Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:52 AM AWST
22/07/2026 9:52 AM 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.
Prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures
Prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTDA303C
HLTDA303C
State Code
D5849
D5849
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
02/08/2011
Field of Education
060703 - Dental Assisting
Original Release Date
02/08/2011
Nominal Hours
390
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for a dental assistant to assist the operator by preparing the dental surgery, including preparation of necessary equipment, instruments and materials, for oral health care procedures and to assist the operator during the delivery of these proceduresAll procedures are carried out in accordance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures, current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards, State/Territory legislative requirements and organisation policy
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare the dental surgery for oral health care procedures
- 1.1 Make accessible in the clean zone of the surgery the client's necessary charts and records
- 1.2 Identify correctly the planned procedure
- 1.3 Anticipate and select correctly the equipment, instruments materials and medicaments for the planned procedure and arrange them in their likely order of use
- 1.4 Give personal protective equipment to the client and members of the dental team
- 1.5 Support aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of infection
2. Use dental terminology in communication within the health care setting
- 2.1 Communicate with other members of the dental team using dental terminology
- 2.2 Receive, understand and document written and oral instructions using dental terminology
- 2.3 Understand frequently used abbreviations and symbols in dentistry
- 2.4 Understand and use the Schedule of Dental Services and Glossary
3. Record personal, medical and dental details
- 3.1 Actively encourage clients to provide complete information without embarrassment or hesitation
- 3.2 Make accurate, legible and legal records of the client's personal, medical and dental information as directed by the operator
- 3.3 Verify this information in accordance with operator requirements
- 3.4 Maintain confidentiality of client information
4. Select and prepare syringe safely for local anaesthesia
- 4.1 Select and prepare the correct syringe, cartridge and needle for local anaesthesia as directed by the operator
- 4.2 Check the expiry dates for the local anaesthetic cartridge prior to use
- 4.3 Transfer the unused local anaesthetic syringe to the operator in accordance with infection control guidelines for the transfer of sharps between health care workers
5. Assist the operator during oral health care procedures
- 5.1 Select and transfer to the operator the instruments, equipment, materials and medicaments required for oral health care procedures
- 5.2 Assist the operator to maintain a clear field of vision
- 5.3 Clear the mouth of oral fluids and debris and control moisture
- 5.4 Retract and protect the client's soft tissues using instruments and materials appropriate to the procedure
- 5.5 Monitor the client's well-being and take the necessary actions without delay to support the client and the operator
- 5.6 Prepare the correct materials and medicaments using the correct technique, to the correct consistency and quantity required and within the designated timelines as directed by the operator
- 5.7 Select additional instruments and materials as required without contaminating sterile stock
6. Maintain and store instruments, equipment materials and medicaments
- 6.1 Check that instrument sharpness conforms to operator specifications and advise of any deficiency
- 6.2 Maintain instruments and equipment in good working order
- 6.3 Store instruments, equipment, materials and medicaments correctly
- 6.4 Monitor storage requirements, shelf life and expiry dates of materials and medicaments
- 6.5 Report faults in equipment or instruments promptly to the operator
- 6.6 Ensure maintenance records are legible and accurate
- 6.7 Arrange for the servicing of instruments and equipment in line with instructions, at intervals recommended by the manufacturer or as recommended
RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Charts andrecords may include but are not limited to:
Completed medical histories
Consent documents obtained for treatment
Copies of correspondence relating to the client
Dental charts and dental treatment records
Diagnostic models
Notes made by staff following telephone conversations
Photographs
Radiographs, tracings and measurements
Records of financial transactions
Reports to and from referring dentists and specialists
Equipment, instruments materials and medicaments may include but are not limited to:
Equipment:
handpieces
Instruments:
diagnostic
restorative
endodontic
oral surgical
periodontal
prosthetic
orthodontic
Rotary cutting instruments:
tungsten carbide burs
diamond burs
finishing burs
stones and discs
surgical burs
Materials:
restorative
impression
temporary
Personal protective equipment may include:
Examination gloves that comply with AS/NZS 4011 and surgical gloves that comply with AS/NZS 4179
Footwear to protect from dropped sharps and other contaminated items
Glasses, goggles or face-shields
Gowns and waterproof aprons that comply with AS 3789.2 and AS 3789.3
Guidelines for latex allergic clients and staff
Surgical face masks that comply with AS 4381
Aseptic techniques may include but are not limited to:
Cleaning of surfaces and management of spills
Personal hygiene practices especially handwashing
Reprocessing of instruments and equipment between client use
Use of personal protective equipment
Accurate, legible and legal records may include:
Avoiding the use of abbreviations, unless widely used in dentistry
Dating computer records should be dated and made in a chronological order
Entering information promptly onto the client record and in chronological order
Noting the reason for the correction
Recording the date of each entry
Writing legibly and clearly in ink.
Techniques for local anaesthesiamay include but are not limited to:
Block injection
Infiltration injection
Intraosseous injection
Periodontal ligament injection
Infection control guidelines for the transfer of sharps may include but is not limited to:
Disposal of sharp at point of use by the person who has used the sharp
Procedures and devices for the removal of scalpel blades
Specified puncture resistant sharps trays for the safe transfer of all sharp items
Use of clearly labelled puncture proof containers which conform to AS 4031 or AS/NZS 4261
Oral health care procedures may include but are not limited to:
Diagnostic
Endodontics
Oral surgery
Orthodontic
Paedodontic
Periodontics
Preventive, prophylactic and bleaching
Prosthodontics
Restorative
Techniques to maintain a clear field of visionmay include:
Clearing the mouth of oral fluids and debris
Keeping the cavity clear of debris
Keeping the dental mirror free of spray
Moisture control:
rubber dam
high volume evacuation
use of cotton rolls
Retracting and protecting soft tissue
Monitoring the client's well-being may include:
Alerting operator to any observed client change
Communicating appropriately with client and operator
Giving the client an appropriate opportunity to ask questions
Observing client comfort
Offering mouth wipes and washes as and when appropriate
Providing assurance
Using safe work practices
Storage of equipment, instruments and materials may include:
Dental cabinets and cupboards
Locked facility
Refrigeration
Shelf life may include but is not limited to:
Date of expiry as stated by manufacturer
Exposure to a change in temperature
Rotation of stock
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Charts andrecords may include but are not limited to:
Completed medical histories
Consent documents obtained for treatment
Copies of correspondence relating to the client
Dental charts and dental treatment records
Diagnostic models
Notes made by staff following telephone conversations
Photographs
Radiographs, tracings and measurements
Records of financial transactions
Reports to and from referring dentists and specialists
Equipment, instruments materials and medicaments may include but are not limited to:
Equipment:
handpieces
Instruments:
diagnostic
restorative
endodontic
oral surgical
periodontal
prosthetic
orthodontic
Rotary cutting instruments:
tungsten carbide burs
diamond burs
finishing burs
stones and discs
surgical burs
Materials:
restorative
impression
temporary
Personal protective equipment may include:
Examination gloves that comply with AS/NZS 4011 and surgical gloves that comply with AS/NZS 4179
Footwear to protect from dropped sharps and other contaminated items
Glasses, goggles or face-shields
Gowns and waterproof aprons that comply with AS 3789.2 and AS 3789.3
Guidelines for latex allergic clients and staff
Surgical face masks that comply with AS 4381
Aseptic techniques may include but are not limited to:
Cleaning of surfaces and management of spills
Personal hygiene practices especially handwashing
Reprocessing of instruments and equipment between client use
Use of personal protective equipment
Accurate, legible and legal records may include:
Avoiding the use of abbreviations, unless widely used in dentistry
Dating computer records should be dated and made in a chronological order
Entering information promptly onto the client record and in chronological order
Noting the reason for the correction
Recording the date of each entry
Writing legibly and clearly in ink.
Techniques for local anaesthesiamay include but are not limited to:
Block injection
Infiltration injection
Intraosseous injection
Periodontal ligament injection
Infection control guidelines for the transfer of sharps may include but is not limited to:
Disposal of sharp at point of use by the person who has used the sharp
Procedures and devices for the removal of scalpel blades
Specified puncture resistant sharps trays for the safe transfer of all sharp items
Use of clearly labelled puncture proof containers which conform to AS 4031 or AS/NZS 4261
Oral health care procedures may include but are not limited to:
Diagnostic
Endodontics
Oral surgery
Orthodontic
Paedodontic
Periodontics
Preventive, prophylactic and bleaching
Prosthodontics
Restorative
Techniques to maintain a clear field of visionmay include:
Clearing the mouth of oral fluids and debris
Keeping the cavity clear of debris
Keeping the dental mirror free of spray
Moisture control:
rubber dam
high volume evacuation
use of cotton rolls
Retracting and protecting soft tissue
Monitoring the client's well-being may include:
Alerting operator to any observed client change
Communicating appropriately with client and operator
Giving the client an appropriate opportunity to ask questions
Observing client comfort
Offering mouth wipes and washes as and when appropriate
Providing assurance
Using safe work practices
Storage of equipment, instruments and materials may include:
Dental cabinets and cupboards
Locked facility
Refrigeration
Shelf life may include but is not limited to:
Date of expiry as stated by manufacturer
Exposure to a change in temperature
Rotation of stock
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistent compliance with infection control guidelines, occupational health and safety policies, Australian and New Zealand Standards and legislative requirements as they relate to the dental assistant's specific job role
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Where, for reasons of safety, access to equipment and resources and space, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place is desirable
Evidence of essential knowledge and understanding may be provided by:
traditional or online (computer-based) assessment
written assignments/projects
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.
Questioning
Staff and/or client feedback
Supporting statement of supervisor
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning
Role play simulation
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistent compliance with infection control guidelines, occupational health and safety policies, Australian and New Zealand Standards and legislative requirements as they relate to the dental assistant's specific job role
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Where, for reasons of safety, access to equipment and resources and space, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place is desirable
Evidence of essential knowledge and understanding may be provided by:
traditional or online (computer-based) assessment
written assignments/projects
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.
Questioning
Staff and/or client feedback
Supporting statement of supervisor
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning
Role play simulation
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C9153 | HLTDA303B | Prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WD105 | HLTDA303D | Prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D043 | HLT31807 | Certificate III in Dental Assisting | Qualification |