This unit applies to dental assistants who assist at the chairside and acknowledges the role of these members of the dental team in the effective delivery of oral health care procedures

Pre-requisite units

This unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisites:

HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures

HLTIN302B Process reusable instruments and equipment in health work

HLTOHS200B Participate in OHS processes

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare the dental surgery for oral health care procedures

1.1 Make accessible in the clean zone of the surgery the client's necessary charts and records

1.2 Identify correctly the planned procedure

1.3 Anticipate and select correctly the equipment, instruments materials and medicaments for the planned procedure and arrange them in their likely order of use

1.4 Give personal protective equipment to the client and members of the dental team

1.5 Support aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of infection

2. Use dental terminology in communication within the health care setting

2.1 Communicate with other members of the dental team using dental terminology

2.2 Receive, understand and document written and oral instructions using dental terminology

2.3 Understand frequently used abbreviations and symbols in dentistry

2.4 Understand and use the Schedule of Dental Services and Glossary

3. Record personal, medical and dental details

3.1 Actively encourage clients to provide complete information without embarrassment or hesitation

3.2 Make accurate, legible and legal records of the client's personal, medical and dental information as directed by the operator

3.3 Verify this information in accordance with operator requirements

3.4 Maintain confidentiality of client information

4. Select and prepare syringe safely for local anaesthesia

4.1 Select and prepare the correct syringe, cartridge and needle for local anaesthesia as directed by the operator

4.2 Check the expiry dates for the local anaesthetic cartridge prior to use

4.3 Transfer the unused local anaesthetic syringe to the operator in accordance with infection control guidelines for the transfer of sharps between health care workers

5. Assist the operator during oral health care procedures

5.1 Select and transfer to the operator the instruments, equipment, materials and medicaments required for oral health care procedures

5.2 Assist the operator to maintain a clear field of vision

5.3 Clear the mouth of oral fluids and debris and control moisture

5.4 Retract and protect the client's soft tissues using instruments and materials appropriate to the procedure

5.5 Monitor the client's well-being and take the necessary actions without delay to support the client and the operator

5.6 Prepare the correct materials and medicaments using the correct technique, to the correct consistency and quantity required and within the designated timelines as directed by the operator

5.7 Select additional instruments and materials as required without contaminating sterile stock

6. Maintain and store instruments, equipment materials and medicaments

6.1 Check that instrument sharpness conforms to operator specifications and advise of any deficiency

6.2 Maintain instruments and equipment in good working order

6.3 Store instruments, equipment, materials and medicaments correctly

6.4 Monitor storage requirements, shelf life and expiry dates of materials and medicaments

6.5 Report faults in equipment or instruments promptly to the operator

6.6 Ensure maintenance records are legible and accurate

6.7 Arrange for the servicing of instruments and equipment in line with instructions, at intervals recommended by the manufacturer or as recommended

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:

Dental and medical records and charts including:

confidentiality of client records

FDI notation and Palmer notation systems and charting symbols

items that constitute a dental record

knowledge of correct dental terminology and how it is used in hand written dental charting and computer software charting programs

the purpose and requirements for maintaining accurate records of examination, treatments, materials used and drugs/medicaments prescribed

the purpose of study casts and the materials used in their construction

the reasons for taking radiographs and photograph

Fundamental knowledge of oral anatomy and physiology including:

deciduous and permanent dentition and dates of eruption

structure and functions of teeth and the periodontal tissues

structures of the oral cavity including salivary glands and saliva

tooth identification

Fundamental knowledge of oral pathology including:

pathology of dental caries and periodontal disease

the main causes of dental caries and periodontal disease

the role of bacteria, diet and dental plaque

Fundamental knowledge of the fields of dentistry required to assist the operator to carry out procedures for the full range of general oral health care procedures

Fundamental understanding of the normal growth and development of children, the promotion and maintenance of oral health and requirements of special needs children.

Fundamental knowledge of the effects of aging upon the oral tissues and the special needs of the elderly dental client

Fundamental knowledge of dental materials

Fundamental knowledge of dental pharmacology and anaesthesia including:

local anaesthetic techniques

local anaesthetic equipment and drugs

complications which may arise from the administration of local anaesthesia

Retracting soft tissues and moisture control:

methods of retracting and protecting soft tissue

methods for providing a clear field of vision

methods for controlling moisture

Dental practice/organisation policy and procedures

Knowledge of the importance for clients to follow pre and post operative instructions

Why medical and dental emergencies occur and the appropriate response

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Comply with occupational health and safety procedures

Implement standard and additional precautions while preparing for and assisting at the chairside

