Course Title: Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2012

Course Code: DENT5273C

Course Title: Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice

School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4209 - Certificate IV in Dental Assisting

Course Contact: Eleanor Schroeder

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9341 1412

Course Contact Email: eleanor.schroeder@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Marcella Sabo

61 3 9341 1409

marcella.sabo@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 110

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

The following units are pre-requisites for this unit:
• HLTIN301A Comply with infection control policies and procedures in health work.
• HLTIN302A Process reusable instruments and equipment in health work.
• HLTOHS300A Contribute to OHS processes in the health industry
This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following related competency units:
• HLTDA411B Prepare to expose a prescribed dental radiographic image
• HLTDA412B Produce a dental radiographic image

Course Description

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to minimise the risk of radiation to the client, 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
All procedures are carried out in accordance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures, current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards for maintaining infection control and the policies and procedures of the dental practice or organisation
All tasks are carried out in accordance with State/Territory legislative requirements


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

HLTDA410C Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice

Element:

1. Apply knowledge of ionising radiation to produce a dental radiograph
2. Apply knowledge of radiation biology to protect client, operator and others from ionising radiation
3. Determine image characteristics of a dental radiographic image to minimise the necessity for re-takes
4. Minimise radiation by maintaining quality in processing

Performance Criteria:

1. Apply knowledge of ionising radiation to produce a dental radiograph

1.1 Apply knowledge of X ray properties correctly
1.2 Identify and select technical variables of dental x-ray generating equipment correctly according to manufacturers' specifications and client requirements
1.3 Identify the main components of the tubehead
1.4 Identify and select the appropriate technique for the type of cone

2. Apply knowledge of radiation biology to protect client, operator and others from ionising radiation

2.1 Apply knowledge of the biological effects and risks associated with X-rays to implement safe work practices to minimise radiation risks to operator, clients and others
2.2 Interpret the immediate and long term effects of radiation
2.3 Apply the correct units of radiation measurement
2.4 Implement radiation safety measures for the client, operator and others
2.5 Work in accordance with relevant WHS policy and procedures

3. Determine image characteristics of a dental radiographic image to minimise the necessity for re-takes

3.1 Ensure visual qualities of the radiograph are of a diagnostic standard
3.2 Ensure geometric qualities of the radiograph are of a diagnostic standard

4. Minimise radiation by maintaining quality in processing

4.1 Identify the contents of the film package and determine the use of each item
4.2 Maintain quality assurance for processing dental radiographic images
4.3 Follow quality assurance processes for the use of radiographic chemicals in accordance with manufacturer specifications
4.4 Maintain appropriate conditions for manual and automatic processing in accordance with manufacturer specifications
4.5 Identify a range of processing errors and implement corrective measures to produce a diagnostic radiograph
 


Learning Outcomes


1.1 Apply knowledge of X ray properties correctly
1.2 Identify and select technical variables of dental x-ray generating equipment correctly according to manufacturers’ specifications and client requirements
1.3 Identify the main components of the tubehead
1.4 Identify and select the appropriate technique for the type of cone

2.1 Apply knowledge of the biological effects and risks associated with X-rays to implement safe work practices to minimise radiation risks to operator, clients and others
2.2 Interpret the immediate and long term effects of radiation
2.3 Apply the correct units of radiation measurement
2.4 Implement radiation safety measures for the client, operator and others
2.5 Work in accordance with relevant OHS policy and procedures

3.1 Ensure visual qualities of the radiograph are of a diagnostic standard
3.2 Ensure geometric qualities of the radiograph are of a diagnostic standard

4.1 Identify the contents of the film package and determine the use of each item
4.2 Maintain quality assurance for processing dental radiographic images
4.3 Follow quality assurance processes for the use of radiographic chemicals in accordance with manufacturer specifications
4.4 Maintain appropriate conditions for manual and automatic processing in accordance with manufacturer specifications
4.5 Identify a range of processing errors and implement corrective measures to produce a diagnostic radiograph


