Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 2:23 AM AWST
23/07/2026 2:23 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Implement an individualised oral hygiene program
Implement an individualised oral hygiene program
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTDA407D
HLTDA407D
State Code
WD108
WD108
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
19/07/2012
Field of Education
060799 - Dental Studies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
19/07/2012
Nominal Hours
80
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement an individualised oral hygiene program and promote good oral health as part of general good healthThis unit acknowledges that dental diseases are the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide and that oral health is essential to quality of lifeAll procedures are carried out in accordance with work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures, current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards, State/Territory legislative requirements and organisation policy
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Implement a prescribed oral health education program
- 1.1 Follow a prescribed oral health education program if available
- 1.2 Review the client's current oral hygiene routines
- 1.3 Provide information on the causes of oral diseases to clients and carers appropriately and completely using language that can be easily understood
- 1.4 Provide information on the prevention of oral diseases to clients and carers appropriately and completely using language that can be easily understood
- 1.5 Provide an appropriate environment for the client and/or carer to ask questions and become involved in oral health
- 1.6 Actively encourage the client and/or carer to follow an effective individual oral health program
- 1.7 Implement a review strategy to determine the effectiveness of the oral health education program
2. Demonstrate oral hygiene techniques to client and/or carer
- 2.1 Demonstrate the presence of plaque to client and/or carer using disclosing solution
- 2.2 Demonstrate a variety of relevant oral hygiene techniques specific to client needs
- 2.3 Provide information about the advantages of different oral hygiene techniques and involve the client and/or carer in the decision making process
- 2.4 Assist the client and/or carer with the implementation of relevant techniques
- 2.5 Demonstrate the use of appropriate aids specific to client needs necessary to achieve and maintain effective oral hygiene
- 2.6 Evaluate client and/or carer oral hygiene techniques and give further instruction when appropriate
- 2.7 Provide information appropriately on the effectiveness and availability of fluoride as directed by the operator
3. Provide appropriate advice on cariogenic food and drinks
- 3.1 Involve the client and/or carer in a review of current dietary habits
- 3.2 Develop and give clients and/or carers appropriate information on acids and fermentable carbohydrates in a manner they can understand
- 3.3 Actively encourage the client and/or carer to ask questions or express views
4. Perform a saliva diagnostic test and record the results
- 4.1 Provide full details of the procedure to the client and/or carer
- 4.2 Provide specific instructions to the client and/or carer before the appointment where a saliva diagnostic test is planned
- 4.3 Select the appropriate materials for a saliva diagnostic test
- 4.4 Perform a resting or unstimulated saliva test and record the result in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
- 4.5 Perform a stimulated saliva test and record the result in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
5. Implement a prescribed prevention program to suit an individual client
- 5.1 Provide information appropriately on lifestyle change where salivary flow may be diminished as directed by the operator
- 5.2 Provide appropriate information on materials that can provide additional external protection to the teeth
- 5.3 Explain methods to increase salivary stimulation as directed by the operator
- 5.4 Assist the client and/or carers to implement prescribed oral hygiene programs in response to saliva quality and composition
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.
Prescribed oral health education program may include but is not limited to:
Written and/or verbal advice
Brochures, information sheets
Prescribed home fluoride treatments
Recommended toothpaste, toothbrush and oral hygiene aids for home use
Modifications due to disability and aged care requirements
Age dependent modifications for children
Oral diseases targeted in an oral hygiene program may include:
Dental caries
Damage to dentition due to trauma
Damage to oral tissues due to cigarette smoking
Effects of low salivary flow
Non carious tooth wear
erosion
abrasion
attrition
Periodontal disease
Causes of oral diseasesmay include but are not limited to:
Alterations to the quantity and composition of saliva
Bacteria in dental plaque
Diet
Consumption of foods with high sugar content
Frequently consumption foods with high sugar content
Consumption of highly acidic foods and drinks
Smoking
Susceptible tooth surfaces
Prevention of oral diseasesmay include but is not limited to:
Dietary change
Fluorides
Increasing salivary flow and optimising its composition
Plaque control and removal
Oral hygiene techniques may include but are not limited to:
Manual and electric tooth brushing technique
Modifications for young children
Modifications to application of program for carers of special needs and aged care clients
Modifications to techniques required for clients wearing oral appliances
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
The availability of fluoride is determined by legislative requirements and is currently limited to use of:
Fluoride toothpastes
