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

HLTDA410C Mapping and Delivery Guide
Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency HLTDA410C - Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice
Description This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to minimise the risk of radiation to the client, the operator and others during the exposure of a prescribed dental radiographic image. It also describes the quality assurance measures necessary to ensure all radiographs are of consistent diagnostic standardAll procedures are carried out in accordance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures, current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards for maintaining infection control and the policies and procedures of the dental practice or organisationAll tasks are carried out in accordance with State/Territory legislative requirements
Employability Skills This unit contains Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to dental assistants who assist at the chairside
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 workHLTOHS300B Contribute to 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: Apply knowledge of ionising radiation to produce a dental radiograph
  • Apply knowledge of X ray properties correctly
  • Identify and select technical variables of dental x-ray generating equipment correctly according to manufacturers' specifications and client requirements
  • Identify the main components of the tubehead
  • Identify and select the appropriate technique for the type of cone
       
Element: Apply knowledge of radiation biology to protect client, operator and others from ionising radiation
  • Apply knowledge of the biological effects and risks associated with X-rays to implement safe work practices to minimise radiation risks to operator, clients and others
  • Interpret the immediate and long term effects of radiation
  • Apply the correct units of radiation measurement
  • Implement radiation safety measures for the client, operator and others
  • Work in accordance with relevant OHS policy and procedures
       
Element: Determine image characteristics of a dental radiographic image to minimise the necessity for re-takes
  • Ensure visual qualities of the radiograph are of a diagnostic standard
  • Ensure geometric qualities of the radiograph are of a diagnostic standard
       
Element: Minimise radiation by maintaining quality in processing
  • Identify the contents of the film package and determine the use of each item
  • Maintain quality assurance for processing dental radiographic images
  • Follow quality assurance processes for the use of radiographic chemicals in accordance with manufacturer specifications
  • Maintain appropriate conditions for manual and automatic processing in accordance with manufacturer specifications
  • Identify a range of processing errors and implement corrective measures to produce a diagnostic radiograph
       


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 essential 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:

Access to appropriate workplace or simulation of realistic workplace setting where assessment can be conducted

Access to dental radiographic imaging units and resources normally used in the workplace

Relevant dental practice/organisation policy and procedures manuals such as:

incident reporting procedures

infection control guidelines and relevant Australian Standards

OHS policy and procedures

Relevant state/territory legislation

Manufacturer specifications for dental radiographic units

Radiographic viewing equipment

Assessment should be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of circumstances and to establish consistency

A diversity of assessment tasks is essential

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place is essential. Assessment in the workplace must be flexible to allow for client confidentiality and organisation policies

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

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 units:

HLTDA411C Prepare to expose a prescribed dental radiographic image

HLTDA412C Produce a dental radiographic image

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.

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:

The code of practice for radiation protection in dentistry:

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

methods for monitoring the adequacy of radiation protection

the organisation's quality assurance policy for producing radiographs to a consistent diagnostic standard

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

The production, properties and interactions of X-rays including

basic knowledge of atomic physics

main features and practical requirements of the X-ray tube

the sequence of events that result in the production of X-rays

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

The biological effects and risks associated with X-rays including:

immediate or acute effects

long term or chronic effects

Radiographic appearance of anatomic landmarks, normal dentition and associated bony structures

Reasons for processing and technique inaccuracies and methods to minimise errors

Units of radiation measurement

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Apply radiation occupational health and safety policies and procedures to minimise the risk of radiation to the client, the operator and others during the exposure of a prescribed dental radiographic image

Correctly prepare clients for dental radiographic imaging procedures

Implement quality assurance measures to ensure production of radiographs to consistent diagnostic standard

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:

Apply correct dental terminology

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

Consistently use correct accessories in dental radiographic techniques

Consistently minimise technical inaccuracies in dental radiographic images

Consistently minimise errors and maintain quality assurance in processing procedures

Select appropriate film variables including:

film speed

film size

intensifying screens

Select and use correct techniques including:

bisecting angle (intraoral)

extraoral

paralleling (intraoral)

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

X ray propertiesmay include but are not limited to:

The intensity of the diagnostic X-ray beam

The quality of the diagnostic X-ray beam

Safe work practicesmust include:

Current code of practice for radiation protection in dentistry

Dental practice/organisation policy and procedures

Legislative requirements

Radiographer's Licensing Board requirements

Units of radiation may include:

Collective affective dose

Dose rate

Effective dose

Equivalent dose

Radiation-absorbed dose

Radiation safety for the client includes but is not limited to:

Appropriate technique

Correct processing procedures to minimise re-takes

Film selection

Legislative requirements and codes of practice

Technical features of the radiographic unit as determined by manufacturer specifications including kilovoltage, filtration, x ray beam collimation

Use of film locating devices

Use of lead aprons

Radiation safety for the operator and others includes but is not limited to:

Determination of pregnancy

Distance from primary beam

Legislative requirements

Maintenance of radiographic equipment

Maximum permissible dose (MPD) of radiation

Use of lead lined barriers

Geometric characteristics of the image may include:

Blurred image due to motion of client

Distortion due to incorrect technique

Quality assurance for processing dental radiographic images 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

Processing errors may include:

Film that is too dark

Film that is too light

Film with inadequate or low contrast

Film that is marked

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
Apply knowledge of X ray properties correctly 
Identify and select technical variables of dental x-ray generating equipment correctly according to manufacturers' specifications and client requirements 
Identify the main components of the tubehead 
Identify and select the appropriate technique for the type of cone 
Apply knowledge of the biological effects and risks associated with X-rays to implement safe work practices to minimise radiation risks to operator, clients and others 
Interpret the immediate and long term effects of radiation 
Apply the correct units of radiation measurement 
Implement radiation safety measures for the client, operator and others 
Work in accordance with relevant OHS policy and procedures 
Ensure visual qualities of the radiograph are of a diagnostic standard 
Ensure geometric qualities of the radiograph are of a diagnostic standard 
Identify the contents of the film package and determine the use of each item 
Maintain quality assurance for processing dental radiographic images 
Follow quality assurance processes for the use of radiographic chemicals in accordance with manufacturer specifications 
Maintain appropriate conditions for manual and automatic processing in accordance with manufacturer specifications 
Identify a range of processing errors and implement corrective measures to produce a diagnostic radiograph 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

HLTDA410C - Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice
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

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Assessor name:

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Assessment Record Sheet

HLTDA410C - Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice

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:

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Date:

Student signature:

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