Unit of competency
Modification History
Release |
Comments |
Release 1 |
This version was released in HLT Health Training Package release 3.0 and meets the requirements of the 2012 Standards for Training Packages. Significant changes to the elements and performance criteria. New evidence requirements for assessment including volume and frequency requirements. Removal of pre-requisites Supersedes HLTDA412D |
Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate dental radiographic equipment and position the patient correctly to produce an intraoral and extraoral diagnostic radiographic image.
Where work relates to extraoral radiography this includes orthopantomogram and may include lateral cephalograms (for orthodontic radiographic work-ups) and excludes cone beam radiography.
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.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Position patient to obtain radiograph |
1.1 Implement and maintain radiation safety measures for the patient, operator and others throughout the procedure 1.2 Correctly position patient according to the radiographic detector unit used 1.3 Ensure that communication with patient can be maintained after positioning |
2. Position dental radiographic detector |
2.1 Select the appropriate exposure variables for either an intraoral or extraoral image on the dental radiographic unit according to manufacturers’ instructions, procedure and patient requirements 2.2 Select the appropriate radiographic technique for either an intraoral or extraoral image prescribed by dental practitioner for the oral structure under investigation 2.3 Position correctly the appropriate film or film plate or sensor and setting for the prescribed request and patient’s requirements 2.4 Select and use locating devices or guides to apply the appropriate horizontal and vertical planes for the radiograph 2.5 Use accessories when appropriate according to manufacturers’ instructions |
3. Operate radiographic imaging equipment safely to produce intraoral image |
3.1 Operate intraoral radiographic equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions and legislative requirements for the safe use of radiation 3.2 Ensure the patient remains visible throughout the procedure to observe positioning and safety precautions and expose the X-ray 3.4 Remove the exposed intraoral dental radiographic detector package carefully from the mouth 3.5 Separate the packaging and barrier sleeve when required from the detector and label image correctly prior to processing |
4. Operate radiographic imaging equipment safely to produce an extraoral radiograph |
4.1 Operate extraoral radiographic equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions and legislative requirements for the safe use of radiation 4.2 Ensure the patient remains visible throughout the procedure to observe positioning and safety precautions, and expose the X-ray 4.3 Undertake, for wet processing only, removal of the exposed extraoral image from the radiographic unit 4.4 Ensure digital radiograph is downloaded correctly 4.5 Label the radiograph with all necessary details for patient identification and time of procedure |
5. Process and provide quality assurance for the exposed dental radiograph |
5.1 View or process the radiograph correctly 5.2 Assess visual qualities of the radiograph and refer to dental practitioner 5.3 Identify and correct processing errors or artefacts 5.4 Identify and critique errors in imaging technique to optimise exposure times for each individual patient 5.5 Mount and store radiographs correctly |
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Unit Mapping Information
No Equivalent Unit
Links
Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=ced1390f-48d9-4ab0-bd50-b015e5485705