Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 11:21 AM AWST

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Assist with administration in dental practice

Assist with administration in dental practice

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTDEN017
State Code
ODI71
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
080901 - Secretarial And Clerical Studies
Original Release Date
29/10/2021
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit of competency describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required for a dental assistant to assist the practitioner by managing appointments to suit the patient and the organisation, recording and reconciling payments, and maintaining patient records.This unit applies to dental assistants who assist with administration in dental practice. 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. Communicate appropriately in a dental administrative setting.
  • 1.1. Present in attire consistent with infection prevention and control guidelines and practice policy for professional presentation.
  • 1.2. Greet patients, carers and other visitors according to practice procedures.
  • 1.3. Listen respectfully to enquiries or concerns.
  • 1.4. Respond to enquiries accurately and ethically within scope of responsibility using language which is easily understood.
  • 1.5. Refer enquiries outside of area of responsibility or knowledge to appropriate person.
  • 1.6. Operate electronic communication equipment to communicate with patients, carers and others in accordance with organisation protocols.
  • 1.7. Prioritise messages and record them legibly and accurately.
  • 1.8. Maintain confidentiality of information relating to patients, staff and the organisation.
2. Allocate appointments appropriate to patient and organisation requirements.
  • 2.1. Identify patients who should be given priority and advance the level of priority for patients who require immediate attention in a dental emergency.
  • 2.2. Identify patient’s appointment requirements.
  • 2.3. Seek agreement on an appointment time that meets patient preferences and organisational requirements.
  • 2.4. Assist with managing patient expectations regarding waiting times for emergency care.
  • 2.5. Use the patient information system to record appointment details accurately and legibly using standard dental notation according to organisational procedures.
  • 2.6. Provide a copy of appointment details to the patient.
  • 2.7. Monitor appointment schedules and notify patients and the oral health care team of any necessary changes within required timeframe.
3. Process and reconcile patient accounts.
  • 3.1. Cross check item code for services received.
  • 3.2. Process payments including any applicable discounts or rebates.
  • 3.3. Check and accurately record payments received.
  • 3.4. Provide the patient with itemised account and receipt.
  • 3.5. Reconcile daily payment totals according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 3.6. Follow security procedures for handling of cash.
4. Maintain patient records.
  • 4.1. Ensure security of passwords and electronic data.
  • 4.2. Access and prepare patient records and make notation of fees and diagnostic records.
  • 4.3. Enter patient information accurately in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • 4.4. Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of patient records.
  • 4.5. Maintain up-to-date, accurate and complete records of laboratory work.
5. Assist with patient recalls.
  • 5.1. Access a patient recall system.
  • 5.2. Identify patients due for recall and notify them that an appointment is due.
  • 5.3. Follow-up patients who do not respond to a recall appointment request.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AWA51 HLTDEN003 Assist with administration in dental practice Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BGW7 HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting Qualification