Maintain and store instruments, equipment, materials and medicaments in accordance with manufacturer specifications and operator's requirements

Maintain records of maintenance procedures and processes

Prepare clients, environments, instruments and materials for oral health care procedures in accordance with the requirements of the dental practice and the operator

Provide chairside support to the operator during oral health care procedures

Store materials and medicaments in accordance with manufacturer specifications and operator's requirements

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 oral health care procedures safely and effectively

Consistently apply standard and additional precautions while assisting with all oral health care procedures

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

ensuring instruments used for invasive procedures are sterile at time of use

following the procedure for washing and drying hands

limiting contamination

maintaining clean surfaces and manage blood and body fluid spills

protecting materials, equipment and instruments from contamination until required for use

putting into practice clean and sterile techniques

using personal protective equipment

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 practice/organisation including:

acknowledging and responding to a range of views

active listening

asking for clarification from client and/or carer

asking questions

negotiation

continued ...

Essential skills (contd):

Consistently deal with conflict

Consistently work with others and display empathy with client and relatives

Consistently use problem solving skills required including:

using available resources appropriately to ensure efficient use of power and other resources

selecting and preparing instruments, equipment and materials as directed by the operator

Recognise, respond to and assist with dental and medical emergencies

Select and apply procedures to perform a range of tasks specific to the dental assistant's job role

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

occupational health and safety policies and procedures

infection control policies and procedures

practice policies and procedures

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, occupational health and safety policies, Australian and New Zealand 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:

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

Observation in the work place 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

Role play 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

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Charts andrecords may include but are not limited to:

Completed medical histories

Consent documents obtained for treatment

Copies of correspondence relating to the client

Dental charts and dental treatment records

Diagnostic models

Notes made by staff following telephone conversations

Photographs

Radiographs, tracings and measurements

Records of financial transactions

Reports to and from referring dentists and specialists

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

Equipment:

handpieces

Instruments:

diagnostic

restorative

endodontic

oral surgical

periodontal

prosthetic

orthodontic

Rotary cutting instruments:

tungsten carbide burs

diamond burs

finishing burs

stones and discs

surgical burs

Materials:

restorative

impression

temporary

Personal protective equipment may include:

Examination gloves that comply with AS/NZS 4011 and surgical gloves that comply with AS/NZS 4179

Footwear to protect from dropped sharps and other contaminated items

Glasses, goggles or face-shields

Gowns and waterproof aprons that comply with AS 3789.2 and AS 3789.3

Guidelines for latex allergic clients and staff

Surgical face masks that comply with AS 4381

Aseptic techniques may include but are not limited to:

Cleaning of surfaces and management of spills

Personal hygiene practices especially handwashing

Reprocessing of instruments and equipment between client use

Use of personal protective equipment

Accurate, legible and legal records may include:

Avoiding the use of abbreviations, unless widely used in dentistry

Dating computer records should be dated and made in a chronological order

Entering information promptly onto the client record and in chronological order

Noting the reason for the correction

Recording the date of each entry

Writing legibly and clearly in ink.

Techniques for local anaesthesiamay include but are not limited to:

Block injection

Infiltration injection

Intraosseous injection

Periodontal ligament injection

Infection control guidelines for the transfer of sharps may include but is not limited to:

Disposal of sharp at point of use by the person who has used the sharp

Procedures and devices for the removal of scalpel blades

Specified puncture resistant sharps trays for the safe transfer of all sharp items

Use of clearly labelled puncture proof containers which conform to AS 4031 or AS/NZS 4261

Oral health care procedures may include but are not limited to:

Diagnostic

Endodontics

Oral surgery

Orthodontic

Paedodontic

Periodontics

Preventive, prophylactic and bleaching

Prosthodontics

Restorative

Techniques to maintain a clear field of visionmay include:

Clearing the mouth of oral fluids and debris

Keeping the cavity clear of debris

Keeping the dental mirror free of spray

Moisture control:

rubber dam

high volume evacuation

use of cotton rolls

Retracting and protecting soft tissue

Monitoring the client's well-being may include:

Alerting operator to any observed client change

Communicating appropriately with client and operator

Giving the client an appropriate opportunity to ask questions

Observing client comfort

Offering mouth wipes and washes as and when appropriate

Providing assurance

Using safe work practices

Storage of equipment, instruments and materials may include:

Dental cabinets and cupboards

Locked facility

Refrigeration

Shelf life may include but is not limited to:

Date of expiry as stated by manufacturer

Exposure to a change in temperature

Rotation of stock

This unit contains Employability Skills