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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. Deliver an oral health promotion program
  3. Develop oral health promotion strategies for a target group
  4. Integrate oral health promotion with targeted National Health Priorities

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:

• developed 1 oral health program for a specific target group within the community, including:

- identifying the target group and key concerns

- developing specific promotion strategies and resources to reach the target group

- integrating promotion with targeted National Health Priorities

• facilitated discussion with 10 people on oral health care including:

- causes and prevention of oral diseases

- dietary habits and the impact of healthy eating on oral health

- behavioural change for improved oral health.


Knowledge Evidence

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

• fundamental 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

• nutritional requirements for children, adolescents, adults and the elderly, including National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) dietary guidelines

• national, State/Territory or local oral health promotion programs or strategies

• approaches to health promotion delivery and appropriate resources to specific target groups

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

• saliva and its role in the maintenance of oral health including:

- protecting teeth by neutralising acid

- acting as a lubricant

- delivering calcium, phosphate and fluoride to the tooth surface

• factors that lead to the development of dental caries including:

- bacteria in dental plaque

- diet

- susceptible tooth surfaces

• factors that prevent and control dental caries including:

- increasing salivary flow and optimising its composition

- fluorides

- plaque control and removal

- dietary change

• factors that lead to the development of periodontal disease including:

- bacteria in dental plaque

- accumulation of plaque and calculus

- smoking

• factors that prevent and control periodontal disease including:

- patient education

- plaque control

• systemic conditions which influence the development of oral disease

• local oral factors that influence the development of oral disease including modifications to oral health education programs related to special needs due to disability, older age and childhood

• causes and prevention of non caries tooth wear including:

- erosion

- abrasion

- attrition

• the role of properly constructed and fitted mouthguards in preventing dental injuries

• the impact of smoking on oral soft tissues