Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:43 PM AWST
22/07/2026 4:43 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.
Assist in oral health care procedures during general anaesthesia
Assist in oral health care procedures during general anaesthesia
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTDA408C
HLTDA408C
State Code
D5853
D5853
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
200
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assist the dentist or dental specialist in carrying out oral health care procedures on clients under general anaesthesiaAll 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 client for oral health care procedures under general anaesthesia
- 1.1 Provide written prescribed pre-operative and post-operative instructions to the client and/or carer prior to the general anaesthetic session
- 1.2 Confirm and document arrangements for the provision of an escort following the procedure
- 1.3 Provide an appropriate environment for the client and/or carer to ask questions
- 1.4 Make accessible in the clean zone of the surgery the client's necessary charts and records
- 1.5 Maintain confidentiality of client information in accordance with dental practice/organisation policy and procedures
2. Select and prepare equipment, instruments, materials and medicaments applicable for oral health care procedures under general anaesthesia
- 2.1 Prepare the equipment, instruments materials and medicaments for the planned procedure
- 2.2 Arrange instruments in order of use in accordance with operator requirements
3. Assist the operator during general anaesthesia
- 3.1 Give personal protective equipment to the client and members of the dental team
- 3.2 Follow standard operating suite /theatre policy and procedures
- 3.3 Select and transfer safely the correct dental instruments, equipment, materials and medicaments
- 3.4 Assist the operator, when required, to monitor the client airway and vital signs as allowed by legislation
- 3.5 Record accurately and legibly the oral health care treatment given, materials used and medicaments prescribed
4. Assist in the recovery of the client following general anaesthesia
- 4.1 Transfer the client to the post-operative recovery room and provide post-operative care when appropriate
- 4.2 Follow established guidelines and protocols while providing post-operative care
- 4.3 Communicate clearly with client and/or carer and provide written post-operative instructions to carer and/or escort
- 4.4 Discharge client only on instruction from the operator
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.
Written pre-operative and post-operative instructions may include but are not limited to:
Instructions related to specific procedures for general anaesthesia
Premedication requirements
Charts andrecords may include but are not limited to:
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
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
Lead apron
Protection of the airway
Sterile drapes
Surgical face masks that comply with AS 4381
Post operative care may include:
Post-operative care in accordance with prescription by the dentist or dental specialist and legislative requirements
Verbal and written instructions issued by dentist or dental specialist when appropriate
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.
Written pre-operative and post-operative instructions may include but are not limited to:
Instructions related to specific procedures for general anaesthesia
Premedication requirements
Charts andrecords may include but are not limited to:
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
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
Lead apron
Protection of the airway
Sterile drapes
Surgical face masks that comply with AS 4381
Post operative care may include:
Post-operative care in accordance with prescription by the dentist or dental specialist and legislative requirements
Verbal and written instructions issued by dentist or dental specialist when appropriate
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 essential
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 essential
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| C4977 | HLTDA8A | Assist in oral health care procedures during general anaesthesia | Unit of competency |
| C9157 | HLTDA408B | Assist in oral health care procedures during general anaesthesia | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WD109 | HLTDA408D | Assist in oral health care procedures during general anaesthesia | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D074 | HLT43007 | Certificate IV in Dental Assisting | Qualification |