Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:25 PM AWST

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Implement an individualised oral hygiene program

Implement an individualised oral hygiene program

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTDEN018
State Code
ODI60
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
02/07/2021
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
29/10/2021
Field of Education
060799 - Dental Studies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
29/10/2021
Nominal Hours
270
Description
This unit of competency describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to implement an individualised oral hygiene program and promote oral health.This unit applies to dental assistants and to other health care workers who are actively involved in promoting the general well-being of patients through promotion of healthy eating habits and good oral health.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Implement a prescribed oral health education program.
  • 1.1. Follow a prescribed oral health education program.
  • 1.2. Review patient’s current oral hygiene routines.
  • 1.3. Provide detailed information on the causes and prevention of oral diseases to patient or carer using language that can be easily understood.
  • 1.4. Provide an environment for patient or carer to ask questions and become involved in improving their oral health.
  • 1.5. Actively encourage patient or carer to follow an effective individual oral health program.
  • 1.6. Implement a review strategy to determine the effectiveness of the oral health education program.
2. Demonstrate oral hygiene techniques to patient or carer.
  • 2.1. Use a plaque index system to accurately record scores and interpret findings.
  • 2.2. Demonstrate oral hygiene techniques specific to patient needs.
  • 2.3. Provide information about the advantages of different oral hygiene techniques and involve patient or carer in the decision-making process.
  • 2.4. Assist patient or carer in implementing relevant oral hygiene techniques.
  • 2.5. Demonstrate how to use aids specific to patient needs to achieve and maintain effective oral hygiene.
  • 2.6. Evaluate patient or carer oral hygiene techniques and provide further instruction when appropriate.
  • 2.7. Provide information appropriately on the effectiveness and availability of fluoride as directed by the practitioner.
3. Provide appropriate advice on cariogenic food and drinks.
  • 3.1. Involve patient or carer in a review of current dietary habits.
  • 3.2. Develop and give patient or carer appropriate information on acids and fermentable carbohydrates and confirm understanding.
  • 3.3. Actively encourage patient or carer to ask questions or express views.
4. Perform a saliva diagnostic test and record the results.
  • 4.1. Provide full details of procedure to patient or carer.
  • 4.2. Provide specific instructions to patient or carer before the appointment where a saliva diagnostic test is planned.
  • 4.3. Select and prepare appropriate materials for a saliva diagnostic test.
  • 4.4. Perform a resting or unstimulated saliva test and record the result in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions.
  • 4.5. Perform a stimulated saliva test and record the result in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions.
5. Implement a prescribed prevention program to suit an individual patient.
  • 5.1. Provide information as directed by the practitioner, on lifestyle change to assist with diminished salivary flow.
  • 5.2. Provide information on materials that can provide additional external protection to the teeth.
  • 5.3. Explain methods to increase salivary stimulation as directed by the practitioner.
  • 5.4. Assist patient or carers to implement prescribed oral hygiene programs in response to saliva quality and composition.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AWA50 HLTDEN004 Implement an individualised oral hygiene program Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BGW8 HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting Qualification