Elements and Performance Criteria

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.


Basic oral health care products include:
Products specified in the client's individualised oral health care plan, such as:
alcohol-free mouthwash
antibacterial products
lip moisturiser
non-medically prescribed therapeutic agents and topical analgesic
remineralisation products
saliva substitutes/stimulants:
chewing gum
gels
liquids
lozenges
sprays


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


High risk products may include:
Pharmacy only products, such as:
antifungal products
fluoride gel
high fluoride toothpaste
topical anaesthetic


Client refers to those living in the community and/or facilities and may include:
Children receiving care, including in children's services
Older persons
Palliative care clients
People in care or health facilities
People with acquired brain injury
People with dementia
People with disabilities
People with mental health issues


Substitute decision maker (in relation to consent) must be:
The person appointed with the right to speak for the client, such as:
advocate
carers
guardians
health attorneys
medical power of attorney
members of family
other practitioners
parent of child
person responsible
public trustee


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


Standard precautions refer to infection control and include:
Washing hands before and after oral care
Appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE):
gloves
mask
eye/facial protection e.g. glasses/face shield
gown
Disposal of PPE


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


Position self may include but is not limited to:
Front position:
sit client in chair facing you
if in bed, support their head with pillow
support client's chin with index finger and thumb without placing pressure on throat
use thumb holding chin to roll down and hold lower lip for better vision and access
client mouth to be partly opened to comfortable level
Stand behind position/head support position:
stand behind and to the side of client
rest client's head against side of your body and in the crook of your arm
support client's chin with your index finger and thumb without placing pressure on throat
use thumb holding chin to roll down and hold lower lip for better vision and access
client mouth to be partly opened to comfortable level


Oral health refers to but may not be limited to:
A person's mouth that has:
breath without offensive odour
inflammation and lesion-free soft tissue
intact and stable teeth without cavities
moist lips without chapping
no build up of food, calculus or plaque
no oral pain
pink, moist, uncoated tongue
watery plentiful saliva
Looking after the whole mouth, including natural and artificial teeth, gums, tongue, lips and inside the cheeks
Oral health related quality of life factors, such as appearance, social interaction and self-esteem


Special care needs may include but are not limited to:
Support for clients:
following loss of tooth through injury
following loss of tooth through extraction
post-surgery or trauma
receiving palliative care
undergoing chemotherapy
who are ageing
who have enteral feeding, such as via a nasogastric tube or a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube
who have a communication deficit
who have intellectual or physical disability
who have medical or psychiatric conditions
who have nil by mouth instructions
who have swallowing issues (dysphagia)
who have dementia


Common oral health problems associated with clients with palliative care needs may include but are not limited to:
Angular cheilitis
Candida (thrush)
Debris
Dental caries
Dry mouth and/or lips
Excessive saliva
Hairy leukoplakia
Herpes simplex
Kaposis sarcomis (HIV patients only)
Sensitive mouth
Ulcers, including viral and traumatic


Common oral health problemsassociated with nil by mouth instructions include but are not limited to:
affected vocal function
dry mouth (xerostomia) which can decrease saliva and may result in discomfort
increased bacteria and decreased protection against bacteria


Common difficulties associated with dementia that may result in oral health problems include but are not limited to:
Behavioural, such as not eating or drinking water
Memory difficulties
Paranoia
Side effects of medications
Skill deterioration


Common oral side effects of medication include but are not limited to:
Dry mouth
Effects of sugar content
Excessive saliva
Metallic taste
Rash
Ulcers


Preventive measures include but are not limited to:
Good hydration
Oral hygiene as recommended in the oral health care plan, including when unable to wear denture
Regular observation of oral mucosa

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