Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:58 PM AWST

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Implement an oral hygiene program for older people

Implement an oral hygiene program for older people

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTDEN024
State Code
ODI80
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
115
Description
This unit of competency describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to promote oral health for older people. This unit applies to dental assistants and other health care workers who are actively involved in promoting the general well-being of older patients through the 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. Assess the oral health needs of an older person.
  • 1.1. Check medical and dental history with patient or carer to confirm up-to-date information and confirm with treating practitioner prior to treatment.
  • 1.2. Actively encourage patient to discuss oral health problems without embarrassment.
  • 1.3. Identify oral health problems for older people and their relationship to general health problems.
  • 1.4. Identify individualised factors that increase the risk of oral disease for older persons.
  • 1.5. Look in patient’s mouth while cleaning or assisting with oral care.
  • 1.6. Identify patients with natural teeth, those who wear dentures and those who are non-denture wearers.
  • 1.7. Identify problems that require referral to a dental practitioner.
2. Provide support for the maintenance of oral hygiene for older persons.
  • 2.1. Ensure flexibility of oral hygiene instruction taking into consideration patient’s individual circumstances.
  • 2.2. Provide an appropriate environment for oral hygiene instruction.
  • 2.3. Plan and provide oral hygiene information to patients and carers using language and in a manner they can understand.
3. Implement practical solutions to promote oral health.
  • 3.1. Explain to patients and carers the importance of regular dental care to maintain quality of life.
  • 3.2. Recommend lifestyle changes to assist the older person’s diminished salivary flow in consultation with dental practitioner.
  • 3.3. Provide appropriate information to patients and carers for healthy food habits that support oral health.
  • 3.4. Actively encourage patients or carers to clean teeth or dentures after meals.
  • 3.5. Engage carers with appropriate oral health care promotion programs and resources.
4. Maintain oral health of people in residential aged care.
  • 4.1. Ensure all removable dentures are identifiable with patient’s details.
  • 4.2. Record oral health in the patient’s personal care plan.
  • 4.3. Implement individual oral health programs in consultation with dental practitioner.
  • 4.4. Assist patients with special needs to clean their teeth.
  • 4.5. Assist patients or their carers to clean and maintain dentures.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AWA45 HLTDEN010 Implement an oral hygiene program for older people Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BGW8 HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting Qualification