Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:46 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Take a clinical photograph

Take a clinical photograph

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTDEN027
State Code
ODI87
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
45
Description
This unit of competency describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to take a clinical dental photograph under conditions that can be reproduced.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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare patient and interpret request for photography.
  • 1.1. Interpret request and provide full details of the procedure to patient or carer.
  • 1.2. Obtain and document consent adhering to ethical and legal requirements.
  • 1.3. Prepare accessories for intraoral photography.
  • 1.4. Prepare personal protective equipment for members of the dental team.
2. Prepare to take the photograph.
  • 2.1. Compose the image so that the most important aspects are in the centre of the photograph.
  • 2.2. Orientate the image so that subsequent photos are reproducible.
  • 2.3. Locate the image source to be photographed appropriately in the depth of field so that the photograph is in complete focus.
  • 2.4. Check the viewfinder to ensure there are no obstructions to the image.
3. Take required intraoral views using a standardised approach.
  • 3.1. Position the patient so that conditions for photography are reproducible.
  • 3.2. Stand in a stable position for standard intraoral views that are reproducible for all photographs.
  • 3.3. Select the magnification ratio according to the desired frame and focus.
  • 3.4. Provide instruction on suitable mirror or retractor placement.
  • 3.5. Frame the image and ensure positioning of retractors and mirrors is correct.
  • 3.6. Use appropriate lighting so that the image is not overexposed.
4. Take a portrait and profile photograph.
  • 4.1. Explain the purpose of the photograph to the patient.
  • 4.2. Choose the background colour and texture so that a full assessment of the profile can be made.
  • 4.3. Follow guidelines to position the camera and the patient to ensure reproducible results.
  • 4.4. Use a vertical format to completely fill the frame.
  • 4.5. Take standard dental portrait views that ensure images can be reproduced.
  • 4.6. Critique photograph to confirm correctly captured.
  • 4.7. Upload photograph and store in patient files.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AWA39 HLTDEN014 Take a clinical photograph Unit of competency