Course Title: Apply rubber dam and fissure sealants

National Element Code & Title:

TAFEDH007 Apply rubber dam and fissure sealants

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 the application and removal of
rubber dam (RD) and the application of fissure sealant)
are gathered and arranged within the treatment cubicle
1.2 The surgery is prepared to cater for any predetermined special needs of the patient
1.3 Material required is dispensed with the correct quantity
1.4 Rubber dam is prepared for use in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions
1.5 Fissure sealant solution is prepared and dispensed by
being decanted into a light-limiting receptacle and
covered so as to slow polymerisation and taking into
account all other manufacturer’s recommendations
1.6 All necessary safety precautions during the preparation
and presentation stages have been followed

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Patient’s medical history and records, including
radiographs, are reviewed to eliminate any
contraindications to proposed treatment modalities and
to confirm treatment prescriptions
2.2 An explanation of rubber dam use and fissure sealing is
given to the patient. Adhering to the principles of
informed consent, the patient is informed of possible
negative outcomes resulting from any planned
treatment. Consent is confirmed with the patient
2.3 Modifications to prescribed treatment is confirmed
through consultation with the overseeing dentist
2.4 Patient is provided the opportunity to ask questions
concerning any aspect of the planned treatment
2.5 The area of the mouth to be isolated is examined to
confirm treatment prescription
2.6 The need for pain control is determined through
discussion with the patient and any necessary
requirements are followed through
2.7 Holes for placing over teeth are punched so as to
recreate any arch peculiarities, and clamps are selected
and ligated with floss as a safety precaution
2.8 Adjustments to the dental surgery are made to cater for
patient’s needs as necessary

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Rubber dam is applied in accordance to relevant
guidelines and without trauma to the surrounding hard
and soft tissues
3.2 Teeth are exposed through the rubber dam and are
secured ensuring minimal corrugation and adequate
rubber dam material surrounding each isolated tooth
3.3 Rubber dam frame is applied and patient comfort is
confirmed

3.4 Rubber dam is applied according to occupational health,
safety and welfare policy and procedures and infection
control policy and procedures
3.5 Operator position is adjusted, as required, throughout
the appointment to facilitate the operator’s most efficient
and safe application of rubber dam

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Tooth/teeth to be sealed are examined and cross
checked for verification in the current treatment plan for
the patient
4.2 Fissures are debrided and any concerns are directed to
the dentist
4.3 Etchant is applied to the dried fissures for the time
recommended by the manufacturer, and flushed off for
the recommended time
4.4 Fissure sealant is mixed according to manufacturer’s
instructions and examined for any visible sign of air
bubbles
4.5 The fissure sealant is applied to the etched tooth/teeth
4.6 Moisture control is maintained throughout the fissure
sealant process
4.7 The fissure sealant is photocured, if required, for the
time recommended by the manufacturer
4.8 On removal of the moisture control items the fissure seal
is dried, occlusion examined using articulating paper
and floss is passed through the adjacent teeth to
ascertain presence of excess sealant material
4.9 Evaluation of the quality of the fissure sealant is
conducted according to relevant guidelines
4.10 Fissure sealant is applied according to occupational
health, safety and welfare policy and procedures and
infection control policy and procedures
4.11 Operator position is adjusted, as required, throughout
the appointment to facilitate the operator’s most efficient
and safe application of fissure sealant

Performance Criteria:

5.1 The most anterior securing devices are removed and
the rubber dam stretched towards the buccal/facial/
labial surfaces to enable cutting of the interproximal dam
with scissors
5.2 The removed rubber dam is inspected for completeness
5.3 Any missing rubber dam pieces are recovered and accounted for
5.4 Patient’s soft tissues are inspected for trauma
5.5 Post operative instructions and follow up care and
maintenance requirements are clearly explained to the
patient
5.6 Rubber dam is removed according to occupational
health, safety and welfare policy and procedures and
infection control policy and procedures