Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:32 AM AWST
22/07/2026 11:32 AM 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
HLTDEN007
HLTDEN007
State Code
AWA47
AWA47
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
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
110
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to minimise the risk of radiation to the patient, 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 standard.This unit applies to dental assisting work.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. Apply the principles of radiation biology to protect patient, operator and others from ionising radiation
- 1.1 Implement safe work practices to minimise risks to operator, patient and others of immediate and long-term effects of radiation
- 1.2 Identify correctly the main components of the X-ray unit to assist the operator taking a dental radiograph
- 1.3 Identify correctly and select the exposure variables of dental X-ray generating equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions and patient requirements
- 1.4 Apply the correct units of radiation dose
2. Determine image characteristics of a dental radiographic image to minimise the necessity for re-takes
- 2.1 Ensure visual qualities of the radiograph are of a diagnostic standard
- 2.2 Ensure geometric qualities of the radiograph are of a diagnostic standard
3. Minimise radiation by maintaining quality in processing
- 3.1 Identify the contents of the film package and determine the use of each item
- 3.2 Maintain quality assurance for processing dental radiographic images
- 3.3 Follow quality assurance processes for the use of radiographic chemicals in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions
- 3.4 Maintain appropriate conditions for manual and automatic processing in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications
- 3.5 Identify a range of processing errors and implement corrective measures to produce a diagnostic radiograph
No information
No information
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WD111 | HLTDA410D | Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI55 | HLTDEN021 | Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AYY9 | HLT45015 | Certificate IV in Dental Assisting | Qualification |
| AD300 | HLTSS00060 | Dental radiography skill set | Skill set |