Details of Learning Activities

Facilitator led classroom based lecture program
Demonstration and class discussion
Facilitator led practical demonstration
Group discussion
Participation in group activities based on simulated workplace exercises
Practical Clinical practise, peer evaluation/feedback session
Written classroom task
Self managed research to support learning
Written assessment
Supervised work based, learning and experience in radiographic procedures and application in dental practice
 


Teaching Schedule

As per Certificate IV timetable


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Iannucci, J,M; Howerton, LJ (2011) Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques; 4th edition, Saunders Elsevier, USA

Code of Practice and Safety Guide for Radiation Protection in Dentistry (2005)
http://www.arpansa.gov.au/pubs/rps/rps10.pdf
 

Radiation Legislation : Radiation Act (2005) and Radiation Regulations(2007) http://www.health.vic.gov.au/radiation/legislation.htm

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals, medicaments and materials used in dental practice (Obtained from Dental Supply companies or via web search)

Australian Dental Association Inc (2012) ADA Guidelines for Infection Control,2nd edition
Document available at: http://www.ada.org.au

National Health and Medical Research Council (2010) Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare www.nhmrc.gov.au

Laskaris, G (2006) Pocket Atlas of Oral Disease; 2nd edition, Theime ,Stuttgart & New York


References


Other Resources

Australian Standards AS/NZS 4815 (2006), Document available at http://www.standards.com.au

• Australian Dental Association Vic Branch (2005) Systematic Operating Procedures A manual for infection control and operational safety for the dental practice. http://www.adavb.com.au/

• Bird, D., Robinson, D. (2011) Torres and Ehrlich Modern Dental Assisting, 10th Ed. W.B.Saunders Company, Sydney.

• Frommer, H; Stabulas-Savage, J; Radiology for the Dental Professional, 9th edition, Elsevier/Mosby,. ISBN 0-323-03071-8. (Plus: the study guide for this textbook.)

• Whaites, E: (2007) Essentials of Dental Radiography and Radiology 4th edition. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier

• Zwemer, T.J. (1998) Mosby’s Dental Dictionary, Mosby Inc., Sydney
ISBN 978-0-3230-4963-4

 


Overview of Assessment

 

• Observation in the work place is essential. Assessment in the workplace must be flexible to allow for client confidentiality and organisation policies
• Evidence of essential knowledge and understanding may be provided by:
- traditional or online (computer-based) assessment
- written assignments/projects
• Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
• Questioning
• Staff and/or client feedback
• Supporting statement of supervisor
• Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning


Assessment Tasks

  • Dental terminology and anatomy written test -
  • The radiographic unit. Students to identify their workplace radiographic equipment -  oral presentation to class, power point and written notes
  • Simulated prac assessment
  • Portfolio of simulated films X40 & related critique sheets
  • Case study oral presentaions X4
  • Logbook/third party evidence with X30 competent patient films with corresponding critique sheets
  • Written assessment
  • Workplace assessment


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Plagiarism

RMIT University requires that you present YOUR work for assessment. Plagiarism is a form of cheating. It is the presentation of the work or idea of another person. Plagiarism is NOT acceptable. Penalities can include charges of acedemic misconduct, cancellation of results and exclusion from your course.

Please note: It is also a disciplinary offence to allow your work to be plagiarised by another student. When signing the coversheet to submit your learning guides and assessments.
 

Special consideration:

Please note: Students may apply for Special Consideration as per the information via the RMIT website http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse:ID=g43abm17hc9w if they believe complete assessment for this unit by the submission date has been affected by factors beyond their control. Special consideration must be lodged prior to or within 48 hours of the scheduled assesment time or assessment submission date. The application for Special Consideration is NOT granted automatically on application.

RMIT assessment policies - RMIT University http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse:ID=od0oagg9uc111

Special consideration online application - RMIT University: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse:ID=g43abm17hc9w

Non completion or non-submission of compulsory tasks:

Failure to complete ant or all of the compulsory tasks listed above will prevent the student from achieving a CA (competency achieved) result for unit HLTDA410D. This will result in the student not completeing the unit successfully. NYC (not yet competent) will be recorded and re enrolment will be required to continue the unit/program. Fees will be incurred. Please note: A second opportunity for assessment will not be granted unless the student has applied for and been granted special consideration as per RMIT assessment policy.



 

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