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

dentition arrangement of the teeth naming and coding of teeth

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

Changes that occur in elderly people

fundamental knowledge of systemic disease including angina congestive heart failure stroke parkinsons disease diabetes osteoporosis arthritis nutritional deficiencies

fundamental knowledge of the relationship between nutrition and the efficiency of the dentition

psychological changes

xerostomia produced by certain medications and its adverse effects on denture retention and comfort

Dental practiceorganisation policy and procedures

Dental and medical records and charts including

confidentiality of client records

FDI notation and Palmer notation systems and charting symbols for tooth surfaces cavities and other dental problems

items that constitute a dental record

knowledge of correct dental terminology and how it is used in dental charting

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 photographs

Factors influencing the outcome of prosthetic treatment

Why medical and dental emergencies occur and the appropriate response

Dental materials

Oral pathology including

pathology of dental caries and periodontal disease

signs and symptoms of infectious diseases that affect the oral cavity including oral fungal and bacterial infections

the causes of dental caries and periodontal disease

the role of bacteria diet and dental plaque

Retracting soft tissues and moisture control

methods for controlling moisture

methods for providing a clear field of vision

methods of retracting and protecting soft tissue

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Consistently prepare clients environments instruments and materials for prosthetic procedures

Consistently maintain and store instruments equipment materials and medicaments in accordance with manufacturer specifications

Consistently comply with WHS procedures

Consistently implement standard precautions

Consistently follow procedures to ensure client safety during prosthetic procedures

Consistently maintain records of maintenance procedures and processes

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

Care for the older client and modify a course of treatment so that it meets the particular needs of the elderly

Communicate appropriately with the older client so that their particular problems can be assessed as accurately as possible allowing a realistic treatment plan to be developed

Consistently apply standard and additional precautions during all prosthetic procedures

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

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 required for specific removable dental prosthetic procedures

using available resources

Explain both the treatment plan and the limitations of treatment using language that can be easily understood by the client

Recognise respond to and assist with dental and medical emergencies

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

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues including efficient use of power and other resources

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

infection control policies and procedures

WHS policies and procedures

practice policies and procedures

Use safe work practices to minimise the risk of transmission of infection including

consistently follow the procedure for washing and drying hands

consistently limit contamination

consistently maintain clean surfaces and manage blood and body fluid spills

consistently protect materials equipment and instruments from contamination until required for use

consistently put into practice clean and sterile techniques

consistently use personal protective equipment

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 Australian and New Zealand Standards and legislative requirements as they relate to the dental prosthetists 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 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

Charts, records and required laboratory work may include:

Personal protective equipmentmay include:

Standard precautions must include:

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

Prosthetic procedures may include:

Maintenance and storage of instruments and equipment may include but is not limited to:

Shelf lifeof materials and medicaments.