Elements and Performance Criteria

Interpretation of the request for a dental radiographic image may include but is not limited to:
Consultation with dentist or dental specialist for radiographic imaging requirements, techniques and modifications to techniques
Assessment that the request has not been duplicated
Patient/carer interview

Technical variables, milliamperage, kilovoltage and tube length are pre-determined by manufacturer's specifications for the radiographic unit or selected by the dentist or dental specialist prior to the procedure.

The selection of technical variables of dental radiographic units by the dental assistant is in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and patient requirements which includes exposure times.

Appropriate techniques may include:
Bisecting (intraoral)
Paralleling (intraoral)
Extra oral

Appropriate technique variables selected and used by the dental assistant may include correct:
Horizontal and vertical angulation
Film selection and placement
Correct assembly of film locating device
Positioning of patient
Use of intensifying screens

Patient requirements include consideration of:
Age
Size
Weight
Disability including mobility and muscle coordination
Pregnancy
Ability to comply with instructions

Technical quality of dental radiographs may include but is not limited to:
Processing variables - density, fogging, under/over development artefacts
Accuracy variables - elongation, shortening, incorrect horizontal angulation
Incorrect film placement, cone cutting, blurred images
Storage variables - staining, exposure to light

Reference to previous radiographic images for pre-existing conditions may include but is not limited to:
Dental history, including previous diagnoses
Dental records
Location of oral pathology
Date of previous image

Radiographic evidence of pre-existing conditions may include the radiographic appearance of:
Dental caries
Periodontal disease
Periapical pathology
Endodontic procedures
Trauma and pathologic conditions of bone and the dentition
Dental anomalies

Additional information and advice sought prior to carrying out procedure may include but is not limited to:
Advice on modifications to standard procedures due to physical capabilities of patient which prevent immobilisation during the exposure
Availability of the appropriate equipment, resources and accessories
Pregnancy

Modifications to standard procedure may include but is not limited to:
Use of film holders and film locating devices
Assessment of special needs and age of patient

Explanation of the procedure and pre-procedure requirements may include but is not limited to:
Patient/carer interview
Parent/guardian interview
Actions/movements of a range of dental radiographic equipment
Safety precautions used to prevent exposure of radiosensitive organs
Removal of jewellery, hearing aids and oral appliances
Application of lead apron

Patient consent may include:
Written
Implied
Parent/guardian

Accessories may include but are not limited to a selection of the correct:
Film locating devices
Film holders
Immobilisation equipment
Intensifying machines
Modifications to use of film locating devices

Critical aspects of assessment:
Compliance with current NHRMC infection control guidelines, Australian Standards and legislative requirements related to dental assistant role
Accurate interpretation of requests for dental radiographic imaging across a range of procedures for a diverse range of patients
Correct preparation of a diverse range of patients for dental radiographic imaging across a range of procedures
Correct selection and preparation of dental radiographic imaging equipment across a range of procedures
Application of the safe use of radiation in dentistry

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
Pre-requisite competencies are:
HLTDA1A Maintain Infection control in dental practice
HLTDA2A Follow the occupational health and safety policies in dental practice
HLTDA3A Prepare for and assist during oral health care procedures
HLTDA4A Assist in dental radiography
HLTDA5A Maintain and store instruments, equipment, materials, and medicaments for oral health care procedures.
HLTDA6A Assist in administration in dental practice
Co-requisites. This unit should be delivered and assessed with:
HLTDA10A Apply principles of radiation biology and protection in dental surgeries
HLTDA12A Produce a dental radiographic image

Essential knowledge required includes:
Legal and ethical responsibilities for the safe use of radiation in dentistry
Relevant legislation and statutory requirements of consent
Correctly applied dental terminology
Radiographic appearance of anatomic landmarks, normal dentition and associated bony structures for dental radiograph images
Knowledge of radiographic appearance of dental anomalies and common oral pathological conditions
Range of dental radiographic imaging techniques and the reasons for selection of each technique
Features, characteristics and movements of a range of dental radiographic equipment
Reasons for processing and technique inaccuracies and methods to minimise errors

Essential skills required include:
Use correctly appropriate dental terminology
Ability to minimise technical inaccuracies in dental radiographic images
Prepare correctly a diverse range of patients for a range of dental radiographic procedures
Select appropriate film variables including:
Film speed
Film size
Intensifying screens
Select correctly radiographic techniques including:
Bisecting angle
Paralleling
Ability to deal with conflict
Work with others and to empathise with patient and relatives
Literacy skills to read and implement OHS policy and procedures, infection control guidelines and procedures, and other dental practice/organisational policies and procedures; ability to select and apply the procedures to perform a range of tasks; follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legibly patient details
Interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and physical and mental abilities
Oral communication skills (language competence) required to fulfil the job role as specified by the dental practice/organisation. Skills include negotiation, asking questions, active listening, asking for clarification from patient and/or carer, acknowledging and responding to a range of views.
Problem solving skills required include ability to use available resources, prioritise tasks, select and prepare instruments and equipment as directed by the operator

Resource implications:
Access to appropriate workplace or simulation of realistic workplace setting where assessment can be conducted
Access to dental radiographic imaging units and resources normally used in the workplace
Competency in this unit should be assessed using all the relevant resources commonly provided in dental practice. Specific tools may include:
Relevant dental practice/organisational policy and procedures manuals such as:
Incident reporting procedures
Infection control guidelines (NHMRC) and relevant Australian standards
OHS policy and procedures
Relevant State and Territory legislation
Manufacturer specifications for dental radiographic units
Radiographic viewing equipment

Methods of assessment may include but are not limited to:
Observation of work performance
Written tasks
Interview and questioning
Authenticated portfolio/log book
Supporting statement of supervisor(s)
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace under the normal range of work conditions. However, assessment in the workplace must be flexible to allow for patient confidentiality and organisational policies.
Assessment may be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of circumstances to establish consistency.
A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment.