Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:48 PM AWST
22/07/2026 9:48 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 with dental radiography
Assist with dental radiography
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTDA304C
HLTDA304C
State Code
D5850
D5850
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
02/08/2011
Field of Education
060799 - Dental Studies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
02/08/2011
Nominal Hours
20
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for a dental assistant to assist the operator by preparing clients, equipment and materials for dental radiography, to protect themselves, the client, other members of the dental team and the public from the hazards associated with ionising radiation and to process and mount dental radiographs to diagnostic and quality assurance standardsAll 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 clients for dental radiography
- 1.1 Position the client comfortably
- 1.2 Reassure the client and explain the procedure in language that is easily understood
- 1.3 Ask the client to remove items which may interfere with the radiographic examination and offer appropriate explanation
- 1.4 Ensure client, other members of the dental team and the public are protected from ionising radiations
- 1.5 Assist the operator in the implementation of safe work practices to minimise radiation risks to workers and to clients
- 1.6 Select and prepare the correct radiographic film and film packet holders for the radiographic examination and make it available to the operator
- 1.7 Label exposed films accurately and legibly before the client leaves the surgery
2. Prepare equipment and materials for dental radiography
- 2.1 Maintain clean and dry working surfaces
- 2.2 Clean and maintain processing equipment in good working order
- 2.3 Maintain processing solutions at the correct strength and temperature
- 2.4 Record the date of preparation of solutions accurately
- 2.5 Arrange for servicing of equipment at the intervals specified by the manufacturer and Radiation Health
- 2.6 File equipment service records in a location within the surgery that can be readily accessed
3. Process and mount dental radiographs
- 3.1 Protect processing facility/equipment against accidental intrusion of light
- 3.2 Wear personal protective equipment
- 3.3 Handle radiographic film packages carefully so that their quality is maintained
- 3.4 Carry out processing stages in the correct sequence and for appropriate duration in accordance with manufacturer specifications
- 3.5 Identify common faults caused by incorrect processing and notify the operator
- 3.6 Rectify processing faults in accordance with operator's instructions
- 3.7 Notify the operator of any processing faults which cannot be rectified prior to further radiographs being processed
- 3.8 Label and date the radiograph mounting accurately and legibly
- 3.9 Mount and secure radiographs in correct anatomical position for viewing
- 3.10 File radiographs correctly
4. Maintain stock of unexposed radiographic film and chemicals
- 4.1 Store films and chemicals separately and in accordance with manufacturer specifications
- 4.2 Maintain sufficient stock
- 4.3 Rotate film stock so that film is used before its expiry date
5. Assure the quality of dental radiographic processing
- 5.1 Participate effectively in radiographic quality assurance programs
- 5.2 Monitor processing solutions for deterioration
- 5.3 Notify the operator when radiographs do not meet the quality criteria of the reference radiograph produced under optimum conditions
- 5.4 Collect and record all unacceptable radiographs that do not meet diagnostic standards due to processing error and identify how processing can be improved
- 5.5 Dispose of waste chemicals safely in accordance with manufacturer specifications and legislative requirements
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.
Protection from ionising radiations may include but is not limited to:
Controlled and designated area around the X-ray machine
Lead protection - protective drapes and thyroid collar
Lead screens or barriers
Safe distance from the source of radiation
Safe work practices include:
Current code of practice for radiation protection in dentistry
Dental practice/organisation policy and procedures
Legislative requirements
Radiographer's Licensing Board requirements
Radiographic film may include:
Extraoral films
Intraoral films
Processing equipmentmay include but is not limited to:
Automatic processor
Manual processing equipment:
tanks containing the various solutions
thermometer
an accurate timer
immersion heater
film hangers
Safelights
Processing solutions may include:
Developer solution
Fixer solution
Replenisher solution
Personal protective equipment may include:
Film badge
Gloves including rubber gloves
Gown
Mask
Processing stages include:
Development
Drying
Fixation
Washing
Washing
Commonfaults caused by incorrect processingmay include film that is:
Inadequate or low in contrast
Marked
Too dark
Too light
Stock may include:
Digital radiography sensors and holders
Extraoral films
Film packet holders
Intraoral films
Processing solutions
Radiographic quality assurance programs may include but are not limited to:
Darkroom and image receptors including X-ray film and cassettes
Image quality assessment
Processing
Working procedures
X-ray equipment and appropriate maintenance
Optimum conditions may include but are not limited to
Correct exposure under conditions recommended by the manufacturer.
The use of fresh film that has been stored in cool, dry conditions away from radiation.
The use of freshly mixed chemicals.
The use of processing chemicals at the temperature recommended by the manufacturer
Record of unacceptable radiographs may include but is not limited to:
Date
Known or suspected cause of the processing error
Nature of the film fault or error
Number of repeat radiographs (if taken)
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.
Protection from ionising radiations may include but is not limited to:
Controlled and designated area around the X-ray machine
Lead protection - protective drapes and thyroid collar
Lead screens or barriers
Safe distance from the source of radiation
Safe work practices include:
Current code of practice for radiation protection in dentistry
Dental practice/organisation policy and procedures
Legislative requirements
Radiographer's Licensing Board requirements
Radiographic film may include:
Extraoral films
Intraoral films
Processing equipmentmay include but is not limited to:
Automatic processor
Manual processing equipment:
tanks containing the various solutions
thermometer
an accurate timer
immersion heater
film hangers
Safelights
Processing solutions may include:
Developer solution
Fixer solution
Replenisher solution
Personal protective equipment may include:
Film badge
Gloves including rubber gloves
Gown
Mask
Processing stages include:
Development
Drying
Fixation
Washing
Washing
Commonfaults caused by incorrect processingmay include film that is:
Inadequate or low in contrast
Marked
Too dark
Too light
Stock may include:
Digital radiography sensors and holders
Extraoral films
Film packet holders
Intraoral films
Processing solutions
Radiographic quality assurance programs may include but are not limited to:
Darkroom and image receptors including X-ray film and cassettes
Image quality assessment
Processing
Working procedures
X-ray equipment and appropriate maintenance
Optimum conditions may include but are not limited to
Correct exposure under conditions recommended by the manufacturer.
The use of fresh film that has been stored in cool, dry conditions away from radiation.
The use of freshly mixed chemicals.
The use of processing chemicals at the temperature recommended by the manufacturer
Record of unacceptable radiographs may include but is not limited to:
Date
Known or suspected cause of the processing error
Nature of the film fault or error
Number of repeat radiographs (if taken)
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
Consistent compliance with current infection control guidelines, Australian 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:
Assessment must replicate workplace conditions as far as possible
Method of assessment
Observation in the workplace 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
Roleplay/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
Related units:
This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following related unit:
HLTDA303C Prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures
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
Consistent compliance with current infection control guidelines, Australian 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:
Assessment must replicate workplace conditions as far as possible
Method of assessment
Observation in the workplace 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
Roleplay/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
Related units:
This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following related unit:
HLTDA303C Prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C4973 | HLTDA4A | Assist with dental radiography | Unit of competency |
| C9154 | HLTDA304B | Assist with dental radiography | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WD106 | HLTDA304D | Assist with dental radiography | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D043 | HLT31807 | Certificate III in Dental Assisting | Qualification |