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

HLTIN302B Process reusable instruments and equipment in health work

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assess the client

1.1 Confirm client's medical history

1.2 Provide full details of the procedure to the client and/or carer

1.3 Obtain and document consent following ethical and legal requirements

1.4 Select the equipment and instruments for the impression

1.5 Prepare personal protective equipment for the client and members of the dental team

2. Select impression tray and modify if required

2.1 Select an appropriate impression tray for the client

2.2 Check the tray for size and modify the impression tray where necessary to ensure accuracy and comfort

2.3 Position the client in the dental chair for the procedure

2.4 Instruct client on participation during the procedure

3. Prepare alginate impression material

3.1 Select impression material in accordance with desired outcome

3.2 Mix the impression material to the correct consistency and quantity required

4. Perform impression taking procedure

4.1 Implement standard precautions during impression taking.

4.2 Use triplex syringe to remove saliva from the occlusal surfaces

4.3 Load tray with an appropriate amount of alginate and seat the tray from the back using gentle pressure

4.4 Carry-out muscle trimming after seating the impression

4.5 Monitor and reassure the client throughout the procedure

4.6 Remove the impression when set

4.7 Examine the client's mouth for injury and impression material debris following removal of the impression

4.8 Restore the client's comfort and appearance

5. Assess the impression

5.1 Assess the quality of the impression for the required study model

5.2 Identify common impression taking problems

5.3 Document details of the procedure in accordance with standard procedures and relevant guidelines

6. Decontaminate the impression

6.1 Wear gloves, mask, protective glasses and protective clothing

6.2 Rinse the impression or denture in cold running tap water to remove all traces of saliva and blood

6.3 Clean the impression in a diluted detergent solution

6.4 Rinse the impression until all visible contamination is removed

6.5 Place in a sealed container for transport to the laboratory

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:

Applied oral anatomy:

dentition - arrangement of the teeth, naming and coding of teeth

structures of the oral cavity - hard and soft palate, lateral and posterior borders of the oral cavity, tongue and floor of the mouth

teeth - form and function

Client management techniques

Current infection control guidelines

Legal and ethical issues relating to informed consent, duty of care, confidentiality and disability awareness

Principles and practices which underpin interpersonal communication

Principles of quality assurance and work effectiveness

Relevant occupational health and safety policies and procedures

The rationale and objectives for the taking of impressions for study models

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Consistently prepare clients, environments, instruments and materials for impression procedures

Consistently take a range of impressions

Consistently comply with occupational health and safety procedures

Consistently implement standard precautions

Consistently follow procedures to ensure client safety during impression procedures

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 apply standard precautions during impression taking procedures

Consistently select and prepare equipment and materials required for the impression procedure

Consistently take an impression for study models for:

clients who are edentulous

clients who are dentate

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

Consistently deal with conflict

Consistently work with others and display empathy with client and relatives

Consistently use problem solving skills required including:

planning and organising personal work activities

using available resources

Consistently maintain equipment, instruments and materials

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

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

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

Evidence of essential knowledge and understanding may be provided by:

traditional or online (computer-based) assessment

questions during workplace assessment

written assignments/projects

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

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.

Equipment and instruments may include:

Examination mirrors

Mixing bowl

Spatula

Stock impression tray

Storage container for transportation

Wax

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

Impression procedures may include:

Primary impressions

Impressions for:

study models

protective mouthguard

Impression trays may include but are not limited to:

Custom impression trays

Stock impression trays

Standard precautions must include:

Appropriate reprocessing and storage of reusable instruments

Personal hygiene practices especially washing and drying hands before and after client contact

Safe disposal of clinical waste

Surface cleaning and management of blood and body fluid spills

Techniques to limit contamination

Use of personal protective equipment

Common problems may include:

Bubbles on occlusal surfaces caused by the presence of saliva

Lack of labial sulcus extension

Nausea

Voids from inadequate material

This unit contains Employability Skills