This unit applies to dental assisting work

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

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Position client to obtain radiographic image

1.1 Implement and maintain radiation safety measures for the client, operator and others throughout the procedure

1.2 Position the client correctly

1.3 Maintain communication with the client

2. Position dental radiographic film

2.1 Select the appropriate technical variables on the dental radiographic unit according to manufacturer specifications, procedure and client requirements

2.2 Select the appropriate radiographic technique according to the tooth under investigation and the anatomy of the oral cavity

2.3 Select and position correctly the appropriate film for the client's requirements

2.4 Select and use film locating devices to position the film correctly when appropriate

2.5 Select accessories when appropriate according to manufacturer specifications

3. Operate radiographic imaging equipment safely to produce image

3.1 Operate equipment according to manufacturer specifications and legislative requirements for the safe use of radiation in dentistry

3.2 Ensure the client does not move and remains visible throughout the procedure

3.3 Remove the exposed dental radiographic film package carefully from the mouth

3.4 Label the exposed radiographic film package correctly prior to processing

4. Process and provide quality assurance for the exposed dental radiographic film

4.1 Process the radiographic film correctly

4.2 Assess visual qualities of the processed film

4.3 Identify and correct processing errors

4.4 Identify and correct errors in technique

4.5 Mount and store radiographic images correctly

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:

Features and characteristics including range of movements of a range of dental radiographic equipment

Fundamental knowledge of the radiographic appearance of anatomic landmarks, normal dentition and associated bony structures for intraoral radiographs

Fundamental knowledge of the radiographic appearance of dental anomalies and common oral pathological conditions

Legislative and ethical responsibilities for the safe use of radiation in dentistry

Range of dental radiographic imaging techniques and the reasons for selection of each technique

Reasons for processing and technique inaccuracies and methods to minimise errors

Relevant legislation and statutory requirements of consent

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Consistently prepare different clients across a range of procedures

Correctly operate a range of radiographic imaging equipment across a range of procedures

Consistently produce high quality dental radiographic images

Consistently apply code of practice for the safe use of radiation in dentistry

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:

Consistently demonstrate interpersonal skills when relating to people from a range of social, cultural and religious backgrounds and physical and mental abilities

Consistently use problem solving skills required including:

prioritising tasks

selecting and preparing instruments and equipment as directed by the operator

using available resources

Deal with conflict

Identify and correctly use terms for technical inaccuracies in dental radiographic images

Minimise technical inaccuracies in dental radiographic images

Operate radiographic unit safely and correctly

Process and maintain quality assurance in exposed dental radiographic film

Select and apply the procedures to perform a range of tasks; follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legibly client details

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

WHS policies and procedures

infection control policies and procedures

Practice policies and procedures

Use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and physical and mental abilities

Use oral communication skills (language competence) required to fulfil the job role as specified by the dental practice/organisation, including skills in:

negotiation

asking questions

active listening

asking for clarification from client/carer

acknowledging and responding to a range of views

Work with others and an ability to empathise with client and relatives

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, 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

Completion of a logbook, which registers all radiographs taken, in accordance with the licensing requirements of Radiation Health

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

Resources essential for assessment include:

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

radiographic viewing equipment

Competency in this unit should be assessed using all the relevant resources commonly provided in dental practice. Specific resources may include:

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

incident reporting procedures

infection control guidelines and relevant Australian and New Zealand Standards

WHS policy and procedures

relevant state and territory legislation

manufacturer specifications for dental radiographic units

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 competency units:

HLTDA410D Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice

HLTDA411D Prepare to expose a prescribed 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.

Radiation safety measuresfor the client may include:

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

Appropriate technical variablesmay include:

Technical variables, milliamperage, kilovoltage and tube length are pre-determined by manufacturer specifications for radiographic unit or selected by the dentist or dental specialist prior to the procedure:

selection of technical variables of dental radiographic units by the dental assistant in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and client requirements may include but is not limited to exposure times.

Appropriate radiographic technique may include:

The bisected angle technique

The paralleling angle technique

Extra oral techniques:

horizontal and vertical angulation

film selection and placement

correct assembly of film locating device

positioning of client

use of intensifying screens

Client requirements may include but are not limited to consideration of:

Ability to comply with instructions

Age

Physical capabilities

Pregnancy

Size

Weight

Accessories may include but are not limited to:

Film locating devices

Film holders

Immobilisation equipment

Intensifying screens

Modifications for the use of film locating devices

Processing errors in films may include but are not limited to:

Film that is marked

Film with inadequate or low contrast

Film that is too dark

Film that is too light

Errors in techniques may include but are not limited to:

Failure to remove oral appliances and jewellery

Incorrect assembly and use of film locating device

Incorrect film placement

Incorrect horizontal and vertical angulation

Incorrect tubehead placement

Movement of client or film

Over/under exposure

This unit contains Employability Skills