HLTOHC003
Apply and manage use of basic oral health products


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply and manage use of basic oral health products and provide assistance to patients in the use of those products as identified in an individualised oral health care plan.

This unit applies to workers whose work roles specifically include the application of identified oral health products in line with product guidelines and in compliance with all regulations related to the supply and use of regulated products (excluding fluoride varnish).

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards for maintaining infection control and the policies and procedures of the oral health practice or organisation


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements define the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria specify the level of performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element

1. Prepare for and participate in the application of basic oral health care products

1.1 Identify and comply with manufacturers’ guidelines relating to each product and its application

1.2 Identify high risk products and comply with specific guidelines relating to their application

1.3 Explain product application process and purpose to patient and/or carer in line with product guidelines, oral health care benefits and any risks

1.4 Obtain feedback from patient to determine that procedure is understood and obtain consent from patient and/or carer to undertake process

1.5 Confirm patient is comfortably positioned according to their individual needs

1.6 Prepare products and equipment as required and check the expiry date on product

2. Apply basic oral health care products

2.1 Determine volume and strength to apply of product in a safe and effective manner in line with oral health care plan and product guidelines

2.2 Supervise and support patient to apply own product where able

2.3 Where assistance is required position self to suit patient or situation

2.4 Ensure application is undertaken using correct size/type applicator at correct location

2.5 Adapt techniques or arrangements outlined in the oral health care plan in case of patient refusal or inability to comply

3. Support oral health and oral hygiene of patients with special care needs

3.1 Support patient with special care needs in line with oral health care plan

3.2 Be aware of common oral health problems associated with patients with palliative care needs and take appropriate action in line with their needs

3.3 Understand oral health problems associated with nil by mouth instructions and take appropriate action in line with patient needs

3.4 Access relevant information on common difficulties associated with dementia that may result in oral health problems and take appropriate action in line with patient needs

3.5 Update knowledge of common side effects of medication on oral health and initiate follow up care with health practitioner on identified patient needs

3.6 Ensure identified preventive measures are implemented in line with oral health care plan

4. Complete reporting and documentation and evaluate outcomes

4.1 Document and record processes undertaken and report any concerns arising during oral health practices

4.2 Maintain and file documentation using relevant technology

4.3 Evaluate the feedback and outcomes of the processes undertaken in collaboration with health care team to adjust oral health care plan

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.