Course Title: Implement an oral hygiene program for older people

Part A: Course Overview

Program: S0094 Dental Assisting Oral

Course Title: Implement an oral hygiene program for older people

Portfolio: SEH Portfolio Office

Nominal Hours: 120

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.

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
DENT5277C	City Campus	TAFE	155T Vocational Health and Sciences	Distance / Correspondence or Face-to-Face or Internet or Workplace	Term1 2015

Course Contact: Suzanne Dellas Fatone

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9341 1406

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

Course Description

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to promote oral health for older persons. The experience of pain and problems with eating and chewing can adversely affect people’s daily lives, self-esteem and well-being
 

This unit acknowledges the interrelationship between oral health and general health which is especially pronounced among older people
All procedures are carried out in accordance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures, current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards, State/Territory legislative requirements and organisation policy

This unit applies to dental assistants and to other health care workers who are actively involved in promoting the general well-being of older clients through the promotion of healthy eating habits and good oral health

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

This unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisites:
 HLTAMBFC301C Communicate with clients and colleagues to support health care
 HLTDA407C Implement an individualised oral hygiene program

National Competency Codes and Titles

National Element Code & Title:	HLTDA413B Implement an oral hygiene program for older people
Elements:	1. Assess the oral health needs of an older person 2. Provide support for the maintenance of oral hygiene for older persons 3. Implement practical solutions to promote oral health 4. Maintain oral health of persons in residential aged care

Learning Outcomes

1.1 Actively encourage the client to discuss oral health problems without embarrassment
1.2 Identify individualised factors which increase the risk of oral disease for older persons
1.3 Identify oral health problems for older people and their relationship to general health problems
1.4 Look in the client’s mouth while cleaning and/or assisting with oral care
1.5 Identify clients with natural teeth, those who wear dentures and those who are non-denture wearers
1.6 Identify problems that require referral to a dentist

2.1 Ensure flexibility of oral hygiene instruction taking into consideration a client’s individual circumstances
2.2 Demonstrate an understanding of the economic and psychological factors which may affect the oral health of older people
2.3 Provide an appropriate environment for oral hygiene instruction
2.4 Develop and give oral hygiene information to clients and carers using language and in a manner they can understand

3.1 Actively explain to clients and carers the importance of regular dental care to maintain quality of life
3.2 Recommend lifestyle changes where salivary flow may be diminished in consultation with dental professional
3.3 Provide appropriate information to clients and carers for healthy food habits that support oral health
3.4 Actively encourage clients and/or carers to clean teeth or dentures after meals
3.5 Appropriately involve carers who accompany clients in oral health promotion

4.1 Ensure all removable dentures are visibly marked with a residents identification
4.2 Record oral health in the resident’s personal care plan
4.3 Implement individual oral health programs in consultation with dental professional
4.4 Assist clients with special needs to clean their teeth
4.5 Assist clients and their carers to clean and maintain dentures

Overview of Assessment

Assessment will include demonstration of underpinning knowledge, and skills; assessment activities may include case study, presentations, project work, third party report  and written work.