This unit applies to work in dental prosthetics at advanced diploma level

Pre-requisite units

This unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisites:

HLTDP601D Identify, select and prepare instruments, equipment, materials as required

HLTDP602D Gather data, conduct a dental prosthetic examination and develop a treatment plan

HLTDP603C Take impressions

HLTDP604D Measure and record jaw relationships and select artificial teeth

HLTDP605D Evaluate a removable dental prosthesis at try-in stage

HLTHIN302B Process reusable instruments and equipment in health work

HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures

HLTWHS401A Maintain workplace WHS processes

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare client for procedure

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

1.2 Position client correctly for procedure

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

1.4 Prepare equipment and materials in accordance with manufacturer's instructions

2. Check the removable dental prosthesis prior to insertion

2.1 Decontaminate the completed removable dental prosthesis according to infection control guidelines

2.2 Remove potential injury causing areas of the prosthesis prior to insertion

2.3 Interpret advice from laboratory on fitting procedures and potential problems

3. Fit and evaluate the prosthesis

3.1 Implement aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of infection

3.2 Position the client comfortably for the procedure

3.3 Instruct client on participation during the procedure

3.4 Examine the prothesis for retention and stability

3.5 Check the fitting surfaces of the appliance and ensure there are no sharp ridges or acrylic pearls

3.6 Place denture in the mouth and assess that no over-extensions occur along the periphery of the dentures

3.7 Confirm the occlusal relationships are acceptable

3.8 Assess aesthetics

3.9 Assess phonetics

3.10 Assess client comfort

4. Alter prosthesis

4.1 Use materials and equipment required to carry out alterations in accordance with manufacturer's instructions

4.2 Alter the fitting surface when pressure is indicated or when discrepancies to retention and stability are found

4.3 Add materials to correct major discrepancies, either intra-orally or using a reline technique

4.4 Adjust occlusion of the prosthesis using occlusal indicator materials where required

4.5 Complete documentation

5. Evaluate procedure and instruct the client

5.1 Discuss hygiene and maintenance instructions for the removable dental prosthesis and supporting structures with the client and/or carer

5.2 Provide advice on necessary follow up treatment to client and/or carer

5.3 Reach mutual agreement that all outcomes of the treatment have been fulfilled

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:

Current infection control guidelines

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

Principles of quality assurance and work effectiveness

Relevant work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures

The rationale and objectives for insertion of completed prostheses

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Consistently prepare clients, environments, instruments and materials for insertion of the completed prosthesis

Consistently assess the functional and aesthetic acceptability of the completed prosthesis

Consistently comply with work health and safety (WHS) procedures

Consistently implement standard precautions

Consistently follow procedures to ensure client safety

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 and additional precautions during all prosthetic procedures

Consistently select and prepare equipment and materials as required for insertion and modification of dental prostheses

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

Recognise, respond to and assist with dental and medical emergencies

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 prosthetist's specific job role

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.

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

Equipment and materials for insertion of a prosthesis may include but is not limited to:

Burs

Examination mirrors

Handpiece

Impression materials

Light cured acrylic

Occlusal indicators

Pressure indicator paste

Self and heat cured acrylic

Waxes

Completed dental prostheses may include:

Additions to existing denture

Complete dentures

Mouthguards

Partial dentures

Relines or rebases

Repairs to existing dentures

Aseptic techniquesmay include:

Cleaning of surfaces and management of spills

Personal hygiene practices especially handwashing

Reprocessing of instruments and equipment between client use

Use of personal protective equipment

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills

The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged will assist in identifying Employability Skill requirements