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

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

dentition Arrangement of the teeth naming and coding of teeth

Plaque and its differing roles in the development of dental caries and periodontal disease

Saliva and its role in the maintenance of oral health

protecting teeth by neutralising acid

acting as a lubricant

delivering calcium phosphate and fluoride to the tooth surface

The interaction of factors that lead to the development of dental caries including

bacteria in dental plaque

diet

susceptible tooth surfaces

The interaction of factors that prevent and control dental caries

increasing salivary flow and optimising its composition

fluorides

plaque control and removal

dietary change

The interaction of factors that lead to the development of periodontal disease including

bacteria in dental plaque

accumulation of plaque and calculus

smoking

The interaction of factors that prevent and control periodontal disease including

client education

plaque control

Causes and prevention of non caries tooth wear

erosion

abrasion

attrition

The role of properly constructed and fitted mouthguards in preventing dental injuries

Fundamental knowledge of the impact of smoking on oral soft tissues

Fundamental knowledge of systemic conditions which influence the development of oral disease

continued

Essential knowledge contd

Local oral factors which influence the development of oral disease

Modifications to oral health education programs related to special needs due to disability aged care and child needs

Oral appliances and their impact on oral hygiene maintenance

Legislative requirements related to the use of fluoride in dentistry

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Consistently follow procedures to ensure client safety

Provide complete and appropriate information on the prevention of oral diseases to clients carers and others

Provide complete and appropriate information advice and demonstration of oral hygiene techniques to clients carers and others

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

Apply fundamental motivational and learning skills

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

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

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

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 directed by the operator

using available resources

Use communication skills to effectively inform and motivate behaviour change

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 desirable for assessment of this unit

Consistent compliance with infection control guidelines WHS procedures 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

Evidence of essential knowledge and understanding may be provided by

traditional or online computerbased assessment

questions during workplace assessment

written assignmentsprojects

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

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

Related units

This unit may be assessed in conjunction with

BSBCMMA Make a presentation

BSBCMM401A Make a presentation

Prescribed oral health education program may include but is not limited to:

Oral diseases targeted in an oral hygiene program may include:

Causes of oral diseasesmay include but are not limited to:

Prevention of oral diseasesmay include but is not limited to:

Oral hygiene techniques may include but are not limited to:

The availability of fluoride is determined by legislative requirements and is currently limited to use of:

Appropriate information on acids and fermentable carbohydrates may include but is not limited to:

Specific instructions for a saliva diagnostic test must include:

A resting or unstimulated saliva test may include:

A stimulated saliva test may include:

Lifestyle change may include:

Additional external protection may include:

Methods to increase salivary stimulation may include:

Altered oral hygiene programs may include: