Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:24 PM AWST

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Recognise and respond to oral health issues

Recognise and respond to oral health issues

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTOHC007
State Code
ODI63
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
060703 - Dental Assisting
Original Release Date
29/10/2021
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify variations and recognise oral health issues through a visual check, observation of patient behaviour and habits, signs and symptoms and physical condition of patients. This enables the candidate to respond appropriately to the clinical findings to initiate follow up oral health care.This unit applies to workers in a range of health and community services environments where their work role requires them to recognise and respond to oral health issues. 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. Identify variations in patient behaviour and habits.
  • 1.1. Identify opportunities to observe patient behaviour, physical functions, capabilities and habits that may indicate oral health issues or associated pain or discomfort.
  • 1.2. Observe, listen for self-reports and question patient, family or carer to determine whether the patient is experiencing pain or discomfort that may be associated with oral health issues.
  • 1.3. Access relevant information on contributing factors that may produce variation from normal behaviour.
  • 1.4. Apply safe manual handling techniques to support patients with special care needs.
2. Undertake basic visual oral check and questioning.
  • 2.1. Obtain consent from the patient, family or carer to conduct basic visual oral check and questioning.
  • 2.2. Ensure comfort of patient by developing trust and rapport, adapting environment based on patient needs.
  • 2.3. Provide support for patient’s head or chin if necessary, to enhance visual access without creating discomfort for the patient.
  • 2.4. Seek assistance from patient to open their own mouth to limit hand contact inside the mouth.
  • 2.5. Prepare and perform basic visual oral checks in line with own work role and use of standard precautions.
  • 2.6. Identify signs and symptoms of oral health issues that may indicate variation from normal and actively listen to and be aware of self-reports.
3. Follow up and promote ongoing oral health care.
  • 3.1. Complete documentation and reporting processes, using information from patient and family or carer or other relevant people as well as own observations in relation to oral health issues.
  • 3.2. Discuss oral health issues with patient and family or carer in line with organisational policies and procedures and respecting patient priorities and choices.
  • 3.3. Take appropriate action within work role, including liaising with supervisor in consultation with patient to ensure appropriate referral occurs.
  • 3.4. Use focussed communication strategies to provide information relevant to promoting and maintaining good oral health.
  • 3.5. Provide instruction to support patients to take a self-care approach to oral health in line with individual needs where possible.
  • 3.6. Identify and address key barriers to management or self-management of oral health.
  • 3.7. Review and monitor oral health issues.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AVA15 HLTOHC001 Recognise and respond to oral health issues Unit of competency