Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required by practitioners working specifically in rural, remote and isolated areas and/or facilities that have knowledge and experience in oral health care, to apply fluoride varnish in line with prescribed treatment as outlined in an individualised oral health care plan and in accordance with relevant jurisdictional, legislative and regulatory requirements.
The unit applies to registered Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health practitioners, registered nurses and registered enrolled nurses in primary health care settings in rural, remote and isolated areas where the work roles may require the application of 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
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 the application of fluoride varnish | 1.1 Check scope of own work role to ensure it includes application of fluoride varnish as advised by an authorised oral health practitioner in an individualised oral health care plan 1.2 Confirm the patient’s oral health care plan, developed by an oral health practitioner, specifically includes the application of fluoride varnish and that there are no contraindications to this procedure 1.3 Confirm consent 1.4 Explain fluoride varnish application procedure to patient and/or family/carer and check their understanding of the benefits of fluoride varnish, need for regular applications, and the risks associated with fluoride varnish 1.5 Explain the advantages and disadvantages of fluoride varnish over other procedures 1.6 Prepare fluoride varnish kit and personal protective equipment (PPE) as required |
2. Apply fluoride varnish to teeth | 2.1 Position the patient for safety and comfort 2.2 Use PPE in accordance with infection control policies and procedures throughout procedure 2.3 Prepare teeth for fluoride varnish application in accordance with product instructions and application protocols 2.4 Dispense appropriate amount of fluoride varnish 2.5 Apply fluoride varnish in correct manner with applicator to teeth as recommended in the oral health care plan |
3. Provide information to patient and/or family/carer about post-application advice and follow up requirements | 3.1 Advise patient and/or family/carer of the importance of following instructions and recommended guidelines for eating, drinking fluids and brushing/cleaning teeth following fluoride varnish application 3.2 Inform patient and/or family/carer of any expected short term changes in tooth appearance or sensation, including colour, feel or taste 3.3 Provide post-application information to patient and/or family/carer in both verbal and written or picture formats as appropriate to their individual needs or preferences 3.4 Ensure patient and/or family/carer understand oral health practitioner’s recommended schedule for ongoing application in line with their individualised oral health care plan |
4. Record and document information about the application | 4.1 Record and document details of the application undertaken, information provided and any concerns arising during contact with patient and/or family/carer 4.2 Use relevant technology to complete documentation according to organisation's policies and procedures |
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.