This unit applies to work in dental technology

Pre-requisite units

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

HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures

HLTWHS300A Contribute to WHS processes

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Articulate by means of face-bow

1.1 Receive face-bow with completed bite registration

1.2 Read and interpret prescription card

1.3 Articulate on an industry specific articulator in accordance with operator requirements

2. Prepare case for setting of teeth

2.1 Select artificial teeth in accordance with prescription

2.2 Modify bases and rims as required for positioning teeth

3. Arrange artificial teeth

3.1 Follow prescription to position and attach the prescribed artificial teeth

3.2 Shape and contour the supportive wax and contour to gingival outline

4. Wax up denture for try-in

4.1 Contour facial and lingual aspects

4.2 Locate and relieve muscle attachments

4.3 Smooth and round peripheral extensions

4.4 Confirm distal extensions

4.5 Decontaminate the trial prosthesis according to infection control guidelines

4.6 Dry the trial prosthesis and place in a sealed container for dispatch

5. Check and modify the returned trial prosthesis

5.1 Decontaminate the returned prosthesis and identify any modifications that are required

5.2 Check the returned trial prosthesis for loosening or movement of teeth and make necessary adjustments

5.3 Fit the returned trial prosthesis to the model if it needs to be modified, articulate and make necessary modifications

6. Wax case for finish consistent with prescription

6.1 Evaluate the prescription, the casts and the denture design and decide whether to use a duplicate cast for processing the final prosthesis

6.2 Apply wax as required by work order

6.3 Contour facial and lingual aspects

7. Select and prepare materials and processing technique

7.1 Identify the appropriate polymer system for case

7.2 Identify the appropriate investment technique

7.3 Identify the appropriate processing cycle

7.4 Select polymeric material to construct the prosthesis

7.5 Prepare system components in accordance with manufacturer's instructions

7.6 Allow materials to reach application stage

8. Process denture or appliance

8.1 Apply appropriate investment techniques

8.2 Apply material to mould

8.3 Process the polymeric material for the correct length of time at the correct temperature

8.4 Devest model and remove the processed prosthesis without causing damage to it

8.5 Trim excess material and remount on articulator

9. Finish denture or appliance

9.1 Select methods, materials and equipment for trimming, finishing and polishing the prosthesis appropriate to the appliance and the materials used in its construction

9.2 Reposition models on the articulator where possible

9.3 Assess the articulated prosthesis and confirm that articulation is appropriate to the prescription

9.4 Make any necessary adjustments to maintain original vertical dimension

9.5 Remove any processing irregularities and sharp edges

9.6 Polish the non-fitting surfaces of the prosthesis to create smooth, polished surfaces

9.7 Evaluatethe finished prosthesis

9.8 Decontaminate the dentures according to infection control guidelines

9.9 Place in a sealed container for dispatch

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

Articulation procedures

Fundamental knowledge of the properties of dental material including:

atomic structure

chemical bonding and reactions

classification of materials

classification of matter

properties of materials

Fundamental knowledge of dental polymers including:

acrylic and modified acrylic prosthetic teeth

acrylic plastics as soft liners

acrylic plastics for denture bases including composition and properties

acrylic-metal combinations

acrylics for construction of custom trays

modified acrylic denture base plastics including manipulation and processing

the polymerisation process including cross-linked polymers, copolymers, modified polymers and vinyl plastics

Infection control guidelines for the decontamination of clinical material

Mechanical devices: articulators, face-bows

Recording techniques and devices

Relevant material science for carrying out procedures

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Consistently arrange artificial teeth in accordance with the requirements of prescription

Consistently wax, process and finish acrylic prostheses to a standard suitable for insertion in the mouth

Consistently comply with current infection control guidelines, Australian Standards and legislative requirements as they relate to the dental technician’s specific job role

Consistently comply with work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures as they relate to the dental technician’s specific job role

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 the decontamination of clinical materials

Consistently follow work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures

Consistently follow safe work practices and apply standard precautions during the construction of complete removable acrylic dentures and appliances

Consistently follow sequenced written instructions and manufacturer’s specifications for the preparation of materials

Consistently read and interpret the prescription correctly

Use appropriate practices to ensure efficient use of power and other resources

Use literacy skills to read and follow directions, policies and procedures including:

laboratory policies and procedures

material safety data sheets

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

Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Simulations may be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

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

written assignments/projects

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

Questioning

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.

Artificial teethmay include:

Acrylic

Porcelain

Positioning and attaching the prescribed artificial teeth may include:

Working in a manner that produces:

occlusion and articulation that is appropriate to the client's recorded jaw relationship

the desired aesthetic appearance

a prosthesis that maximises stability, support and retention

maximum masticatory efficiency

Factors to be considered when selecting polymeric materialmay include:

The preference of the clinical operator

The other materials in the prosthesis

The aesthetic requirements of the finished prosthesis

Confirmation of articulation may include:

Restoring centric occlusion

Restoring balanced occlusion

Restoring function

Evaluation ofthe finished prosthesis may include:

The quality of the finished prosthesis and freedom from defects including:

porosities

impurities through the acrylic

inadequate adaptation of acrylic to teeth

movement of teeth

The functional effectiveness of the design

Fit to the model

Compliance with the original prescription

This unit contains Employability Skills