Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:48 AM AWST

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Inform and support patients and groups about oral health

Inform and support patients and groups about oral health

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTOHC008
State Code
ODI42
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
061307 - Health Promotion
Original Release Date
29/10/2021
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide practical information and instruction to patients and groups to promote and support good oral health care practices. This enables the candidate to provide health promotion and practical demonstration and instruction of oral hygiene practices and techniques.This unit applies to workers in a range of health and community services environments whose work roles provide them with an opportunity to promote and support good oral health care. 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. Develop and maintain understanding of oral health information and issues.
  • 1.1. Use credible sources of oral health information to interpret what constitutes good oral health.
  • 1.2. Maintain current knowledge on the risk factors and outcomes associated with poor oral health and hygiene practices.
  • 1.3. Identify oral health hygiene techniques used to address specific patient needs and preferences.
  • 1.4. Demonstrate own commitment to oral health through awareness and application of effective self-care oral health practices.
  • 1.5. Recognise social and cultural determinants of health as well as varying individual motivations and capacity to carry out good oral health care practices.
2. Provide information related to oral health using a person-centred approach.
  • 2.1. Address agreed outcomes in planning for oral health care needs by explaining the link between oral health and general health.
  • 2.2. Prepare information so that it is relevant to the target audience and use a person-centred approach to identify and respond effectively to individual needs.
  • 2.3. Engage and respond to concerns of patient by providing oral health care information, including issues associated with poor oral health and hygiene.
  • 2.4. Negotiate with patient a flexible approach to delivery of oral health information.
  • 2.5. Explain relevant information on the importance of regular oral checks with an oral health practitioner.
3. Provide specific information and instruction on oral hygiene self-care, techniques and appropriate aids.
  • 3.1. Collect data specific to patient by questioning, observing and accessing available information from patient or carer.
  • 3.2. Instruct and explain tooth brushing and soft tissue techniques and use of appropriate aids, detailing their advantages in terms of achieving and maintaining effective oral health.
  • 3.3. Demonstrate and provide instruction on the care of partial and full dentures.
  • 3.4. Identify and implement opportunities for participants to demonstrate learned skills.
  • 3.5. Encourage and support patients, including people with special needs to follow effective self-care techniques for oral hygiene practices to make knowledge, attitude and behavioural changes where possible.
4. Evaluate effectiveness of oral health information session.
  • 4.1. Obtain feedback from the patient or group to determine whether the information is correctly received and understood.
  • 4.2. Reflect on outcomes and implement changes to information or delivery processes based on feedback.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AVA14 HLTOHC002 Inform and support patients and groups about oral health Unit of competency