This unit applies to dental assistants who assist at the chairside

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

HLTOHS300B Contribute to OHS processes

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Apply knowledge of ionising radiation to produce a dental radiograph

1.1 Apply knowledge of X ray properties correctly

1.2 Identify and select technical variables of dental x-ray generating equipment correctly according to manufacturers' specifications and client requirements

1.3 Identify the main components of the tubehead

1.4 Identify and select the appropriate technique for the type of cone

2. Apply knowledge of radiation biology to protect client, operator and others from ionising radiation

2.1 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

2.2 Interpret the immediate and long term effects of radiation

2.3 Apply the correct units of radiation measurement

2.4 Implement radiation safety measures for the client, operator and others

2.5 Work in accordance with relevant OHS policy and procedures

3. Determine image characteristics of a dental radiographic image to minimise the necessity for re-takes

3.1 Ensure visual qualities of the radiograph are of a diagnostic standard

3.2 Ensure geometric qualities of the radiograph are of a diagnostic standard

4. Minimise radiation by maintaining quality in processing

4.1 Identify the contents of the film package and determine the use of each item

4.2 Maintain quality assurance for processing dental radiographic images

4.3 Follow quality assurance processes for the use of radiographic chemicals in accordance with manufacturer specifications

4.4 Maintain appropriate conditions for manual and automatic processing in accordance with manufacturer specifications

4.5 Identify a range of processing errors and implement corrective measures to produce a diagnostic radiograph

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 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

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

This unit contains Employability Skills