Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:52 AM AWST
22/07/2026 8:52 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.
Take a clinical photograph
Take a clinical photograph
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTDA417A
HLTDA417A
State Code
C9166
C9166
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
17/03/2008
Field of Education
060703 - Dental Assisting
Original Release Date
17/03/2008
Nominal Hours
20
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to take a clinical dental photograph under conditions that can be reproducedAll 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. Interpret the request for photography
- 1.1 Make accessible in the clean zone of the surgery the client's necessary charts and records
- 1.2 Provide full details of the procedure to the client and/or carer
- 1.3 Obtain and document consent following ethical and legal requirements
- 1.4 Prepare accessories for intraoral photography
- 1.5 Prepare personal protective equipment for the client and 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 Ensure there is no calculus or plaque deposits on the teeth before the image is taken
- 2.4 Locate the image source to be photographed appropriately in the depth of field so that the photograph is in complete focus
- 2.5 Check the viewfinder to ensure there are no obstructions to the image
3. Take basic intraoral views in a standardised approach
- 3.1 Position the client so that conditions for photography are reproducible
- 3.2 Stand in a stable position for standard intraoral views which is reproducible for all photographs
- 3.3 Select the magnification ratio according to the desired frame and focus
- 3.4 Frame the image and ensure positioning of retractors and mirrors is correct
- 3.5 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 client
- 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 client 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
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 and records may include:
Completed medical questionnaires
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
Accessories for intraoral photography may include:
Conventional camera
Dental photo mirrors - palatal and buccal
metal mirrors
metal-film plated glass mirrors
Gauze squares
Lip and cheek retractors
Millimeter ruler
Triplex syringe
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
Orientation of the image may include:
Ensuring occlusal plane is parallel to the horizontal frame of the photograph
Ensuring the optical axis runs through the occlusal plane
Using a mirror to ensure lateral views are photographed perpendicular to lateral teeth
Using a mirror to ensure occlusal views are as near perpendicular to the camera as possible
Obstructions to the image may include:
Fogged mirrors
Incorrectly positioned mirrors
Lip and cheek retractors
Positioning the client may include:
Adjusting the height of the chair so that the client's head is lower than the photographer's head
Asking the client to turn or tilt their head
Seating the client so that they are leaning back slightly in the chair
Standard intraoral views may include but are not limited to:
Frontal view (anterior-posterior)
overview of the entire dentition
frontal view of the anterior teeth
Lateral views
Oblique lateral view
Occlusal mandibular view
Occlusal maxillary view
Background requirements may include:
A background without structure
A background which is non-reflective
Standard dental portrait viewsmay include:
Frontal view (norma frontalis)
Lateral view (norma lateralis)
Three-quarters profile
Views for aesthetic purposes such as three-quarters profile smiling
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 and records may include:
Completed medical questionnaires
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
Accessories for intraoral photography may include:
Conventional camera
Dental photo mirrors - palatal and buccal
metal mirrors
metal-film plated glass mirrors
Gauze squares
Lip and cheek retractors
Millimeter ruler
Triplex syringe
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
Orientation of the image may include:
Ensuring occlusal plane is parallel to the horizontal frame of the photograph
Ensuring the optical axis runs through the occlusal plane
Using a mirror to ensure lateral views are photographed perpendicular to lateral teeth
Using a mirror to ensure occlusal views are as near perpendicular to the camera as possible
Obstructions to the image may include:
Fogged mirrors
Incorrectly positioned mirrors
Lip and cheek retractors
Positioning the client may include:
Adjusting the height of the chair so that the client's head is lower than the photographer's head
Asking the client to turn or tilt their head
Seating the client so that they are leaning back slightly in the chair
Standard intraoral views may include but are not limited to:
Frontal view (anterior-posterior)
overview of the entire dentition
frontal view of the anterior teeth
Lateral views
Oblique lateral view
Occlusal mandibular view
Occlusal maxillary view
Background requirements may include:
A background without structure
A background which is non-reflective
Standard dental portrait viewsmay include:
Frontal view (norma frontalis)
Lateral view (norma lateralis)
Three-quarters profile
Views for aesthetic purposes such as three-quarters profile smiling
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 desirable for assessment of this unit
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
Evidence of essential knowledge and understanding may be provided by:
traditional or online (computer-based) assessment
questions during workplace assessment
written assignments/projects
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
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 desirable for assessment of this unit
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
Evidence of essential knowledge and understanding may be provided by:
traditional or online (computer-based) assessment
questions during workplace assessment
written assignments/projects
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
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
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5862 | HLTDA417B | Take a clinical photograph | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D659 | CUV50411 | Diploma of Photo Imaging | Qualification |