HLTDET013
Construct oral splints


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to construct oral splints.

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. Construct splint

1.1 Select materials for the construction of splint in accordance with work order

1.2 Construct splint in accordance with work order

1.3 Process splint in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions

2. Trim, shape and finish splint

2.1 Trim splint according to material selection

2.2 Shape splint according to work order and recheck on articulator

2.3 Evaluate the splint

2.4 Finish the splint appropriately according to type of material selected

2.5 Decontaminate the appliance in accordance with infection control guidelines

2.6 Place the splint in a suitable 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:

• followed 1 set of sequenced written instructions and manufacturers’ instructions for the construction of 1 oral splint

• used standard precautions and safe work practices to design and manufacture 1 oral splint for a range of jaw relations and malocclusions

• finished at least 1 oral splint suitable for insertion in the mouth

• critically evaluated the 1 oral splint produced to meet technical laboratory and patient requirements, including confirming that the splint:

- is suitable for insertion in the mouth

- is free from defects

- 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

• dental metallurgy

• processing of wax patterns in acrylic resin

• relevant material science for carrying out procedures

• signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), including process for referrals

• use of surveying equipment

• use of vacuum forming procedures

• properties of materials used in the construction of oral splints, including:

- acrylic resins (heat activated, chemically activated, thermoformed)

- other relevant materials.


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 standard operating 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.