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

Fundamental knowledge of medical complications relevant to the dental triage role including

diabetes

compromised airway

septicaemia

Fundamental knowledge of dental complications relevant to the dental triage role including

dental and or maxillofacial trauma including avulsed teeth

serious dental infections requiring urgent attention

significant dental haemorrhage

systemic progression of dental problems such as compromised airway

Fundamental knowledge of medical problems that may complicate dental management including

clients requiring antibiotic cover

clients requiring steroid cover

clients who are pregnant

clients with significant learning or physical disabilities which may affect their ability to wait for treatment

Understanding of the special requirements of children with toothache

Fundamental knowledge of oral anatomy and physiology including

teeth and periodontal tissues

structures of the oral cavity

tooth identification

Dental and medical records and charts including

knowledge of correct dental terminology

items that constitute a dental record

FDI notation and Palmer notation systems and charting symbols

confidentiality of client records

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

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Assist with the management of client expectations regarding waiting times for emergency care

Establish priority level of care for each client and advancing priority if required

Liaise with waiting clients to ensure they are aware of current waiting times

Manage questions relating to the emergency visit

Provide clients with preoperative and postoperative instructions

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 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

Consistently use problem solving skills required including

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

using available resources

Consistently apply standard and additional precautions while triaging clients

Deal with conflict

Perform triage duties with initiative and work with minimum supervision

Recognise respond to and assist with dental and medical emergencies

Relate effectively and courteously with others and display empathy with client and relatives

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

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

infection control policies and procedures

occupational health and safety 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 desirable 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 playsimulation

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

Client information may include:

Clients who require immediate attention include but are not limited to:

Clients given priority include but are not limited to:

Clients who present with pain but do have a risk of serious medical or dental complication include but are not limited to:

Charts andrecords may include but are not limited to:

Accurate and legible records may include:

Personal protective equipment may include:

Monitoring the client's well-being may include: