Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

HLTDA304C Mapping and Delivery Guide
Assist with dental radiography

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency HLTDA304C - Assist with dental radiography
Description This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for a dental assistant to assist the operator by preparing clients, equipment and materials for dental radiography, to protect themselves, the client, other members of the dental team and the public from the hazards associated with ionising radiation and to process and mount dental radiographs to diagnostic and quality assurance standardsAll procedures are carried out in accordance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures, current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards, state/territory legislative requirements and organisation policy
Employability Skills This unit contains Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to dental assistants who process and assist with the production of dental radiographs for diagnostic and quality assurance purposesIt is a pre-requisite for the units:HLTDA410C Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice HLTDA411C Prepare to expose a prescribed dental radiographic imageHLTDA412C Produce a dental radiographic image
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Pre-requisite unitsThis unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisites:HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and proceduresHLTIN302B Process reusable instruments and equipment in health workHLTOHS200B Participate in OHS processes
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Prepare clients for dental radiography
  • Position the client comfortably
  • Reassure the client and explain the procedure in language that is easily understood
  • Ask the client to remove items which may interfere with the radiographic examination and offer appropriate explanation
  • Ensure client, other members of the dental team and the public are protected from ionising radiations
  • Assist the operator in the implementation of safe work practices to minimise radiation risks to workers and to clients
  • Select and prepare the correct radiographic film and film packet holders for the radiographic examination and make it available to the operator
  • Label exposed films accurately and legibly before the client leaves the surgery
       
Element: Prepare equipment and materials for dental radiography
  • Maintain clean and dry working surfaces
  • Clean and maintain processing equipment in good working order
  • Maintain processing solutions at the correct strength and temperature
  • Record the date of preparation of solutions accurately
  • Arrange for servicing of equipment at the intervals specified by the manufacturer and Radiation Health
  • File equipment service records in a location within the surgery that can be readily accessed
       
Element: Process and mount dental radiographs
  • Protect processing facility/equipment against accidental intrusion of light
  • Wear personal protective equipment
  • Handle radiographic film packages carefully so that their quality is maintained
  • Carry out processing stages in the correct sequence and for appropriate duration in accordance with manufacturer specifications
  • Identify common faults caused by incorrect processing and notify the operator
  • Rectify processing faults in accordance with operator's instructions
  • Notify the operator of any processing faults which cannot be rectified prior to further radiographs being processed
  • Label and date the radiograph mounting accurately and legibly
  • Mount and secure radiographs in correct anatomical position for viewing
  • File radiographs correctly
       
Element: Maintain stock of unexposed radiographic film and chemicals
  • Store films and chemicals separately and in accordance with manufacturer specifications
  • Maintain sufficient stock
  • Rotate film stock so that film is used before its expiry date
       
Element: Assure the quality of dental radiographic processing
  • Participate effectively in radiographic quality assurance programs
  • Monitor processing solutions for deterioration
  • Notify the operator when radiographs do not meet the quality criteria of the reference radiograph produced under optimum conditions
  • Collect and record all unacceptable radiographs that do not meet diagnostic standards due to processing error and identify how processing can be improved
  • Dispose of waste chemicals safely in accordance with manufacturer specifications and legislative requirements
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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 current infection control guidelines, Australian Standards and legislative requirements as they relate to the dental assistant's specific job role

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Assessment must replicate workplace conditions as far as possible

Method of assessment

Observation in the workplace is desirable

Evidence of essential knowledge and understanding may be provided by:

traditional or online (computer-based) assessment

written assignments/projects

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

Questioning

Staff and/or client feedback

Supporting statement of supervisor

Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning

Roleplay/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 and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Related units:

This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following related unit:

HLTDA303C Prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

In order for a safe inference of competence to be made on this unit, the candidate must provide evidence of the following areas of skills and knowledge.

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:

Equipment and materials for dental radiography:

equipment for automatic processing

equipment for manual processing

reasons for rotating film stock and using film before its expiry date

reasons for storing films away from ionising radiation

safe methods of storage and disposal of processing solutions

the nature and purpose of processing solutions

Fundamental knowledge of the production and biological effects of ionising radiation:

biological risks associated with X-rays

hazards associated with X-rays including the mechanisms by which X-rays cause damage to human tissues.

nature and uses of X-rays

production of X-rays

Mounting films:

fundamental knowledge of dental anatomy

methods of mounting radiographs

Processing films:

procedures required for automatic film processing

procedures required for manual film processing

processing solutions and appropriate methods of handling and preparation

reasons for light-tightness, use of safelights, clean working space and adequate ventilation

the automatic processing cycle

the stages of the manual processing cycle

Quality assurance of processing:

the criteria for determining whether a radiograph is of an acceptable quality

the causes of common processing errors and the remedy for correction

continued ...

Essential knowledge (contd):

The code of practice for radiation protection in dentistry:

methods for monitoring the adequacy of radiation protection

procedures for minimising radiation risks to clients, self, the oral healthcare team and the public

the organisation's quality assurance policy for processing radiographs to consistent diagnostic quality

the purpose of quality assuring dental radiographs and its relationship to radiation protection

The role of radiographs in dentistry:

benefits and risks of dental radiography

digital radiography, what is it and how it is used, its advantages and disadvantages over conventional film-based radiography

extraoral films and applications

intraoral film sizes and applications

use of radiographs in the diagnosis and monitoring of dental disease

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Apply radiation occupational health and safety policies and procedures

Correctly handle and store radiographic films and processing solutions

Correctly prepare clients for dental radiographic imaging procedures

Correctly process, mount and file of radiographic films

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:

Assist the operator during dental radiography safely and effectively

Consistently able to handle and dispose of radiographic solutions safely

Consistently able to handle dental radiographs carefully and attach accurate, legible and complete records to them

Consistently able to implement remedies for common processing faults

Consistently able to recognise causes of common processing errors

Consistently apply the correct procedures for mounting and storing dental radiographs

Consistently apply the correct processing procedure

Consistently use safe work practices to minimise the risk of transmission of infection

Consistently use the correct processing equipment

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

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

infection control policies and procedures

manufacturer specifications for the preparation of materials and medicaments

occupational health and safety policies and procedures

practice policies and procedures

sequenced written instructions for manual and/or automatic processing methods

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Protection from ionising radiations may include but is not limited to:

Controlled and designated area around the X-ray machine

Lead protection - protective drapes and thyroid collar

Lead screens or barriers

Safe distance from the source of radiation

Safe work practices include:

Current code of practice for radiation protection in dentistry

Dental practice/organisation policy and procedures

Legislative requirements

Radiographer's Licensing Board requirements

Radiographic film may include:

Extraoral films

Intraoral films

Processing equipmentmay include but is not limited to:

Automatic processor

Manual processing equipment:

tanks containing the various solutions

thermometer

an accurate timer

immersion heater

film hangers

Safelights

Processing solutions may include:

Developer solution

Fixer solution

Replenisher solution

Personal protective equipment may include:

Film badge

Gloves including rubber gloves

Gown

Mask

Processing stages include:

Development

Drying

Fixation

Washing

Washing

Commonfaults caused by incorrect processingmay include film that is:

Inadequate or low in contrast

Marked

Too dark

Too light

Stock may include:

Digital radiography sensors and holders

Extraoral films

Film packet holders

Intraoral films

Processing solutions

Radiographic quality assurance programs may include but are not limited to:

Darkroom and image receptors including X-ray film and cassettes

Image quality assessment

Processing

Working procedures

X-ray equipment and appropriate maintenance

Optimum conditions may include but are not limited to

Correct exposure under conditions recommended by the manufacturer.

The use of fresh film that has been stored in cool, dry conditions away from radiation.

The use of freshly mixed chemicals.

The use of processing chemicals at the temperature recommended by the manufacturer

Record of unacceptable radiographs may include but is not limited to:

Date

Known or suspected cause of the processing error

Nature of the film fault or error

Number of repeat radiographs (if taken)

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Position the client comfortably 
Reassure the client and explain the procedure in language that is easily understood 
Ask the client to remove items which may interfere with the radiographic examination and offer appropriate explanation 
Ensure client, other members of the dental team and the public are protected from ionising radiations 
Assist the operator in the implementation of safe work practices to minimise radiation risks to workers and to clients 
Select and prepare the correct radiographic film and film packet holders for the radiographic examination and make it available to the operator 
Label exposed films accurately and legibly before the client leaves the surgery 
Maintain clean and dry working surfaces 
Clean and maintain processing equipment in good working order 
Maintain processing solutions at the correct strength and temperature 
Record the date of preparation of solutions accurately 
Arrange for servicing of equipment at the intervals specified by the manufacturer and Radiation Health 
File equipment service records in a location within the surgery that can be readily accessed 
Protect processing facility/equipment against accidental intrusion of light 
Wear personal protective equipment 
Handle radiographic film packages carefully so that their quality is maintained 
Carry out processing stages in the correct sequence and for appropriate duration in accordance with manufacturer specifications 
Identify common faults caused by incorrect processing and notify the operator 
Rectify processing faults in accordance with operator's instructions 
Notify the operator of any processing faults which cannot be rectified prior to further radiographs being processed 
Label and date the radiograph mounting accurately and legibly 
Mount and secure radiographs in correct anatomical position for viewing 
File radiographs correctly 
Store films and chemicals separately and in accordance with manufacturer specifications 
Maintain sufficient stock 
Rotate film stock so that film is used before its expiry date 
Participate effectively in radiographic quality assurance programs 
Monitor processing solutions for deterioration 
Notify the operator when radiographs do not meet the quality criteria of the reference radiograph produced under optimum conditions 
Collect and record all unacceptable radiographs that do not meet diagnostic standards due to processing error and identify how processing can be improved 
Dispose of waste chemicals safely in accordance with manufacturer specifications and legislative requirements 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

HLTDA304C - Assist with dental radiography
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

HLTDA304C - Assist with dental radiography

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: