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.


Factors which increase the risk of oral disease for older persons may include but are not limited to :
Lifestyle factors:
poor diet and dietary habits
smoking
habits
Systemic factors:
medically compromised
reduced salivary flow and reduced capacity of saliva to dilute food acids and return ph of saliva back to a neutral level
Age factors:
Reduced manually dexterity
Mental health
Reduced rate of food clearance from the mouth
Reduced access to care
Reduced amounts of fluoride, calcium and phosphate to assist with tooth repair after acid attack


Oral health problems for older people may include but are not limited to:
Reduced salivary flow which may be a result of:
consumption of caffeine and alcohol
medications
increased levels of stress producing adrenaline
A high level of tooth loss and edentulism which will:
reduce chewing capacity
affect food choices
cause weight loss
Dental caries especially root caries
High prevalence of periodontal disease


Problems that require referral may include but are not limited to:
Areas in the mouth which are white, red or a combination of white and red areas
Bad breath
Broken or lost dentures
Difficulty in eating
Dry mouth
Ill fitting or loose dentures
Localised or general pain in the mouth
Swollen, bleeding or inflamed gums, oral abscesses and ulcers


Economic and psychological factors may include but are not limited to:
A lack of dental care tradition
Financial hardships following retirement
Inequity of access to dental care
Negative attitudes towards oral health
The cost or perceived cost of treatment


Individual circumstances which require special consideration may include:
Communication needs
Culture
Disability
Economic circumstances
Geographical location
Language


Denture identification marking may include:
Ensuring all new appliances are marked with the client's name
Requesting dentist or prosthetist to engrave the client's name into the denture base
Using a marking kit
an indelible pencil
clear varnish


Record of oral healthmay include but is not limited to:
Dental status
own teeth
partial upper/lower dentures
full upper/lower dentures
Medical, psychological and pharmacological conditions impacting on oral health
Capacity of client to undertake
personal self-care
supervised self-care
assisted or partial self-care
fully dependent on carer for personal care
Document details of dental care provided including:
denture cleaning
assisted tooth brushing
dental examination provided by dentist
Specific oral health concerns including:
xerostomia


Oral hygiene information may include:
Manual and electric tooth brushing technique
Modifications to application of program for carers of special needs and aged care clients
Modifications to toothbrush handles for specific needs of client and/or carer
Use of dental floss
Use of fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinses when appropriate
Use of other specific oral hygiene aids when appropriate


Lifestyle changesmay include:
Decreasing the intake of acids and fermentable carbohydrates
Decreasing the intake of alcohol and caffeine
Increasing water intake
Reducing or stopping a smoking habit


Healthy food habits that support oral health may include but are not limited to:
Discouraging continuous snacking with biscuits, confectionary and desserts
Encouraging the use of sugar-free sweets
Ensuring that desserts are eaten with meals
Reducing the frequency of eating sweet, sticky foods, confectionary and soft drinks

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 competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistent compliance with infection control guidelines, occupational health and safety procedures, Australian and New Zealand Standards and legislative
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations


Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Where, for reasons of safety, access to equipment and resources and space, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible


Method of assessment
Evidence of essential knowledge and understanding may be provided by:
traditional or online (computer-based) assessment
questions during workplace assessment
written assignments/projects
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
Staff and/or client feedback
Supporting statement of supervisor
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning
Role play simulation


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