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

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Elements define the essential outcomes
2. Prepare patient for oral health care procedures under general anaesthesia
   • Confirm and document arrangements for an escort for patient following the procedure
   • Provide an appropriate environment for patient or carer to ask questions
   • Make accessible in the clean zone of the surgery the patient’s necessary charts and records
   • Maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with organisation policy and procedures
3. Prepare for oral health care procedures under general anaesthesia
   • Perform surgical hand wash and use aseptic technique in applying personal protective equipment in preparation for procedures under general anaesthesia
   • Prepare the equipment, instruments materials and medicaments for the planned procedure
   • Ensure instruments for oral health care procedure are ready and usable at the suite or theatre
   • Follow suite or theatre organisation policy and procedures
   • Select and transfer safely and aseptically the correct dental instruments, equipment, materials and medicaments
4. Assist patient’s discharge after undergoing oral health care procedures under general anaesthesia
   • Follow organisation policy and procedures while assisting in the provision of post-operative oral health care procedures
   • Ensure post-operative written instructions are communicated and provided by authorised person to patient or carer or escort
   • Assist in the authorised discharge of patient to the carer or escort
5. Assist patient’s discharge after undergoing oral health care procedures under general anaesthesia
   • Follow organisation policy and procedures while assisting in the provision of post-operative oral health care procedures
   • Ensure post-operative written instructions are communicated and provided by authorised person to patient or carer or escort
   • Assist in the authorised discharge of patient to the carer or escort

Performance Evidence

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

• prepared equipment and assisted the operator with oral health care procedures for 3 different patients under general anaesthesia, including:

- assisting in aseptically handling and correctly positioning the equipment during the procedure

- following procedures to ensure patient safety during general anaesthesia

- correctly maintained and stored instruments, equipment, materials and medicaments

• supported the dental team in the discharge care of 1 patient recovering from an oral care procedure following general anaesthesia.

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

• national and State/Territory legal and ethical requirements and considerations for dental assisting work including:

­ codes of practice

­ discrimination

­ duty of care

­ informed consent and statutory requirements of consent

­ practice standards – Dental Board of Australia guidelines on infection control

­ privacy, confidentiality and disclosure

­ records management

­ work role boundaries – responsibilities and limitations

­ work health and safety

• practitioners who are authorised to administer general anaesthesia to a patient, and the assessment process required before oral health procedure is carried out

• levels of consciousness

• equipment used to administer a general anaesthetic and equipment used in monitoring patient pre- and post-operatively

• risks associated with general anaesthesia including risks of:

­ chest infection

­ cross-infection from instruments and handpieces

­ deep venous thrombosis (DVT)

­ anaphylaxis – from a reaction to anaesthetic

­ lowered patient’s body temperature – they may need extra blankets or warming devices to protect against hypothermia

­ compromised patient comfort – ensure pressure points on skin are monitored

• reasons for keeping accurate records of oral conditions and treatments

• reasons why patients need to follow pre- and post-operative instructions, and the importance of this

• medical emergencies and complications which may arise during and after general anaesthesia and appropriate medical responses and treatment to be given by the dental team.

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