Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 2:10 AM AWST
23/07/2026 2:10 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.
Produce a dental radiographic image
Produce a dental radiographic image
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTDA412D
HLTDA412D
State Code
WD113
WD113
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
24/08/2012
Field of Education
060703 - Dental Assisting
Original Release Date
24/08/2012
Nominal Hours
80
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate dental radiographic equipment and position the client and radiographic film in order to produce a diagnostic imageAll procedures are carried out in accordance with work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures, current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards for maintaining infection control and the policies and procedures of the dental practice or organisationAll tasks are carried out in accordance with state or territory legislative requirements
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Position client to obtain radiographic image
- 1.1 Implement and maintain radiation safety measures for the client, operator and others throughout the procedure
- 1.2 Position the client correctly
- 1.3 Maintain communication with the client
2. Position dental radiographic film
- 2.1 Select the appropriate technical variables on the dental radiographic unit according to manufacturer specifications, procedure and client requirements
- 2.2 Select the appropriate radiographic technique according to the tooth under investigation and the anatomy of the oral cavity
- 2.3 Select and position correctly the appropriate film for the client's requirements
- 2.4 Select and use film locating devices to position the film correctly when appropriate
- 2.5 Select accessories when appropriate according to manufacturer specifications
3. Operate radiographic imaging equipment safely to produce image
- 3.1 Operate equipment according to manufacturer specifications and legislative requirements for the safe use of radiation in dentistry
- 3.2 Ensure the client does not move and remains visible throughout the procedure
- 3.3 Remove the exposed dental radiographic film package carefully from the mouth
- 3.4 Label the exposed radiographic film package correctly prior to processing
4. Process and provide quality assurance for the exposed dental radiographic film
- 4.1 Process the radiographic film correctly
- 4.2 Assess visual qualities of the processed film
- 4.3 Identify and correct processing errors
- 4.4 Identify and correct errors in technique
- 4.5 Mount and store radiographic images correctly
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.
Radiation safety measuresfor the client may include:
Appropriate technique
Correct processing procedures to minimise re-takes
Film selection
Legislative requirements and codes of practice
Technical features of the radiographic unit as determined by manufacturer specifications including:
kilovoltage
filtration
x-ray beam collimation
Use of film locating devices
Use of lead aprons
Radiation safety for the operator and others includes but is not limited to:
Determination of pregnancy
Distance from primary beam
Legislative requirements
Maintenance of radiographic equipment
Maximum permissible dose (MPD) of radiation
Use of lead lined barriers
Appropriate technical variablesmay include:
Technical variables, milliamperage, kilovoltage and tube length are pre-determined by manufacturer specifications for radiographic unit or selected by the dentist or dental specialist prior to the procedure:
selection of technical variables of dental radiographic units by the dental assistant in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and client requirements may include but is not limited to exposure times.
Appropriate radiographic technique may include:
The bisected angle technique
The paralleling angle technique
Extra oral techniques:
horizontal and vertical angulation
film selection and placement
correct assembly of film locating device
positioning of client
use of intensifying screens
Client requirements may include but are not limited to consideration of:
Ability to comply with instructions
Age
Physical capabilities
Pregnancy
Size
Weight
Accessories may include but are not limited to:
Film locating devices
Film holders
Immobilisation equipment
Intensifying screens
Modifications for the use of film locating devices
Processing errors in films may include but are not limited to:
Film that is marked
Film with inadequate or low contrast
Film that is too dark
Film that is too light
Errors in techniques may include but are not limited to:
Failure to remove oral appliances and jewellery
Incorrect assembly and use of film locating device
Incorrect film placement
Incorrect horizontal and vertical angulation
Incorrect tubehead placement
Movement of client or film
Over/under exposure
Radiation safety measuresfor the client may include:
Appropriate technique
Correct processing procedures to minimise re-takes
Film selection
Legislative requirements and codes of practice
Technical features of the radiographic unit as determined by manufacturer specifications including:
kilovoltage
filtration
x-ray beam collimation
Use of film locating devices
Use of lead aprons
Radiation safety for the operator and others includes but is not limited to:
Determination of pregnancy
Distance from primary beam
Legislative requirements
Maintenance of radiographic equipment
Maximum permissible dose (MPD) of radiation
Use of lead lined barriers
Appropriate technical variablesmay include:
Technical variables, milliamperage, kilovoltage and tube length are pre-determined by manufacturer specifications for radiographic unit or selected by the dentist or dental specialist prior to the procedure:
selection of technical variables of dental radiographic units by the dental assistant in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and client requirements may include but is not limited to exposure times.
Appropriate radiographic technique may include:
The bisected angle technique
The paralleling angle technique
Extra oral techniques:
horizontal and vertical angulation
film selection and placement
correct assembly of film locating device
positioning of client
use of intensifying screens
Client requirements may include but are not limited to consideration of:
Ability to comply with instructions
Age
Physical capabilities
Pregnancy
Size
Weight
Accessories may include but are not limited to:
Film locating devices
Film holders
Immobilisation equipment
Intensifying screens
Modifications for the use of film locating devices
Processing errors in films may include but are not limited to:
Film that is marked
Film with inadequate or low contrast
Film that is too dark
Film that is too light
Errors in techniques may include but are not limited to:
Failure to remove oral appliances and jewellery
Incorrect assembly and use of film locating device
Incorrect film placement
Incorrect horizontal and vertical angulation
Incorrect tubehead placement
Movement of client or film
Over/under exposure
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, 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
Completion of a logbook, which registers all radiographs taken, in accordance with the licensing requirements of Radiation Health
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
Resources essential for assessment include:
access to dental radiographic imaging units and resources normally used in the workplace
radiographic viewing equipment
Competency in this unit should be assessed using all the relevant resources commonly provided in dental practice. Specific resources may include:
relevant dental practice/organisation policy and procedures manuals such as:
incident reporting procedures
infection control guidelines and relevant Australian and New Zealand Standards
WHS policy and procedures
relevant state and territory legislation
manufacturer specifications for dental radiographic units
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place is essential. Assessment in the workplace must be flexible to allow for client confidentiality and organisation policies
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
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 should be assessed in conjunction with the following related competency units:
HLTDA410D Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice
HLTDA411D Prepare to expose a prescribed dental radiographic image
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, 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
Completion of a logbook, which registers all radiographs taken, in accordance with the licensing requirements of Radiation Health
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
Resources essential for assessment include:
access to dental radiographic imaging units and resources normally used in the workplace
radiographic viewing equipment
Competency in this unit should be assessed using all the relevant resources commonly provided in dental practice. Specific resources may include:
relevant dental practice/organisation policy and procedures manuals such as:
incident reporting procedures
infection control guidelines and relevant Australian and New Zealand Standards
WHS policy and procedures
relevant state and territory legislation
manufacturer specifications for dental radiographic units
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place is essential. Assessment in the workplace must be flexible to allow for client confidentiality and organisation policies
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
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 should be assessed in conjunction with the following related competency units:
HLTDA410D Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice
HLTDA411D Prepare to expose a prescribed dental radiographic image
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5857 | HLTDA412C | Produce a dental radiographic image | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWA46 | HLTDEN009 | Produce a prescribed dental radiographic image | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J092 | HLT43012 | Certificate IV in Dental Assisting | Qualification |