Fluoride mouth rinses available without prescription
Appropriate information on acids and fermentable carbohydrates may include but is not limited to:
The development of dental caries and its relation to:
the frequency of eating foods containing added sugars
the consistency of foods containing added sugars
the consumption of highly acidic drinks that may also have a high sugar content
Specific instructions for a saliva diagnostic test must include:
Requesting the client not to smoke, consume food or drink, brush their teeth or use a mouthwash for at least one hour before the scheduled appointment time
A resting or unstimulated saliva test may include:
Visual examination - hydration
visually assess salivary production from the small salivary glands in the lip
Resting pH of unstimulated saliva
Visual examination - viscosity
visually assess the consistency of resting saliva
A stimulated saliva test may include:
Stimulated flow - quantity
Stimulated flow - buffering capacity or quality
Lifestyle change may include:
Decreased intake of acids and fermentable carbohydrates
Decreased intake of alcohol and caffeine
Increased water intake
Reduced smoking
Additional external protection may include:
Introduction of supplements containing CPP-ACP
Increased exposure to fluoride
Methods to increase salivary stimulation may include:
Chewing foods such as sugar-free gum that stimulate salivary flow
Eating foods that stimulate taste
Altered oral hygiene programs may include:
Changed cleaning times
Improved cleaning and flossing skills
Prescribed oral health education program may include but is not limited to:
Written and/or verbal advice
Brochures, information sheets
Prescribed home fluoride treatments
Recommended toothpaste, toothbrush and oral hygiene aids for home use
Modifications due to disability and aged care requirements
Age dependent modifications for children
Oral diseases targeted in an oral hygiene program may include:
Dental caries
Damage to dentition due to trauma
Damage to oral tissues due to cigarette smoking
Effects of low salivary flow
Non carious tooth wear
erosion
abrasion
attrition
Periodontal disease
Causes of oral diseasesmay include but are not limited to:
Alterations to the quantity and composition of saliva
Bacteria in dental plaque
Diet
Consumption of foods with high sugar content
Frequently consumption foods with high sugar content
Consumption of highly acidic foods and drinks
Smoking
Susceptible tooth surfaces
Prevention of oral diseasesmay include but is not limited to:
Dietary change
Fluorides
Increasing salivary flow and optimising its composition
Plaque control and removal
Oral hygiene techniques may include but are not limited to:
Manual and electric tooth brushing technique
Modifications for young children
Modifications to application of program for carers of special needs and aged care clients
Modifications to techniques required for clients wearing oral appliances
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
The availability of fluoride is determined by legislative requirements and is currently limited to use of:
Fluoride toothpastes
Fluoride mouth rinses available without prescription
Appropriate information on acids and fermentable carbohydrates may include but is not limited to:
The development of dental caries and its relation to:
the frequency of eating foods containing added sugars
the consistency of foods containing added sugars
the consumption of highly acidic drinks that may also have a high sugar content
Specific instructions for a saliva diagnostic test must include:
Requesting the client not to smoke, consume food or drink, brush their teeth or use a mouthwash for at least one hour before the scheduled appointment time
A resting or unstimulated saliva test may include:
Visual examination - hydration
visually assess salivary production from the small salivary glands in the lip
Resting pH of unstimulated saliva
Visual examination - viscosity
visually assess the consistency of resting saliva
A stimulated saliva test may include:
Stimulated flow - quantity
Stimulated flow - buffering capacity or quality
Lifestyle change may include:
Decreased intake of acids and fermentable carbohydrates
Decreased intake of alcohol and caffeine
Increased water intake
Reduced smoking
Additional external protection may include:
Introduction of supplements containing CPP-ACP
Increased exposure to fluoride
Methods to increase salivary stimulation may include:
Chewing foods such as sugar-free gum that stimulate salivary flow
Eating foods that stimulate taste
Altered oral hygiene programs may include:
Changed cleaning times
Improved cleaning and flossing skills
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 desirable for assessment of this unit
Consistent compliance with infection control guidelines, WHS procedures, Australian and New Zealand Standards and legislative requirements as they relate to the dental assistant'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
Related units:
This unit may be assessed in conjunction with:
BSBCMM401A Make a presentation
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 desirable for assessment of this unit
Consistent compliance with infection control guidelines, WHS procedures, Australian and New Zealand Standards and legislative requirements as they relate to the dental assistant'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
Related units:
This unit may be assessed in conjunction with:
BSBCMM401A Make a presentation
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5852 | HLTDA407C | Implement an individualised oral hygiene program | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWA50 | HLTDEN004 | Implement an individualised oral hygiene program | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J092 | HLT43012 | Certificate IV in Dental Assisting | Qualification |