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

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible

Simulations may be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

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

written assignments/projects

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

Questioning

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

Constructional faults that cause fractures of denture base including:

absence of balanced occlusion

inadequate polymerisation times and temperatures

incorrect dough consistency when packing

incorrect positioning of upper posterior teeth

insufficient thickness of acrylic resin in the anterior palatal region of the denture

rapid cooling after processing

Constructional faults that cause broken teeth

Denture base materials

Infection control guidelines for the decontamination of dentures and appliances that have already been inserted into the mouth

Methods for modifying, repairing and maintaining removable prostheses

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Consistently design and manufacture oral splints using a range of materials, for a range of jaw relations and malocclusions

Consistently use a range of articulators

Consistently trim, polish, finish and evaluate oral splints for suitability for insertion in the mouth

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 occupational health and safety 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 follow sequenced written instructions and manufacturer specifications for the preparation of materials

Select materials, techniques and equipment to reline, rebase, repair and modify removable prostheses

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

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

consistently following the procedure for washing and drying hands

consistently putting into practice clean techniques

consistently using personal protective equipment

consistently limiting contamination

consistently maintaining clean receiving and work areas

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

occupational health and safety policies and procedures

infection control policies and procedures

material safety data sheets

laboratory policies and procedures

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

Standard precautions may include but are not limited to:

A dedicated clean area to receive incoming cases

Appropriate personal protection:

disposable gloves

apron

eye protection

mask where there is a risk of airborne transmission of infection

Cleaning reusable containers with detergent followed by disinfection

Decontamination of dentures and appliances

Disposal of all packaging materials in accordance with the waste regulations of State/Territory health and environmental authorities

Excluding all food and drink from the work area

Washing hands before leaving the work area

Decontamination of dentures and appliances may include but is not limited to:

Cleaning in a mild detergent solution until all traces of blood and body fluids are removed, followed by rinsing

Cleaning in an ultrasonic cleaner

Rinsing denture or appliance in clean running water

Preparation of materials may include:

Selection of materials appropriate to the removable prosthesis that is to be repaired

The correct quantities necessary for the repair

Modifications to a prothesis may include:

Adding new artificial teeth

Adding new metallic components

Modifying existing metallic components

Modifying the denture base

Replacing existing artificial teeth

Evaluation of the finished prosthesis may include but is not limited to

Checking the prosthesis for:

compliance with the prescription

quality and freedom from defects

functional effectiveness of the design

accurate fit to the cast