Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
24/07/2026 3:14 AM AWST

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Implement an individualised oral hygiene program

Implement an individualised oral hygiene program

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTDEN004
State Code
AWA50
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
08/12/2015
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
22/06/2016
Field of Education
060799 - Dental Studies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
22/06/2016
Nominal Hours
295
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement an individualised oral hygiene program and promote oral health.This unit applies to dental assistants and to other health care workers who are actively involved in promoting the general well-being of patients through promotion of healthy eating habits and good oral health.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand Standards and industry codes of practice.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1.Implement a prescribed oral health education program
  • 1.1 Follow a prescribed oral health education program
  • 1.2 Review patient’s current oral hygiene routines
  • 1.3 Provide information on the causes and prevention of oral diseases to patient or carer appropriately and completely using language that can be easily understood
  • 1.4 Provide an appropriate environment for patient or carer to ask questions and become involved in improving their oral health
  • 1.5 Actively encourage patient or carer to follow an effective individual oral health program
  • 1.6 Implement a review strategy to determine the effectiveness of the oral health education program
2. Demonstrate oral hygiene techniques to patient or carer
  • 2.1 Demonstrate the presence of plaque to patient or carer using disclosing solution
  • 2.2 Demonstrate a variety of relevant oral hygiene techniques specific to patient needs
  • 2.3 Provide information about the advantages of different oral hygiene techniques and involve patient or carer in the decision-making process
  • 2.4 Assist patient or carer in implementing relevant oral hygiene techniques
  • 2.5 Demonstrate how to use appropriate aids specific to patient needs and necessary to achieve and maintain effective oral hygiene
  • 2.6 Evaluate patient or carer oral hygiene techniques and give further instruction when appropriate
  • 2.7 Provide information appropriately on the effectiveness and availability of fluoride as directed by the operator
3. Provide appropriate advice on cariogenic food and drinks
  • 3.1 Involve patient or carer in a review of current dietary habits
  • 3.2 Develop and give patient or carer appropriate information on acids and fermentable carbohydrates in a manner they can understand
  • 3.3 Actively encourage patient or carer to ask questions or express views
4. Perform a saliva diagnostic test and record the results
  • 4.1 Provide full details of the procedure to patient or carer
  • 4.2 Provide specific instructions to patient or carer before the appointment where a saliva diagnostic test is planned
  • 4.3 Select and prepare appropriate materials for a saliva diagnostic test
  • 4.4 Perform a resting or unstimulated saliva test and record the result in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions
  • 4.5 Perform a stimulated saliva test and record the result in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions
5. Implement a prescribed prevention program to suit an individual patient
  • 5.1 Provide information appropriately, and as directed by the operator, on lifestyle change to assist with diminished salivary flow
  • 5.2 Provide appropriate information on materials that can provide additional external protection to the teeth
  • 5.3 Explain methods to increase salivary stimulation as directed by the operator
  • 5.4 Assist the patient or carers to implement prescribed oral hygiene programs in response to saliva quality and composition
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WD108 HLTDA407D Implement an individualised oral hygiene program Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
ODI60 HLTDEN018 Implement an individualised oral hygiene program Unit of competency