Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:21 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.

Provide effective oral hygiene instruction to patients with an oral health treatment plan

Provide effective oral hygiene instruction to patients with an oral health treatment plan

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTDEN028
State Code
ODI86
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
060799 - Dental Studies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
29/10/2021
Nominal Hours
65
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide oral hygiene information and instruction to patients to promote and support effective home care oral health practices. The skills and knowledge will enable the candidate to provide instruction on oral hygiene techniques and accurate selection of basic oral hygiene products and aids for individual patient needs.This unit applies to workers in a dental practice setting whose work roles provide them with an opportunity to instruct and support patients in effective oral hygiene care within an oral health treatment plan 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 information related to planned oral hygiene instruction.
  • 1.1. Identify oral hygiene products and aids required by reviewing patient treatment plan or discussing with the practitioner.
  • 1.2. Prepare relevant and reputable resources or visual aids to assist in the explanation of the oral hygiene instruction.
  • 1.3. Seek additional information from patient by questioning and clarifying current home-care oral hygiene routines.
  • 1.4. Respond to questions and concerns by selecting relevant take home information for patient that is specific to the individual needs.
2. Provide information and instruction on oral hygiene self-care techniques and appropriate aids.
  • 2.1. Select oral hygiene aids with suitable features to address individual patient needs including, age, current condition and intended outcomes.
  • 2.2. Explain the advantages of selected oral hygiene aids in terms of achieving and maintaining effective oral hygiene practices.
  • 2.3. Discuss the relationship of poor oral health practices with increased risk of oral disease.
  • 2.4. Instruct patient in appropriate tooth brushing techniques and the use of any additional oral hygiene aids.
  • 2.5. Provide feedback to patient on the demonstration of oral hygiene instruction skills.
  • 2.6. Reinforce to patient the importance of regular oral health checks with a practitioner.
3. Provide additional information and instruction to patients with specific oral health needs.
  • 3.1. Provide instructions and demonstrate the care of fixed or removable prosthodontic dental appliances.
  • 3.2. Provide instruction for patients with periodontal conditions.
  • 3.3. Provide instruction for patients with special needs.
  • 3.4. Provide instruction and demonstrate the care of fixed or removable orthodontic dental appliances.
  • 3.5. Encourage and support patients with dental appliances to follow effective self-care techniques for the specific appliances.
4. Select appropriate and evidenced based oral hygiene products to support oral hygiene instruction.
  • 4.1. Compare fluoride concentrations in different products and select a product that is appropriate for the patient age and caries risk, as identified by the practitioner.
  • 4.2. Demonstrate dispensing of the correct amount of toothpaste onto a toothbrush.
  • 4.3. Select and discuss a range of dental chemotherapeutic products that address specific conditions including hypersensitivity and gingival inflammation.
  • 4.4. Seek clarification from practitioner regarding chemotherapeutic product options when required.
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State Code National Code Title Type
BGW7 HLT35021 Certificate III in Dental Assisting Qualification