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 for assessment of this unit is preferred

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:

Anatomical structure of teeth

Client management techniques

Critical issues and techniques for taking tooth shades

Current infection control guidelines

Effects of aging, tooth wear and staining on shade

Factors which influence selection of tooth shades such as skin tone, age, hair colour, natural teeth, light

Legal and ethical issues relating to informed consent, duty of care, confidentiality

Physics of light refraction including properties of materials used in aesthetic restoration

Principles and practices which underpin interpersonal communication and negotiation

Principles of quality assurance and work effectiveness

Relevant WHS regulations

Social, cultural and psychological factors affecting client perception and acceptance of tooth shade

The rationale and objectives for taking shades

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Consistently prepare clients, environments, instruments and materials for taking tooth shades

Consistently take a range of tooth shades

Consistently comply with work health and safety (WHS) procedures

Consistently implement standard precautions

Consistently follow procedures to ensure client safety

Consistently comply with current infection control guidelines, Australian Standards and legislative requirements as they relate to the dental technician's specific job role

Consistently comply with work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures as they relate to the dental technician's specific job role

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:

Consistently apply standard precautions while taking tooth shades

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:

planning and organising personal work activities

using available resources

Consistently maintain equipment, instruments and materials

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Materials may include:

Artificial teeth

Ceramic and composite system shade guides

Individual operator characterisations guides

Manufacturer shade guides

Standard precautions must include:

Appropriate reprocessing and storage of reusable instruments

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

Surface cleaning

Techniques to limit contamination

Use of personal protective equipment

Tooth shades may be required for the construction of:

Additions to existing denture

Complete dentures

Fixed crown and bridge

Implant retained overdentures

Partial dentures