Course Title: Scale teeth, debride root surfaces and stains from teeth

National Element Code & Title:

TAFEDH006 Scale teeth, debride root surfaces and stains from teeth

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Equipment, materials and instruments required for the patient‟s treatment (including for any procedure(s) to be undertaken in addition to scaling and stain removal) are gathered and arranged within the treatment cubicle, dispensed in appropriate quantity and used according to relevant guidelines and manufacturer‟s recommendations
1.2 Equipment and instruments are maintained according to relevant guidelines for instrument maintenance
1.3 The surgery is prepared to cater for any predetermined special needs of the patient
1.4 Hand scaling instruments are sharpened according to relevant guidelines
1.5 All necessary safety precautions during the preparation and presentation of the surgery have been followed

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Patient‟s medical history and records including dental radiographs are reviewed to identify any contraindications to proposed treatment modalities and to confirm treatment prescriptions
2.2 Patient‟s treatment plan and records are reviewed to determine and confirm area of the mouth which is requiring treatment and to review the severity of the disease activity
2.3 An explanation of the scaling and stain removal process and the possible sensations produced by any instrument or equipment used is given to the patient. Adhering to the principles of informed consent, the patient is provided an opportunity to ask questions
2.4 The area of the mouth to be scaled is thoroughly examined
2.5 Previous treatment areas are reviewed to determine patient‟s response to treatment and necessity for any further treatment
2.6 The need for pain control is determined through discussion with the patient and any necessary requirements are followed through
2.7 All proposed treatment modalities for the removal of calculus, deposits and stain are conducted according to occupational health, safety and welfare policy and procedures and infection control policy and procedures
2.8 Socially inclusive communication skills are used at all times and demonstrated behaviours encourage a supportive treatment environment that is conducive to a collaborative operator/patient relationship

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Extrinsic electronic scalers and various hand instruments are selected as indicated in the treatment plan to remove deposits and extrinsic stains on teeth
3.2 The patient is given instructions on the suction cannula which is placed in their mouth for the use of the electronic scaler
3.3 Adequate protection of the patient's clothing is provided
3.4 Intermittent strokes are used to remove deposits and extrinsic stains and adjustment to these strokes are determined by the extent of the deposits
3.5 The electronic scaler is used according to relevant guidelines in order to eliminate any potential damage to the tooth surface
3.6 Hand scalers are used adhering to design principles for effective removal of deposits
3.7 Operator effectiveness is reviewed intermittently so that any adjustments required are identified and addressed accordingly in order to achieve optimum results
3.8 Hand instruments are activated to utilise the forearm/wrist action predominantly. Finger flexing is employed minimally
3.9 Hand instruments are sharpened periodically to avoid burnishing deposits and minimising tissue trauma
3.10 Haemorrhaging resulting from inflamed tissue and treatment procedures is managed according to relevant guidelines, in order to maintain a clear operative field, minimise tissue trauma and allow for effective and safe instrumentation
3.11 Fulcrums are utilised during instrumentation and are safe and appropriate for the task being performed. Both intra-oral and extra-oral fulcrums are used to optimise operator effectiveness
3.12 Patient's position is managed throughout the appointment so that the patient‟s comfort and the operator's requirements are addressed
3.13 Post operative care and instruction is provided to the patient
3.14 Follow up treatment and maintenance requirements are identified and implemented, to provide an avenue for review and assessment, and to provide ongoing supportive periodontal care

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Nature of staining is assessed prior to removal, and treatment procedure and selection of equipment needed is adjusted accordingly for the removal of extrinsic stains
4.2 During the treatment, the patient is provided with adequate comfort pauses
4.3 Care is executed to avoid tissue trauma or tooth damage caused by the stain removal procedure specifically in areas of any exposed root surfaces, demineralised areas or teeth with highly inflamed (haemorrhagic) adjacent gingival
4.4 On completion of the procedure, the patient‟s mouth is irrigated with water and air (unless contraindicated due to tooth sensitivity), to review effectiveness of stain removal. Interproximal debris is identified and removed accordingly
4.5 Post operative care is executed accordingly and clear post treatment instructions are clearly given to the patient

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Soft deposits on the teeth are assessed and prophylaxis procedure adjusted accordingly
5.2 Sufficient prophylaxis agent is used at all times to avoid unnecessary friction on the tooth surface
5.3 A slow speed handpiece with appropriate polishing attachment is used with light intermittent strokes to avoid excessive heat production
5.4 Care is taken throughout the whole procedure to avoid trauma to any surrounding tissues
5.5 On completion of the procedure, the patient‟s mouth is irrigated with water and air to review effectiveness of soft deposit removal on all tooth surfaces
5.6 Topical fluoride/tooth mousse is applied to assist with the remineralisation of enamel surfaces
5.7 Post operative care is executed accordingly and clear post treatment instructions are clearly given to the patient
5.8 Appropriate recall and review appointments are established to provide ongoing supportive oral health care that meet the needs of the patient