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

Dental and medical records and charts including

confidentiality of client records

FDI notation and Palmer notation systems and charting symbols

items that constitute a dental record

knowledge of correct dental terminology and how it is used in hand written dental charting and computer software charting programs

the purpose and requirements for maintaining accurate records of examination treatments materials used and drugsmedicaments prescribed

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

the reasons for taking radiographs and photograph

Fundamental knowledge of oral anatomy and physiology including

deciduous and permanent dentition and dates of eruption

structure and functions of teeth and the periodontal tissues

structures of the oral cavity including salivary glands and saliva

tooth identification

Fundamental knowledge of oral pathology including

pathology of dental caries and periodontal disease

the main causes of dental caries and periodontal disease

the role of bacteria diet and dental plaque

Fundamental knowledge of the fields of dentistry required to assist the operator to carry out procedures for the full range of general oral health care procedures

Fundamental understanding of the normal growth and development of children the promotion and maintenance of oral health and requirements of special needs children

Fundamental knowledge of the effects of aging upon the oral tissues and the special needs of the elderly dental client

Fundamental knowledge of dental materials

Fundamental knowledge of dental pharmacology and anaesthesia including

local anaesthetic techniques

local anaesthetic equipment and drugs

complications which may arise from the administration of local anaesthesia

Retracting soft tissues and moisture control

methods of retracting and protecting soft tissue

methods for providing a clear field of vision

methods for controlling moisture

Dental practiceorganisation policy and procedures

Knowledge of the importance for clients to follow pre and post operative instructions

Why medical and dental emergencies occur and the appropriate response

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Comply with occupational health and safety procedures

Implement standard and additional precautions while preparing for and assisting at the chairside

Maintain and store instruments equipment materials and medicaments in accordance with manufacturer specifications and operators requirements

Maintain records of maintenance procedures and processes

Prepare clients environments instruments and materials for oral health care procedures in accordance with the requirements of the dental practice and the operator

Provide chairside support to the operator during oral health care procedures

Store materials and medicaments in accordance with manufacturer specifications and operators requirements

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

Assist the operator during oral health care procedures safely and effectively

Consistently apply standard and additional precautions while assisting with all oral health care procedures

Consistently use safe work practices to minimise the risk of transmission of infection including

ensuring instruments used for invasive procedures are sterile at time of use

following the procedure for washing and drying hands

limiting contamination

maintaining clean surfaces and manage blood and body fluid spills

protecting materials equipment and instruments from contamination until required for use

putting into practice clean and sterile techniques

using personal protective equipment

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 practiceorganisation including

acknowledging and responding to a range of views

active listening

asking for clarification from client andor carer

asking questions

negotiation

continued

Essential skills contd

Consistently deal with conflict

Consistently work with others and display empathy with client and relatives

Consistently use problem solving skills required including

using available resources appropriately to ensure efficient use of power and other resources

selecting and preparing instruments equipment and materials as directed by the operator

Recognise respond to and assist with dental and medical emergencies

Select and apply procedures to perform a range of tasks specific to the dental assistants job role

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

occupational health and safety policies and procedures

infection control policies and procedures

practice policies and procedures

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 occupational health and safety policies Australian and New Zealand Standards and legislative requirements as they relate to the dental assistants 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

Observation in the work place is desirable

Evidence of essential knowledge and understanding may be provided by

traditional or online computerbased assessment

written assignmentsprojects

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

Questioning

Staff andor client feedback

Supporting statement of supervisor

Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience andor formalinformal 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 andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Charts andrecords may include but are not limited to:

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

Personal protective equipment may include:

Aseptic techniques may include but are not limited to:

Accurate, legible and legal records may include:

Techniques for local anaesthesiamay include but are not limited to:

Infection control guidelines for the transfer of sharps may include but is not limited to:

Oral health care procedures may include but are not limited to:

Techniques to maintain a clear field of visionmay include:

Monitoring the client's well-being may include:

Storage of equipment, instruments and materials may include:

Shelf life may include but is not limited to: