Google Links

Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Prepare for and participate in basic routine oral health screening services
  2. Follow screening tool questioning, observation and recording requirements
  3. Review screening process and outcomes

Required Skills

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

These include knowledge of

Own role in oral health screening

Relevant referral pathway options

Relevant screening tools and procedures and associated rationale for use

Relevant workplace policies procedures and programs for screening

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Communicate effectively to provide information and ensure understanding of information provided in a range of formats

Consult effectively with other health and community services personnel

Reflect on and improve own level and application of skills and knowledge to achieve desirable outcomes and maintain own capabilities

Use appropriate referral practices and pathways

Use approved simple oral health screening tools appropriately and effectively in line with established oral health sector guidelines

Use communication skills to effectively establish a relationship of trust with clients andor family or significant others

Use relevant technology including information technology safely and effectively

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

These include the ability to

Apply basic problem solving skills to resolve problems within organisation protocols

Apply literacy and numeracy skills required to fulfill work role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation

Consistently demonstrate interpersonal skills including empathy when relating to people from a range of backgrounds and abilities

Incorporate oral health screening processes with other organisation screening

Work effectively with clients colleagues and supervisors

Evidence Required

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 unit of competency

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

This unit is best assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace under the normal range of conditions

Consistency in performance should consider the particular workplace context

Access and equity considerations

All workers in health and community services environments should be aware of access equity and human rights 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 issues facing Aboriginal andor Torres Strait Islander communities workers should be aware of cultural historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit can be delivered and assessed independently however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Resources required for assessment include

access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place

simulation of realistic workplace setting

Method of assessment

In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspects in the work environment the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations projects previous relevant experience or oral questioning on What if scenarios

Assessment of this unit of competency will include observation of processes and procedures oral andor written questioning on essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over a range of relevant workplace conditions

Related units

This unit may be assessed independently or in conjunction with other units with associated workplace application


Range Statement

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.

Basic routine oral health screening services may include:

Routine screening by age, sex, ethnicity and regional disease prevalence

Screening practices in line with relevant, organisation, local, state, territory and national guidelines

Screening refers to:

Following a process to collect specific information and determine a prescribed course of action

Tools to work with certain individuals may include but not be limited to:

Abbey pain scale - an augmentative pain screening tool for people with cognitive impairment, such as that caused by dementia

Augmentative or alternative communication systems, such as symbols or picture cards

Bite blocks

Tongue depressors

Torch

Substitute decision maker (in relation to consent) must be:

The person appointed with the right to speak for the client and may include:

advocate

carers

guardians

health attorneys

medical power of attorney

members of family

other practitioners

parent of child

person responsible

public trustee

Legislative requirements refers to:

Federal, state or territory legislation that may impact on workers' practices and responsibilities, noting that implementation of the unit of competency must reflect the legislative framework in which a worker operates

Screening tools that are currently accepted by the oral health sector include:

Basic instruments that are appropriate for use in simple oral health screening, such as:

computer-assisted triaging tools, such as 'Relative Needs Index' and 'Information System for Oral Health'

'Lift the Lip'

Specific individual issues may include but not be limited to:

Ability to self-report

Age

Cultural and socioeconomic background

Current knowledge and practices

Developmental stage

Document and record may include the use of:

Photographs

Verbal reports

Written reports

Organisation guidelines may include but are not limited to:

Clinical protocols

Position descriptions

Workplace policies and procedures, including:

infection control

occupational health and safety (OHS)

Other health personnel may include but are not limited to:

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health workers

Allied health professionals, such as:

dietitians

health promotion officers

nutritionists

occupational therapists

physiotherapists

speech therapists

General practitioners

Members of the community who provide health care

Nurses

Oral health practitioners

Specialists

Feedback may be provided:

As a recording using sound or visual media

In writing

Using symbols or drawings

Verbally