Application
The demonstration of all performance criteria is to be under the direction of the dentist or dental specialist |
Prerequisites
Pre-requisite units | This unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisites: HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures HLTIN302C Process reusable instruments and equipment in health work HLTWHS300A Contribute to WHS processes |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Prepare the client for oral health care procedures under general anaesthesia | 1.1 Provide written prescribed pre-operative and post-operative instructions to the client and/or carer prior to the general anaesthetic session 1.2 Confirm and document arrangements for the provision of an escort following the procedure 1.3 Provide an appropriate environment for the client and/or carer to ask questions 1.4 Make accessible in the clean zone of the surgery the client's necessary charts and records 1.5 Maintain confidentiality of client information in accordance with dental practice/organisation policy and procedures |
2. Select and prepare equipment, instruments, materials and medicaments applicable for oral health care procedures under general anaesthesia | 2.1 Prepare the equipment, instruments materials and medicaments for the planned procedure 2.2 Arrange instruments in order of use in accordance with operator requirements |
3. Assist the operator during general anaesthesia | 3.1 Give personal protective equipment to the client and members of the dental team 3.2 Follow standard operating suite /theatre policy and procedures 3.3 Select and transfer safely the correct dental instruments, equipment, materials and medicaments 3.4 Assist the operator, when required, to monitor the client airway and vital signs as allowed by legislation 3.5 Record accurately and legibly the oral health care treatment given, materials used and medicaments prescribed |
4. Assist in the recovery of the client following general anaesthesia | 4.1 Transfer the client to the post-operative recovery room and provide post-operative care when appropriate 4.2 Follow established guidelines and protocols while providing post-operative care 4.3 Communicate clearly with client and/or carer and provide written post-operative instructions to carer and/or escort 4.4 Discharge client only on instruction from the operator |
Required Skills
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: Appropriate practices to ensure efficient use of power and other resources Current legislative requirements for the use of general anaesthesia in dentistry related to the role of the dental assistant Dental anatomy, anatomy and physiology, dental pharmacology and anaesthesia, oral pathology, dental histology, dental materials Fundamental knowledge of the fields of dentistry required to assist the operator to carry out the full range of oral health care procedures Physiology of respiration Reasons for keeping accurate records of oral conditions and treatments The importance for clients to follow pre and post operative instructions Why medical emergencies may occur and the appropriate response including recognition of vital signs |
Essential skills: It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to Consistently prepare clients, environments, instruments and materials for oral health care procedures under general anaesthesia Consistently provide chairside support to the operator during oral health care procedures under general anaesthesia Consistently maintain and store instruments, equipment, materials and medicaments Consistently implement standard and additional precautions while preparing for and assisting with oral health care procedures under general anaesthesia Consistently follow procedures to ensure client safety during oral health care procedures under general anaesthesia 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 effectively the dentist or dental specialist during general anaesthesia Consistently demonstrate interpersonal skills when relating to people from a range of social, cultural and religious backgrounds and physical and mental abilities Consistently follow sequenced written instructions and manufacturer specifications for the preparation of materials and medicaments 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 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 directed by the operator using available resources Identify behavioural characteristics of fear and anxiety Perform basic life support Recognise, respond to and assist with medical emergencies |
Evidence Required
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, WHS 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 essential 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 |
Range Statement
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. | |
Written pre-operative and post-operative instructions may include but are not limited to: | Instructions related to specific procedures for general anaesthesia Premedication requirements |
Charts andrecords may include but are not limited to: | Completed medical questionnaires 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 Lead apron Protection of the airway Sterile drapes Surgical face masks that comply with AS 4381 |
Post operative care may include: | Post-operative care in accordance with prescription by the dentist or dental specialist and legislative requirements Verbal and written instructions issued by dentist or dental specialist when appropriate |
Sectors
Not Applicable
Employability Skills
This unit contains Employability Skills |
Licensing Information
Not Applicable