Course Title: Administer pain control for dental treatment

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2013

Course Code: DENT5801

Course Title: Administer pain control for dental treatment

School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6119 - Advanced Diploma of Oral Health (Dental Hygiene)

Course Contact: Sue Fatone

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 93411406

Course Contact Email: sue.fatone@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 60

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

This unit should be assessed after achievement of the following related competency units:
• TAFEDH032 - Confirm physical health status
• TAFEDH003 - Analyse oral status
• TAFEDH005 – Examine, record and assess patient histories and dental records to formulate a hygiene treatment plan

 

Course Description

This unit deals with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to administer general non-pharmacological pain control strategies, as well as local aesthetics on prescription, for the purpose of reducing pain and anxiety associated with dental treatment.
 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

TAFEDH004 Administer pain control for dental treatment

Element:

1. Analyse the anatomy of the head and neck

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify the major bone structures and landmarks of the
head and neck
1.2 Analyse the facial and masticatory muscles to interpret
their origin, insertion and action

1.3 Interpret the anatomy and movement of the
temporomandibular joint

Element:

2. Analyse and interpret the spread of dental infection in the head and neck tissues

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Identify the arterial blood supply and venous drainage of
the head and neck tissues with particular reference to
the oral tissues
2.2 Identify and interpret the lymphatic system and drainage
of head and neck tissues
2.3 Analyse and interpret lesions and complications that can
occur with the spread of dental infection in the head and
neck region

Element:

3. Analyse, interpret and apply nerve innervation to the head and neck
 

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Identify and interpret cranial nerve pathways and
innervation with particular reference to oral tissues
3.2 Recognise and interpret the innervation of the trigeminal
and facial nerve in the application of generalised and
local pain control

Element:

4. Prepare surgery

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Equipment, materials and instruments reasonably
expected to be required for the patient’s treatment are
gathered and arranged
4.2 Prepare surgery according to relevant policies and
manufacturer’s recommendations
4.3 Materials required are dispensed according to quality
and medical standards
4.4 Safety precautions during the preparation and
presentation of the surgery are followed

Element:

5. Prepare, assess and inform patient

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Patient’s medical history and records are reviewed to
eliminate any contraindications to proposed pain control
modalities and to confirm treatment prescriptions and
necessity for pain control strategies
5.2 Analyse and identify possible complications with
localised anaesthesia for pain control considering oral
and anatomical structures of the head and neck
5.3 Patient’s treatment plan and records are reviewed to
determine and confirm the area of the mouth requiring
treatment
5.4 The nature and severity of disease activity is reviewed,
along with the patient’s past responses and attitudes to
pain associated with dental treatment
5.5 Patient’s perceptions and requests are validated and
supportive strategies are employed to provide
reassurance

5.6 The patient is provided with an explanation of pain
control options and outcomes, which include both
clinical and behavioural techniques, to be provided with
the opportunity of making an informed decision based
on personal choices
5.7 Adhering to the principles of Informed Consent, the
patient is informed of possible negative outcomes
resulting from any planned pain control strategies.
Consent is confirmed with the patient
5.8 The patient is provided with the opportunity to ask
questions concerning aspects of the planned treatment
and any concerns are addressed
5.9 An environment is established whereby, the patient is
aware of the provision of an ongoing opportunity to
signal pain sensations as a means of monitoring
effectiveness of pain control strategies
5.10 The area of the mouth to be treated is thoroughly
examined in order to confirm treatment and pain control
prescription

Element:

6. Utilise non-pharmacological pain control strategies

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Engage positive and supportive conversation skills
6.2 Communicate appropriately to eradicate anxiety
provoking language as a method of reducing pain
6.3 A care plan is devised to suit the patient’s pain tolerance
level
6.4 A detailed account of the procedures to be carried out
are explained and demonstrated to the patient, and
possible sensations are clearly identified
6.5 Pain indication through a patient’s verbal or non-verbal
responses is acknowledged and addressed immediately
6.6 Suitable distractions are to encourage patient relaxation
6.7 Where appropriate, modelling is used to promote patient
acceptance of treatment
6.8 Patient is encouraged to contribute control over the
planned sequence of treatment, as a method of
reducing anxiety associated with dental pain
6.9 All non-pharmacological pain control strategies are
carried out according to occupational health, safety and
welfare guidelines and infection control policy and
procedures

Element:

7. Select and administer local anesthetics

Performance Criteria:

7.1 Equipment, materials and instruments reasonably
expected to be required for the administration of local
anaesthesia, are gathered and arranged within the treatment cubicle
7.2 Topical anaesthetic is used, according to relevant
guidelines, in localised gingival/mucosal tissue to control
discomfort
7.3 Correct anaesthetic solution is selected according to
patient’s medical history and this is confirmed through
consultation with the dentist and is maintained at room
temperature
7.4 Anaesthetic solution is administered to patient for the
purpose of periodontal treatment according to relevant
guidelines
7.5 Administration of local anaesthetics are carried out
according to occupational health, safety and welfare
guidelines and infection control policy and procedures


Learning Outcomes


This unit will enable students to gain the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to administer general non-pharmacological pain control strategies, as well as local aesthetics on prescription, for the purpose of reducing pain and anxiety associated with dental treatment.


Details of Learning Activities

Attendance to lectures and practical sessions.

Research & report on
• Landmarks of the head and neck
• Facial and masticatory muscles
• Anatomy and movement of TMJ
• Arterial blood supply and venous drainage of head and neck
• The spread of infection in the head and neck
• Pathways of the Trigeminal and Facial nerves

Preclinical
Participate in individual/team scenarios dealing with
• Psychology of behaviour management and anxiety reducing techniques
• Special needs
• Informed consent
• Professional practice

Participate in practical sessions

Clinical
In a supervised clinical environment administer pain control for dental treatment on clientsand or student colleagues with consent.
 


Teaching Schedule

Classes will commence in Semester 2 and be delivered in 3 hour blocks. Each class will include teacher led presentations, workbook/learner guide activities, group collaboration and self directed learning opportunities.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Simulated scenarios for practical experience administering LA.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this unit will include written exam and practical clinical tasks


Assessment Tasks

Written project

Preclinical assessment

 Ongoing case discussions in a clinical setting.

 Knowledge exam

Ongoing clinical assessment
will be undertaken in a supervised clinical setting.

Completion of a clinical Logbook
 


Assessment Matrix

Verbal questioning & oral presentation 10%

Written examination 45% (60%passmark)


 Practical assessment 45% (60%passmark)

Other Information

Underpinning knowledge:

professional practice
 use of local anaesthetics in dentistry
 periodontology and supportive periodontal therapy
 patient education
 clinical practice
 medicine and pharmacology including management of
medical emergencies
 basic biochemistry
 cariology
 regional anatomy and physiology
 tooth and root morphology
 general anatomy and physiology
 general and oral pathology
 current NHMRC infection control guidelines
 structural, clinical and histological features and function
of tooth tissue and the periodontal tissue
 general and oral pathology
 psychology of behaviour management and anxiety
reducing techniques
 sociology as it pertains to health issues
 microbiology
 special needs dentistry
 radiography
 informed consent
 privacy rights of patient
 disability awareness
 cultural issues which may affect dental treatment
 relevant current legislation
 relevant occupational health and safety regulations

Course Overview: Access Course Overview