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, occupational health and safety procedures, Australian and New Zealand Standards and legislative

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

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

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

dentition - Arrangement of the teeth, naming and coding of teeth

Plaque and its differing roles in the development of dental caries and periodontal disease

Saliva and its role in the maintenance of oral health

protecting teeth by neutralising acid

acting as a lubricant

delivering calcium, phosphate and fluoride to the tooth surface

The interaction of factors that lead to the development of dental caries including:

bacteria in dental plaque

diet

susceptible tooth surfaces

The interaction of factors that prevent and control dental caries

increasing salivary flow and optimising its composition

fluorides

plaque control and removal

dietary change

The interaction of factors that lead to the development of periodontal disease including:

bacteria in dental plaque

accumulation of plaque and calculus

smoking

The interaction of factors that prevent and control periodontal disease including:

client education

plaque control

Causes, and prevention, of non caries tooth wear:

erosion

abrasion

attrition

Fundamental knowledge of the impact of smoking on oral soft tissues

Fundamental knowledge of systemic conditions which influence the development of oral disease

Local oral factors which influence the development of oral disease

continued ...

Essential knowledge (contd):

Legislative requirements related to the use of fluoride in dentistry

Modification to standard toothbrushes and other aids for oral hygiene to meet the needs of clients with reduced dexterity

Modifications to oral health education programs related to special needs due to disability, aged care and dementia

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Consistently provide complete and appropriate information on the prevention of oral diseases to clients, carers and others.

Consistently provide complete and appropriate information, advice and demonstration of oral hygiene techniques to clients, carers and others.

Consistently implement appropriate prevention programs to suit individual clients.

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:

Apply fundamental motivational and learning skills

Consistently follow sequenced written instructions and manufacturer specifications for the preparation of materials and/or medicaments

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:

selecting and preparing special aids for oral hygiene to assist clients with limited dexterity

using available resources

Use communication skills to effectively inform and motivate behaviour change

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Factors which increase the risk of oral disease for older persons may include but are not limited to :

Lifestyle factors:

poor diet and dietary habits

smoking

habits

Systemic factors:

medically compromised

reduced salivary flow and reduced capacity of saliva to dilute food acids and return ph of saliva back to a neutral level

Age factors:

Reduced manually dexterity

Mental health

Reduced rate of food clearance from the mouth

Reduced access to care

Reduced amounts of fluoride, calcium and phosphate to assist with tooth repair after acid attack

Oral health problems for older people may include but are not limited to:

Reduced salivary flow which may be a result of:

consumption of caffeine and alcohol

medications

increased levels of stress producing adrenaline

A high level of tooth loss and edentulism which will:

reduce chewing capacity

affect food choices

cause weight loss

Dental caries especially root caries

High prevalence of periodontal disease

Problems that require referral may include but are not limited to:

Areas in the mouth which are white, red or a combination of white and red areas

Bad breath

Broken or lost dentures

Difficulty in eating

Dry mouth

Ill fitting or loose dentures

Localised or general pain in the mouth

Swollen, bleeding or inflamed gums, oral abscesses and ulcers

Economic and psychological factors may include but are not limited to:

A lack of dental care tradition

Financial hardships following retirement

Inequity of access to dental care

Negative attitudes towards oral health

The cost or perceived cost of treatment

Individual circumstances which require special consideration may include:

Communication needs

Culture

Disability

Economic circumstances

Geographical location

Language

Denture identification marking may include:

Ensuring all new appliances are marked with the client's name

Requesting dentist or prosthetist to engrave the client's name into the denture base

Using a marking kit

an indelible pencil

clear varnish

Record of oral healthmay include but is not limited to:

Dental status

own teeth

partial upper/lower dentures

full upper/lower dentures

Medical, psychological and pharmacological conditions impacting on oral health

Capacity of client to undertake

personal self-care

supervised self-care

assisted or partial self-care

fully dependent on carer for personal care

Document details of dental care provided including:

denture cleaning

assisted tooth brushing

dental examination provided by dentist

Specific oral health concerns including:

xerostomia

Oral hygiene information may include:

Manual and electric tooth brushing technique

Modifications to application of program for carers of special needs and aged care clients

Modifications to toothbrush handles for specific needs of client and/or carer

Use of dental floss

Use of fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses when appropriate

Use of other specific oral hygiene aids when appropriate

Lifestyle changesmay include:

Decreasing the intake of acids and fermentable carbohydrates

Decreasing the intake of alcohol and caffeine

Increasing water intake

Reducing or stopping a smoking habit

Healthy food habits that support oral health may include but are not limited to:

Discouraging continuous snacking with biscuits, confectionary and desserts

Encouraging the use of sugar-free sweets

Ensuring that desserts are eaten with meals

Reducing the frequency of eating sweet, sticky foods, confectionary and soft drinks