Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:12 AM AWST

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Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice

Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTDEN021
State Code
ODI55
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
110
Description
This unit of competency describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to minimise the risk of radiation to the patient, practitioner and others during the exposure of a prescribed dental radiographic image. It also describes the quality assurance measures that must be undertaken to ensure all radiographs are of consistent diagnostic standard.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. Apply the principles of radiation biology to protect patient, practitioner and others from ionising radiation.
  • 1.1. Implement safe work practices to minimise risks to practitioner, patient and others of immediate and long-term effects of radiation.
  • 1.2. Correctly identify and select the exposure variables of dental X-ray generating equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions and patient requirements.
  • 1.3. Apply the correct units of radiation dose.
2. Determine image characteristics of dental radiographic image.
  • 2.1. Ensure visual qualities of the radiograph are of a diagnostic standard to minimise the necessity for re-takes.
  • 2.2. Ensure geometric qualities of the radiograph are of a diagnostic standard to minimise the necessity for re-takes.
3. Minimise radiation by maintaining quality in processing.
  • 3.1. Ensure correct positioning of the radiation receptor.
  • 3.2. Follow procedures for processing dental radiographic images to produce images of diagnostic standard.
  • 3.3. Identify processing errors and implement corrective measures to produce a diagnostic radiograph.
  • 3.4. Follow quality assurance and maintenance processes of all radiographic equipment in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AWA47 HLTDEN007 Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice 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