Elements and Performance Criteria

Written pre-operative and post-operative instructions are prescribed by the dentist or dental specialist and may include but are not limited to:
Instructions related to specific procedures for general anaesthesia
Premedication requirements

Resources may include but are not limited to:
Medical and dental history
Consent form
Radiographs
Referral letters
Study models
Correspondence
Other patient records

Dental equipment, instruments, materials and medicaments are to include the full range required for oral health care procedures including specialist procedures such as oral surgical procedures.

The role of the dental assistant is not associated with any equipment related to the administration of general anaesthesia.

Protective patient wear may include:
Protection for the eyes
Protection of the airway
Sterile drapes
Lead apron

Post operative care may include:
Post-operative care in accordance with prescription by the dentist or dental specialist and legislative requirements
Verbal and written instructions issued by dentist or dental specialist when appropriate

Critical aspects of assessment must include:
Integrated demonstration of all elements of competency and their performance criteria
Compliance with current NHRMC infection control guidelines, Australian Standards and legislative requirements related to dental assistant role
Application of the requirements specified by the dentist or dental specialist for the preparation of dental instruments, equipment, materials and medicaments for the relevant oral health care procedure
Selection of appropriate dental equipment, instruments, materials and medicaments for a given task
Correct and safe handling of dental equipment, instruments, materials and medicaments utilising a range of functions
Accurate preparation of materials/medicaments in accordance with manufacturer specifications and operator requirements
Amount of material/medicament prepared appropriate for the dental procedure
Accurate record keeping of patient information, ensuring confidentiality requirements are maintained in accordance with legislative requirements
Safe waste handling and management procedures

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
The following are pre-requisite units:
HLTDA1A Maintain infection control in dental practice
HLTDA1A Maintain infection control in dental practice
HLTDA2A Follow the occupational health and safety policies in dental practice
HLTDA3A Prepare for and assist during oral health care procedures
HLTDA4A Assist with dental radiography
HLTDA5A Maintain and store instruments, equipment, materials and medicaments for oral health care procedures
HLTDA6A Assist in administration in dental practice
HLTFA1A Apply basic First Aid

Essential knowledge required includes:
Knowledge of current legislative requirements for the use of general anaesthesia in dentistry related to the role of the dental assistant
Knowledge of dental anatomy, anatomy and physiology, dental pharmacology and anaesthesia, oral pathology, dental histology, dental materials
Fundamental knowledge of the fields of dentistry required to assist the operator to carry out the full range of oral health care procedures
Physiology of respiration
Reasons for keeping accurate records of oral conditions and treatments
Knowledge of why medical emergencies may occur and the appropriate response including recognition of vital signs
Knowledge of the importance for patients to follow pre and post operative instructions

Essential skills required include:
Ability to assist effectively the dentist or dental specialist during general anaesthesia
Ability to identify behavioural characteristics of fear and anxiety
Ability to recognise, respond to and assist with medical emergencies
Ability to perform basic life support
Literacy skills to read and follow OHS and infection control guidelines procedures, other practice policies and procedures; ability to select and apply the procedures to perform a range of tasks; follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legibly patient details
Interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and physical and mental abilities
Oral communication skills (language competence) required to fullfil the job role as specified by the dental practice/organisation. Skills include negotiation, asking questions, active listening, asking for clarification from patient and/or carer, acknowledging and responding to a range of views.
Ability to deal with conflict
Interpersonal skills required include working with others, empathy with patient and relatives and an ability to relate to persons from differing cultural, social and religious backgrounds
Problem solving skills required include ability to use available resources, select and prepare instruments and equipment as directed by the operator.

Resource implications:
Access to an appropriate dental practice/organisation where assessment can be conducted or the simulation of a realistic workplace setting for assessment.
Competency in this unit should be assessed using all the relevant resources. Specific tools may include: commonly provided in dental practice and a range of specialist oral surgery procedures.

Relevant dental practice/organisational policy and procedures manuals:
Organisational standard operating suite/theatre procedures
Incident reporting procedures
Infection control guidelines (NHMRC) and relevant Australian standards
Occupational health and safety policy and procedures
Manufacturer specifications for the use of relevant equipment and software
Relevant State and Territory legislation

Methods of assessment may include but are not limited to:
Observation of work performance
Written tasks
Interview and questioning
Authenticated portfolio/log book
Supporting statement of supervisor(s)
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of work conditions.
Assessment should be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of circumstances and to establish consistency.
A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment.