Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:57 PM AWST

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Prepare for and assist with dental procedures

Prepare for and assist with dental procedures

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTDEN015
State Code
ODI88
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
3.00
Current Release Date
07/12/2021
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
29/10/2021
Field of Education
060703 - Dental Assisting
Original Release Date
29/10/2021
Nominal Hours
350
Description
This unit of competency describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare the dental surgery including equipment, instruments and materials, for dental procedures and assist the practitioner during dental procedures.This unit applies to dental assisting work under the instruction and supervision of the dental practitioner.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. Prepare dental surgery for dental procedures.
  • 1.1. Make patient records accessible in the surgery clean zone.
  • 1.2. Identify planned procedure.
  • 1.3. Identify and select equipment, instruments, materials and medicaments for planned procedure and arrange in likely order of use.
  • 1.4. Explain and support patient and provide pre-procedural items to patient.
  • 1.5. Support aseptic techniques to prevent spread of infection.
2. Use dental terminology.
  • 2.1. Communicate with dental team using dental terminology.
  • 2.2. Receive, interpret and document written and oral instructions using dental terminology.
  • 2.3. Use and interpret common dental abbreviations and symbols.
3. Record personal, medical and dental details.
  • 3.1. Make accurate, legible and legal records of patient personal, medical and dental information as directed by practitioner.
  • 3.2. Verify records in accordance with practitioner requirements.
  • 3.3. Maintain confidentiality of patient information.
4. Select and prepare syringe local anaesthesia.
  • 4.1. Select and prepare the syringe, cartridge and needle for local anaesthesia as directed by practitioner.
  • 4.2. Check expiry dates and anaesthetic cartridge prior to use.
5. Assist practitioner during dental procedures.
  • 5.1. Select equipment, instruments, materials and medicaments and transfer to the practitioner.
  • 5.2. Assist practitioner to maintain a clear field of vision.
  • 5.3. Clear mouth of fluids and debris, and control moisture.
  • 5.4. Retract and protect the patient’s soft tissues using instruments and materials appropriate to the procedure.
  • 5.5. Monitor patient wellbeing and take timely action to support patient and practitioner.
  • 5.6. Prepare materials and medicaments using appropriate technique and timing to ensure consistency and quantity following manufacturer instructions.
  • 5.7. Retrieve additional items, instruments, materials and medicaments using appropriate methods to avoid contamination.
6. Manage waste and decontaminate the clinical area during changeover of patients.
  • 6.1. Wear personal protective equipment throughout the changeover procedure and replace as required to maintain safety and infection control.
  • 6.2. Dispose of single use items in waste receptacle.
  • 6.3. Place reusable items in transfer container.
  • 6.4. Flush dental unit water lines and suction.
  • 6.5. Use disposable detergent wipes to clean and decontaminate surfaces using techniques to prevent cross contamination.
  • 6.6. Ensure changeover procedures are carried out using infection prevention and control practices according to current Australian standards and guidelines.
7. Maintain and store instruments, equipment materials and medicaments.
  • 7.1. Maintain instruments and equipment in good working order and fit for purpose.
  • 7.2. Ensure maintenance records are legible and accurate.
  • 7.3. Store instruments, equipment, materials and medicaments according to manufacturer instructions and National and State or Territory guidelines.
  • 7.4. Monitor stock rotation and expiry dates.
  • 7.5. Ensure packaged sterile items are stored and labelled according to National and State or Territory guidelines.
8. Work legally, ethically and professionally in a dental setting.
  • 8.1. Identify sources of legal information relating to the dental industry.
  • 8.2. Identify own legal responsibilities in context of the job role.
  • 8.3. Adhere to legal requirements in work practice according. to organisational policies and procedures and work role.
  • 8.4. Recognise situations where reporting is required.
  • 8.5. Identify relevant professional bodies and their role.
  • 8.6. Identify opportunities and sources of professional development.
  • 8.7. Recognise potential ethical issues, dilemmas and discuss with appropriate person.
  • 8.8. Recognise own personal values and attitudes and take into account to ensure non-judgemental practice.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AWA53 HLTDEN001 Prepare for and assist with oral health care procedures Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BGW8 HLT45021 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting Qualification
BGW7 HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting Qualification