Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 12:57 PM AWST
22/07/2026 12:57 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.
Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice
Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTDA410D
HLTDA410D
State Code
WD111
WD111
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
24/08/2012
Field of Education
060799 - Dental Studies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
24/08/2012
Nominal Hours
75
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to minimise the risk of radiation to the client, the operator and others during the exposure of a prescribed dental radiographic image. It also describes the quality assurance measures necessary to ensure all radiographs are of consistent diagnostic standardAll procedures are carried out in accordance with work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures, current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards for maintaining infection control and the policies and procedures of the dental practice or organisationAll tasks are carried out in accordance with State/Territory legislative requirements
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Apply knowledge of ionising radiation to produce a dental radiograph
- 1.1 Apply knowledge of X ray properties correctly
- 1.2 Identify and select technical variables of dental x-ray generating equipment correctly according to manufacturers' specifications and client requirements
- 1.3 Identify the main components of the tubehead
- 1.4 Identify and select the appropriate technique for the type of cone
2. Apply knowledge of radiation biology to protect client, operator and others from ionising radiation
- 2.1 Apply knowledge of the biological effects and risks associated with X-rays to implement safe work practices to minimise radiation risks to operator, clients and others
- 2.2 Interpret the immediate and long term effects of radiation
- 2.3 Apply the correct units of radiation measurement
- 2.4 Implement radiation safety measures for the client, operator and others
- 2.5 Work in accordance with relevant WHS policy and procedures
3. Determine image characteristics of a dental radiographic image to minimise the necessity for re-takes
- 3.1 Ensure visual qualities of the radiograph are of a diagnostic standard
- 3.2 Ensure geometric qualities of the radiograph are of a diagnostic standard
4. Minimise radiation by maintaining quality in processing
- 4.1 Identify the contents of the film package and determine the use of each item
- 4.2 Maintain quality assurance for processing dental radiographic images
- 4.3 Follow quality assurance processes for the use of radiographic chemicals in accordance with manufacturer specifications
- 4.4 Maintain appropriate conditions for manual and automatic processing in accordance with manufacturer specifications
- 4.5 Identify a range of processing errors and implement corrective measures to produce a diagnostic radiograph
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.
X ray propertiesmay include but are not limited to:
The intensity of the diagnostic X-ray beam
The quality of the diagnostic X-ray beam
Safe work practicesmust include:
Current code of practice for radiation protection in dentistry
Dental practice/organisation policy and procedures
Legislative requirements
Radiographer's Licensing Board requirements
Units of radiation may include:
Collective affective dose
Dose rate
Effective dose
Equivalent dose
Radiation-absorbed dose
Radiation safety for the client includes but is not limited to:
Appropriate technique
Correct processing procedures to minimise re-takes
Film selection
Legislative requirements and codes of practice
Technical features of the radiographic unit as determined by manufacturer specifications including kilovoltage, filtration, x ray beam collimation
Use of film locating devices
Use of lead aprons
Radiation safety for the operator and others includes but is not limited to:
Determination of pregnancy
Distance from primary beam
Legislative requirements
Maintenance of radiographic equipment
Maximum permissible dose (MPD) of radiation
Use of lead lined barriers
Geometric characteristics of the image may include:
Blurred image due to motion of client
Distortion due to incorrect technique
Quality assurance for processing dental radiographic images 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
Processing errors may include:
Film that is too dark
Film that is too light
Film with inadequate or low contrast
Film that is marked
X ray propertiesmay include but are not limited to:
The intensity of the diagnostic X-ray beam
The quality of the diagnostic X-ray beam
Safe work practicesmust include:
Current code of practice for radiation protection in dentistry
Dental practice/organisation policy and procedures
Legislative requirements
Radiographer's Licensing Board requirements
Units of radiation may include:
Collective affective dose
Dose rate
Effective dose
Equivalent dose
Radiation-absorbed dose
Radiation safety for the client includes but is not limited to:
Appropriate technique
Correct processing procedures to minimise re-takes
Film selection
Legislative requirements and codes of practice
Technical features of the radiographic unit as determined by manufacturer specifications including kilovoltage, filtration, x ray beam collimation
Use of film locating devices
Use of lead aprons
Radiation safety for the operator and others includes but is not limited to:
Determination of pregnancy
Distance from primary beam
Legislative requirements
Maintenance of radiographic equipment
Maximum permissible dose (MPD) of radiation
Use of lead lined barriers
Geometric characteristics of the image may include:
Blurred image due to motion of client
Distortion due to incorrect technique
Quality assurance for processing dental radiographic images 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
Processing errors may include:
Film that is too dark
Film that is too light
Film with inadequate or low contrast
Film that is marked
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 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:
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
Relevant dental practice/organisation policy and procedures manuals such as:
incident reporting procedures
infection control guidelines and relevant Australian Standards
WHS policy and procedures
Relevant state/territory legislation
Manufacturer specifications for dental radiographic units
Radiographic viewing equipment
Assessment should be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of circumstances and to establish consistency
A diversity of assessment tasks is essential
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place is essential. Assessment in the workplace must be flexible to allow for client confidentiality and organisation policies
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
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 units:
HLTDA411D Prepare to expose a prescribed dental radiographic image
HLTDA412D Produce a dental radiographic image
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 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:
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
Relevant dental practice/organisation policy and procedures manuals such as:
incident reporting procedures
infection control guidelines and relevant Australian Standards
WHS policy and procedures
Relevant state/territory legislation
Manufacturer specifications for dental radiographic units
Radiographic viewing equipment
Assessment should be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of circumstances and to establish consistency
A diversity of assessment tasks is essential
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place is essential. Assessment in the workplace must be flexible to allow for client confidentiality and organisation policies
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
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 units:
HLTDA411D Prepare to expose a prescribed dental radiographic image
HLTDA412D Produce a dental radiographic image
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5855 | HLTDA410C | Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWA47 | HLTDEN007 | Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J092 | HLT43012 | Certificate IV in Dental Assisting | Qualification |