Elements and Performance Criteria

Radiation safety for the patient includes but is not limited to:
Use of lead aprons
Appropriate technique
Film selection
Technical features of the radiographic unit as determined by manufacturer specifications including kilovoltage, filtration, x ray beam collimation
Use of film locating devices
Correct processing procedures to minimise re-takes
Legislative requirements and codes of practice

Radiation safety for the operator and others includes but is not limited to:
Maximum permissible dose (MPD) of radiation
Determination of pregnancy
Distance from primary beam
Use of lead lined barriers
Maintenance of radiographic equipment
Legislative requirements

Technical variables, milliamperage, kilovoltage and tube length are pre-determined by manufacturer specifications for radiographic unit or selected by the dentist or dental specialist prior to the procedure.

Selection of technical variables of dental radiographic units by the dental assistant in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and patient requirements may include but is not limited to exposure times.

Appropriate technique may include:
Bisecting
Paralleling
Extra oral

Appropriate technique selected and used by the dental assistant may include:
Horizontal and vertical angulation
Film selection and placement
Correct assembly of film locating device
Positioning of patient
Use of intensifying screens

Patient requirements may include but are not limited to consideration of:
Age
Size
Weight
Physical capabilities
Pregnancy
Ability to comply with instructions

Selection of appropriate film includes:
Film speed
Film size

Accessories may include but are not limited to a selection of correct:
Film locating devices
Film holders
Immobilisation equipment
Intensifying screens
Modifications for the use of film locating devices

Processing errors in films may include but are not limited to:
Staining
Fogging
Dark
Light

Errors in techniques may include but are not limited to:
Incorrect horizontal and vertical angulation
Incorrect film placement
Incorrect assembly and use of film locating device
Incorrect tubehead placement
Failure to remove oral appliances and jewellery
Over/under exposure

Errors due to patient may include but are not limited to:
Patient movement
Film movement

Critical aspects of evidence must include:
Compliance with current NHRMC infection control guidelines, Australian Standards and legislative requirements related to dental assistant role
Correct positioning of a variety of patients across a range of procedures
Correct operation of a range of radiographic imaging equipment across a range of procedures
Production of consistently high quality dental radiographic images
Application of code of Practice for the safe use of radiation in dentistry

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
Pre-requisite competencies are:
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 in dental radiography
HLTDA5A Maintain and store instruments, equipment, materials, and medicaments for oral health care procedures.
HLTDA6A Assist in administration in dental practice

This unit should be delivered and assessed with:
HLTDA10A Apply principles of radiation biology and protection in dental surgeries
HLTDA11A Prepare to expose a prescribed dental radiographic image

Essential knowledge required includes:
Legislative and ethical responsibilities for the safe use of radiation in dentistry
Relevant legislation and statutory requirements of consent
Fundamental knowledge of the radiographic appearance of anatomic landmarks, normal dentition and associated bony structures for intraoral radiographs
Fundamental knowledge of the radiographic appearance of dental anomalies and common oral pathological conditions
Range of dental radiographic imaging techniques and the reasons for selection of each technique
Features and characteristics including range of movements of a range of dental radiographic equipment
Reasons for processing and technique inaccuracies and methods to minimise errors

Essential skills required include:
Operate radiographic unit safely and correctly
Identify and correctly use terms for technical inaccuracies in dental radiographic images
Ability to minimise technical inaccuracies in dental radiographic images
Process and maintain quality assurance in exposed dental radiographic film
Ability to deal with conflict
Working with others and an ability to empathise with patient and relatives
Literacy skills to read and implement OHS policy and procedures, infection control guidelines and procedures, and other dental practice/organisational 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
Oral communication skills (language competence) required to fulfil the job role as specified by the dental practice/organisation. Skills include negotiation, asking questions, active listening, asking for clarification from patient/carer, acknowledging and responding to a range of views
Interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and physical and mental abilities
Problem solving skills required include ability to use available resources, prioritise tasks, select and prepare instruments and equipment as directed by the operator

Resource implications
Competency in this unit should be assessed using all the relevant resources commonly provided in dental practice and a range of specialist oral surgery procedures. Specific tools may include:
Access to an appropriate dental practice/organisation where or the simulation of a realistic workplace setting assessment can be conducted
Relevant dental practice/organisational policy and procedures manuals such as:
Organisational standard operating suite/theatre procedures
Incident reporting procedures
Infection control guidelines (NHMRC) and relevant Australian standards
Occupational health and safety policy and procedures
Relevant State and Territory legislation
Manufacturer specifications for dental radiographic units
Radiographic viewing equipment

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 under the normal range of work conditions. However, assessment in the workplace must be flexible to allow for patient confidentiality and organisational policies.
Assessment may be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of circumstances to and establish consistency.
A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment.