces

Instruments

diagnostic

prosthetic

Rotary cutting instruments

tungsten carbide burs

diamond burs

finishing burs

stones and discs

Materials

impression

tissue conditioning

relining

Prosthetic procedures may include:

Full dentures construction

Mouthguard construction

Partial denture construction

Maintenance and storage of instruments and equipment may include but is not limited to:

Arranging for the servicing of instruments and equipment at intervals recommended by the manufacturer

Checking that instrument sharpness conforms to operator specifications

Maintaining equipment in good working order

Maintaining legible and accurate maintenance records are

Storing equipment and instruments correctly

Shelf lifeof materials and medicaments.

Date of expiry as stated by manufacturer

Exposure to a change in temperature

Rotation of stock