Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.


Fluoride varnish refers to:
A highly concentrated form of fluoride which is applied to tooth's surface as a type of topical fluoride therapy
may be applied to enamel, dentine or cementum of tooth and can be used to help prevent decay, remineralise tooth surface and treat dentine hypersensitivity
not permanent varnish but due to adherent nature will stay in contact with tooth surface for several hours


Clients may include:
Clients with prescribed application of fluoride varnish in an individualised oral health care plans, such as those in:
aged care facilities
correctional facilities
mental health facilities
rural, remote or isolated communities


Oral health care plan may include:
A stand-alone individualised oral health care support plan
Care plan written by an appropriate health practitioner
Oral hygiene care plan
Personal care tasks embedded in a wider individualised plan


Contraindications may include but not be limited to:
A known allergy to one of the constituents of the varnish
Being pregnant or lactating
Last application less than three months earlier
Not having eaten prior to treatment


Significant others may include but are not limited to:
Any person with the appointed right to speak for the client, such as:
carers
guardians
members of family
other professionals


Benefits of fluoride varnish include but may not be limited to:
Prevention and reduction of dental caries
Reduced tooth sensitivity


Risks associated with fluoride varnish include but may not be limited to:
Incorrect dose which may be toxic
Over-application i.e. less than three months apart
Swallowing fluoride varnish which can be toxic and corrective action i.e. drinking milk must be taken


Advantages of fluoride varnish over other procedures includes but may not be limited to:
Can be used in some cases where there is tooth sensitivity resulting from erosion or abrasion
Dries rapidly and will set even in presence of saliva
Has sticky consistency which helps it adhere to tooth's surface
Quickly applied


Disadvantages of fluoride varnish over other procedures includes but may not be limited to:
Is technique sensitive and poor technique, such as not covering entire specified surface negates outcomes
May cause a temporary change in the surface colour of teeth as well as some filling materials
May cause gagging and/or vomiting
May require a dry field during application
Requires client cooperation


Consent may be:
Verbal
Written


Fluoride varnish kit may consist of:
Applicator/micro-brush
Cotton rolls
Fluoride varnish
Gauze for cleaning tooth in preparation for varnish


Appropriate amount of fluoride varnish refers to:
Amount as stated in the product application guidelines or oral health care plan and depending upon the specific product


Apply fluoride varnish in correct manner refers to:
Keeping client mouth open and tongue away from teeth
Maintaining moisture control
Retracting lip, wiping and applying a thin layer of varnish to the teeth as prescribed in the oral health care plan
Ensuring varnish is applied only directly to the area prescribed in the oral health care plan without contact with other tissues
Wiping tongue to remove excess varnish using wipe
Never dispensing product in addition to that stated in the oral health care plan


Legislative requirements refer to:
Federal, state or territory legislation that may impact on workers' practices and responsibilities, noting that implementation of the unit of competency must reflect the legislative framework in which a worker operates


Organisation policies and procedures may include but not be limited to:
Clinical protocols
Position descriptions
Workplace policies and procedures, including:
infection control
WHS


Standard precautions refer to infection control and include:
Washing hands before and after oral care
Appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including:
gloves
mask
eye/facial protection e.g. glasses/face shield
gown
Use, where appropriate, environmental barriers, such as plastic coverings on chair headrests
Disposal of PPE
Appropriate handling of contaminated waste
Effective environmental cleaning


Recommended guidelines for eating, drinking fluids and brushing/cleaning teeth include:
Client should not eat or drink for specified time as per product instructions to prevent removal of fluoride varnish unless necessary e.g. if diabetic
Client should avoid hot foods and should eat a soft, non-abrasive diet for the rest of the day
Drinking cool fluids, preferably water, is acceptable
Resume regular and effective oral health procedures as per practitioners recommendations in the oral health care plan

EVIDENCE GUIDE

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 unit of competency:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
This unit is best assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace under the normal range of conditions
Consistency in performance should consider the particular workplace context


Access and equity considerations:
All workers in health and community services environments should be aware of access, equity and human rights 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 issues facing Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities


Context of and specific resources for assessment:
This unit can be delivered and assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged
Resources required for assessment include:
access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place
simulation of realistic workplace setting


Method of assessment:
In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspects in the work environment, the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on 'What if?' scenarios
Assessment of this unit of competency will include observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning on essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over a range of relevant workplace conditions


Related units:
This unit may be assessed independently or in conjunction with other units with associated workplace application