Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:56 AM AWST

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Produce a prescribed dental radiographic image

Produce a prescribed dental radiographic image

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTDEN023
State Code
ODI83
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 operate dental radiographic equipment and position the patient correctly to produce an intraoral or extraoral diagnostic radiographic image. Where work relates to extraoral radiography this includes orthopantomogram (OPG) and may include lateral cephalograms for orthodontic radiographic work-ups and excludes cone beam images. This unit applies to dental assisting work under the instruction and supervision of the dental practitioner. 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.Dental radiography work must only be performed by a person with a radiation user licence granted by the relevant State/Territory regulatory authority under legislation.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Position patient to obtain image.
  • 1.1. Implement and maintain radiation safety measures for the patient, practitioner and others throughout the procedure.
  • 1.2. Correctly position patient according to the radiographic receptor unit used.
  • 1.3. Ensure that communication with patient can be maintained after positioning.
2. Position dental radiographic receptor.
  • 2.1. Select exposure variables on the dental radiographic unit for an intraoral or extraoral image according to manufacturers’ instructions, procedure and patient requirements.
  • 2.2. Select radiographic technique for an intraoral or extraoral image prescribed by dental practitioner for the oral structure under investigation.
  • 2.3. Position receptor and adjust setting according to the prescribed request and patient’s requirements.
  • 2.4. Select and use locating devices or guides to apply the correct horizontal and vertical planes for the radiograph.
  • 2.5. Use accessories when required, according to manufacturers’ instructions.
3. Operate radiographic imaging equipment safely to produce an intraoral or an extraoral image.
  • 3.1. Operate intraoral or extraoral radiographic equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions and legislative requirements for the safe use of radiation.
  • 3.2. Ensure the patient remains visible throughout the procedure to observe positioning and safety precautions and expose the X-ray.
  • 3.3. Remove the exposed intraoral dental radiographic receptor carefully from the mouth.
  • 3.4. Separate the receptor and barrier sleeve when required.
  • 3.5. Confirm that digital image is displayed correctly.
  • 3.6. Ensure the image is attached to the correct patient file.
4. Process and provide quality assurance for the exposed dental image.
  • 4.1. Process and view the image correctly.
  • 4.2. Identify and correct artefacts.
  • 4.3. Identify and critique errors in imaging technique to optimise exposure times for each individual patient.
  • 4.4. Store de-identified images according to organisational policies and procedures.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AWA46 HLTDEN009 Produce a prescribed dental radiographic image Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BGW8 HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting Qualification
AE574 HLTSS00072 Dental Radiography Skill Set Skill set