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 intravenous, oral and inhalation sedation
Premedication requirements
Escort requirements

Escort is required to accompany patient following conscious sedation for the period of time as specified by the dentist/dental specialist.

Escort may include but is not limited to:
Personal carer
Parent/guardian
Friend
Relatives
Others

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.

Instruments, equipment and agents used in the administration of intravenous sedation in dentistry may include but are not limited to:
Intravenous needles and syringes
Mouth props
Packs
Intravenous agents sedatives, tranquillisers, hypnotics, analgesics and emergency drugs

Appropriate safety equipment for use in intravenous sedation in dentistry may include but is not limited to:
Laryngoscopes
Suction apparatus
Endotracheal tube
Pulse oximeter

Instruments and equipment relating to the administration of inhalation sedation in dentistry may include but is not limited to:
Oxygen, nitrous oxide gas cylinders
Connecting tubing
Mask
Scavenging system
Regulator
Oxygen flush

Protective patient wear may include but is not limited to:
Protection for 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:
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's 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 procedure
Selection of appropriate dental equipment, instruments, materials and medicaments for a given task
Safe and correct handling of instruments, equipment and agents used in the administration of intravenous sedation and conscious sedation in dentistry in accordance with legislative requirements
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 of competency:
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 conscious sedation in dentistry and the role of the dental assistant
Fundamental knowledge of dental anatomy, anatomy and physiology, dental pharmacology and anaesthesia, oral pathology, dental histology, dental materials
Fundamental knowledge of the fields of dentistry
Physiology of respiration
Reasons for keeping accurate records of oral conditions, treatments and the administration of conscious sedation
Knowledge of why medical emergencies may occur and the appropriate response including recognition of vital signs
Knowledge of the types of complications which may arise from the administration of conscious sedation
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 conscious sedation
Ability to identify behavioural characteristics of fear and anxiety
Ability to recognise, respond to and assist with medical emergencies during conscious sedation
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
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 fulfil 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
Work with others and empathise with patient and relatives
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 surgical procedures. Specific tools may include:
Access to an appropriate dental practice/organisation or the simulation of a realistic workplace setting where 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
OHS policy and procedures
Relevant State and Territory legislation
Manufacturer specifications for the use of relevant equipment and software

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 and to establish consistency.
A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment.