Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to construct removable orthodontic appliances.
This unit applies to work in dental technology.
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. Select and assemble components and materials | 1.1 Select materials for removable orthodontic appliances according to design and function specified in work order 1.2 Select the required pre-formed components and confirm they are fit for the purpose 1.3 Construct individual custom-made components according to work order |
2. Construct orthodontic appliance | 2.1 Secure components to model by appropriate means 2.2 Apply appropriate materials to the model to form a baseplate according to manufacturers’ instructions and the work order 2.3 Process the appliance using equipment and techniques according to manufacturers’ instructions and the work order |
3. Finish orthodontic appliances | 3.1 Select techniques, materials and equipment for trimming, finishing and polishing appropriate to the type and materials of the appliance 3.2 Trim and finish the baseplate to the thickness and coverage required 3.3 Finish and polish metal components ensuring surfaces that are free of sharp edges and irregularities 3.4 Evaluate the finished appliance 3.5 Decontaminate the appliance according to infection control guidelines 3.6 Place the appliance in a sealed container for dispatch |
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:
• read and correctly interpreted work order for the design of 1 orthodontic appliance with active and passive components
• used standard precautions and safe work practices to manufacture 1 orthodontic appliance ensuring it is a suitable for insertion in the mouth
• critically evaluated the 1 orthodontic appliance produced to meet technical laboratory and patient requirements, including that it:
- is free from defects
- is suitable for insertion in the mouth
- is effective for the purpose
- meets the requirements of the planned design
- complies with the work order.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
• Australian/New Zealand Standards, workplace health and safety (WHS) policies, Dental Board of Australia guidelines on infection control, Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation and organisation policies relating to dental laboratory work
• fundamental oral anatomy including:
- 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
- articulation and occlusion
• aims and objectives of orthodontic treatment using removable appliances
• how to select and fabricate components for removable orthodontic appliances:
- dental metallurgy
- wrought wire fabrication techniques.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in a dental laboratory workplace or in a simulated dental laboratory environment that reflects workplace laboratory conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
• use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources including:
- access to work order
- Dental Board of Australia guidelines on infection control on which the candidate bases the planning process
- laboratory safety manuals and procedures in line with relevant Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation
- WHS policies on which the candidate bases the planning process.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
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. |