Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement an individualised oral hygiene program and promote oral health.
This unit applies to dental assistants and to other health care workers who are actively involved in promoting the general well-being of patients through promotion of healthy eating habits and good oral health.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1.Implement a prescribed oral health education program | 1.1 Follow a prescribed oral health education program 1.2 Review patient’s current oral hygiene routines 1.3 Provide information on the causes and prevention of oral diseases to patient or carer appropriately and completely using language that can be easily understood 1.4 Provide an appropriate environment for patient or carer to ask questions and become involved in improving their oral health 1.5 Actively encourage patient or carer to follow an effective individual oral health program 1.6 Implement a review strategy to determine the effectiveness of the oral health education program |
2. Demonstrate oral hygiene techniques to patient or carer | 2.1 Demonstrate the presence of plaque to patient or carer using disclosing solution 2.2 Demonstrate a variety of relevant oral hygiene techniques specific to patient needs 2.3 Provide information about the advantages of different oral hygiene techniques and involve patient or carer in the decision-making process 2.4 Assist patient or carer in implementing relevant oral hygiene techniques 2.5 Demonstrate how to use appropriate aids specific to patient needs and necessary to achieve and maintain effective oral hygiene 2.6 Evaluate patient or carer oral hygiene techniques and give further instruction when appropriate 2.7 Provide information appropriately on the effectiveness and availability of fluoride as directed by the operator |
3. Provide appropriate advice on cariogenic food and drinks | 3.1 Involve patient or carer in a review of current dietary habits 3.2 Develop and give patient or carer appropriate information on acids and fermentable carbohydrates in a manner they can understand 3.3 Actively encourage patient or carer to ask questions or express views |
4. Perform a saliva diagnostic test and record the results | 4.1 Provide full details of the procedure to patient or carer 4.2 Provide specific instructions to patient or carer before the appointment where a saliva diagnostic test is planned 4.3 Select and prepare appropriate materials for a saliva diagnostic test 4.4 Perform a resting or unstimulated saliva test and record the result in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions 4.5 Perform a stimulated saliva test and record the result in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions |
5. Implement a prescribed prevention program to suit an individual patient | 5.1 Provide information appropriately, and as directed by the operator, on lifestyle change to assist with diminished salivary flow 5.2 Provide appropriate information on materials that can provide additional external protection to the teeth 5.3 Explain methods to increase salivary stimulation as directed by the operator 5.4 Assist the patient or carers to implement prescribed oral hygiene programs in response to saliva quality and composition |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
• provided complete and appropriate information to at least 10 different patients including:
- providing information on the prevention of oral diseases
- providing advice and demonstrating oral hygiene techniques
- using learning and motivational skills to inform and motivate behaviour change.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
fundamental oral anatomy including:
- 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
- dentition – arrangement of the teeth, naming and coding of teeth
plaque and its differing roles in the development of dental caries and periodontal disease
saliva and its role in maintenance of oral health including:
- protecting teeth by neutralising acid
- acting as a lubricant
- delivering calcium, phosphate and fluoride to the tooth surface
understanding of the biochemical, pathological or pharmacological influences on diagnostic salivary testing and results
factors that lead to the development of dental caries including:
- bacteria in dental plaque
- diet
- susceptible tooth surfaces
- socioeconomic background including dietary intake
- mental health conditions and awareness of oral health issues
- age of teeth
factors that prevent and control dental caries:
- increasing salivary flow and optimising its composition
- fluorides
- plaque control and removal
- dietary change
- oral health education
factors that lead to the development of periodontal disease including:
- bacteria in dental plaque
- accumulation of plaque and calculus
- smoking
- medications
- age of teeth
factors that prevent and control periodontal disease including:
- oral health education
- plaque control
- causes, and prevention, of non caries tooth wear:
- erosion
- abrasion
- attrition
role of properly constructed and fitted mouthguards in preventing dental injuries
fundamental knowledge of the impact of smoking on oral soft tissues
fundamental knowledge of systemic conditions which influence the development of oral disease
local oral factors which influence the development of oral disease
modifications to oral health education programs related to special needs due to disability, aged care and children’s needs
oral appliances and their impact on oral hygiene maintenance
legislative requirements related to the use of fluoride in dentistry.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in a dental clinic workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions.
The following conditions must be met for this unit:
• use suitable facilities, equipment and resources including:
- personal protective equipment
- cleaning equipment
- disposable and non-disposable instruments
- Dental Board of Australia guidelines on infection control
• modelling of industry operating conditions including access to real people for simulations and scenarios in dental assisting work.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
In addition, assessors must hold a minimum of 5 years clinical experience in dental assisting work.
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.