Course Title: Assist with dental radiography

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: DENT5831C

Course Title: Assist with dental radiography

School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences

Campus: City Campus

Program: C3299 - Certificate III in Dental Assisting

Course Contact: Ms. Suzanne Dellas Fatone

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9341 1406

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


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

 

Dental Health Program Manager Mr. Mark Doherty
Office hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 to 5:00 pm.
Telephone: +61 3 9341 1407
Email: mark.doerty@rmit.edu.au

 

Ms. Sandra Torbica
Office hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 to 5:00 pm.
Telephone: +61 3 9341 1408
Email: sandra.torbica@rmit.edu.au
 

Nominal Hours: 40

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 must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisites:

        HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures
        HLTIN302C Process reusable instruments and equipment in health work
        HLTWHS200A Participate in WHS processes

Course Description

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for a dental assistant to assist the operator by preparing clients, equipment and materials for dental radiography, to protect themselves, the client, other members of the dental team and the public from the hazards associated with ionising radiation and to process and mount dental radiographs to diagnostic and quality assurance standards
 

All procedures are carried out in accordance with work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures, current infection control guidelines, Australian and New Zealand Standards, state/territory legislative requirements and organisation policy


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

HLTDA304D Assist with dental radiography

Element:

1. Prepare clients for dental radiography

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Position the client comfortably
1.2 Reassure the client and explain the procedure in language that is easily understood
1.3 Ask the client to remove items which may interfere with the radiographic examination and offer appropriate explanation
1.4 Ensure client, other members of the dental team and the public are protected from ionising radiations
1.5 Assist the operator in the implementation of safe work practices to minimise radiation risks to workers and to clients
1.6 Select and prepare the correct radiographic film/image receptors and film packet holders for the radiographic examination and make it available to the operator
1.7 Label exposed films accurately and legibly before the client leaves the surgery

Element:

2. Prepare equipment and materials for dental radiography

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Maintain clean and dry working surfaces
2.2 Clean and maintain processing equipment in good working order
2.3 Maintain processing solutions at the correct strength and temperature
2.4 Record the date of preparation of solutions accurately
2.5 Arrange for servicing of equipment at the intervals specified by the manufacturer and Radiation Health
2.6 File equipment service records in a location within the surgery that can be readily accessed
2.7 Prepare digital program to receive digital image

Element:

3. Process and mount dental radiographs

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Protect processing facility/equipment against accidental intrusion of light
3.2 Wear personal protective equipment
3.3 Handle radiographic film packages/image receptors carefully so that their quality is maintained
3.4 Carry out processing stages in the correct sequence and for appropriate duration in accordance with manufacturer specifications
3.5 Identify common faults caused by incorrect processing and notify the operator
3.6 Rectify processing faults in accordance with operator's instructions
3.7 Notify the operator of any processing faults which cannot be rectified prior to further radiographs being processed
3.8 Label and date the radiograph mounting accurately and legibly
3.9 Mount and secure radiographs in correct anatomical position for viewing
3.10 File radiographs correctly

Element:

4. Maintain stock of unexposed radiographic film and chemicals

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Store radiographic film, image receptors and chemicals in accordance with manufacturer specifications
4.2 Maintain sufficient stock
4.3 Rotate film stock so that film is used before its expiry date

Element:

5. Assure the quality of dental radiographic processing

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Participate effectively in radiographic quality assurance programs
5.2 Monitor processing solutions for deterioration
5.3 Notify the operator when radiographs do not meet the quality criteria of the reference radiograph produced under optimum conditions
5.4 Collect and record all unacceptable radiographs that do not meet diagnostic standards due to processing error and identify how processing can be improved
5.5 Dispose of waste chemicals safely in accordance with manufacturer specifications and legislative requirement

Learning Outcomes


1.1 Position the client comfortably
1.2 Reassure the client and explain the procedure in language that is easily understood
1.3 Ask the client to remove items which may interfere with the radiographic examination and offer appropriate explanation
1.4 Ensure client, other members of the dental team and the public are protected from ionising radiations
1.5 Assist the operator in the implementation of safe work practices to minimise radiation risks to workers and to clients
1.6 Select and prepare the correct radiographic film/image receptors and film packet holders for the radiographic examination and make it available to the operator
1.7 Label exposed films accurately and legibly before the client leaves the surgery

2.1 Maintain clean and dry working surfaces
2.2 Clean and maintain processing equipment in good working order
2.3 Maintain processing solutions at the correct strength and temperature
2.4 Record the date of preparation of solutions accurately
2.5 Arrange for servicing of equipment at the intervals specified by the manufacturer and Radiation Health
2.6 File equipment service records in a location within the surgery that can be readily accessed                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2.7 Prepare digital program to receive digital image

3.1 Protect processing facility/equipment against accidental intrusion of light
3.2 Wear personal protective equipment
3.3 Handle radiographic film packages/image receptors carefully so that their quality is maintained
3.4 Carry out processing stages in the correct sequence and for appropriate duration in accordance with manufacturer specifications
3.5 Identify common faults caused by incorrect processing and notify the operator
3.6 Rectify processing faults in accordance with operator’s instructions
3.7 Notify the operator of any processing faults which cannot be rectified prior to further radiographs being processed
3.8 Label and date the radiograph mounting accurately and legibly
3.9 Mount and secure radiographs in correct anatomical position for viewing
3.10 File radiographs correctly

4.1 Store radiographic film, image receptors and chemicals in accordance with manufacturer specifications
4.2 Maintain sufficient stock
4.3 Rotate film stock so that film is used before its expiry date

5.1 Participate effectively in radiographic quality assurance programs
5.2 Monitor processing solutions for deterioration
5.3 Notify the operator when radiographs do not meet the quality criteria of the reference radiograph produced under optimum conditions
5.4 Collect and record all unacceptable radiographs that do not meet diagnostic standards due to processing error and identify how processing can be improved
5.5 Dispose of waste chemicals safely in accordance with manufacturer specifications and legislative requirements
 


Details of Learning Activities

A combination of learning activities will support student’s learning in this unit, such as

  • Facilitator led classroom based lecture and or workshop using PowerPoint Presentations
  • Demonstration and classroom discussion
  • Facilitator led practical clinical demonstration
  • Group discussions
  • Participation in group activities based on simulated workplace exercises
  • Practical clinical practice
  • Online learning resources accessed via myRMIT Studies (BlackBoard)
    including online tests or quizzes
  • Practical clinical practice, peer evaluation/feedback session
  • Written classroom tasks
  • Work based learning and experience in dental radiography procedures and application in dental practice 
  • Self managed research to support completion of study guide
     


Teaching Schedule

This class is scheduled for delivery for both Trainee Groups and Non Trainee Groups in classrooms on level 3 of Building 154
(within the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne). Notification will be provided via student email if the date or location change.
The classes will be delivered over the 4 Phases of the program. Below is a guide to the underpinning knowledge and skills
that the learner will need to demonstrate. This schedule is a guide only to provide adequate time for the learner .


Phase 2 Topics:
• Dental Radiography Introduction and Patient Management: (one hour, facilitator led class work shop/activities)
• Dental Radiography Legal Framework and WHS (including chemical and radiation safety): (three hours, facilitator led class
work shop/activities)


Phase 3 Topics:
• Dental Radiography Procedures: (three hours, facilitator led lecture& workshop).
• Dental Radiography Mounting Procedures: (two hours: facilitator led lecture& workshop. Practical mounting activities).
• Dental Radiography Developing Procedures: (three hours: facilitator led lecture& workshop. Practical activities and procedures)
  Dental Radiography Simulated Automatic Developing Procedure: (half hour).


Phase 4 Topics:
• Dental Radiography Written Test: (one hour).
• Dental Radiography Simulated Mounting Practical Assessment: (half hour).
• Dental Radiography Simulated Manual Developing Procedure: (half hour).

Total hours - 15 hours

The student is expected to undertake 25 hours of self managed research, completion of HLTDA304D Study Guide and on the
job workplace training in this unit of competence.

Nominal Hours - 40 hours
 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Bird. D., & Robinson (2014) Modern Dental Assisting, 11th. Ed. W.B. Saunders Company. USA.
 

Scheller, Carmen (2011) Basic Guide to Dental Instruments 2nd Blackwell UK

Zwemer, T.J. (2013) Mosby’s Dental Dictionary, 3rd. Mosby Inc., Sydney


References


Other Resources


Students will be expected to utilise a range of recent and appropriate library, electronic, text and other resources.
Students will be provided with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies (BlackBoard).

RMIT provides all students with an extension range of online and campus based study support services ranging from:


Overview of Assessment

Assessment will include demonstration of underpinning skills and knowledge, assessment activities may include quizzes, project work, practical demonstration and written work.



 


Assessment Tasks

 
To achieve a grade of CA (Competency achieved) for the unit  HLTDA304D Assist with dental radiography,
you are required to obtain a pass result  for all the following theoretical and practical assessments that are
used to measure elements, performance criteria, essential knowledge and essential skills as outlined in the
health training package. 

The HLTDA304D Assessment Overview is issued document is issued in Phase 2 Day 1 and provides information
of classes and assessments.   Checklists are also made available of the items that will be observed in the simulated
dental radiography developing procedures. This checklist is based on the following topics:

  •  Patient Management
  •  WHS (chemical and radiation safety)
  •  Automatic developing procedures
  •  Equipment maintenance

Simulated automatic developing procedure assessment (simulated clinical observation) Phase 3 Day 4.
The HLTDA304D Simulated WPA document is issued in Phase 1 day 3 and is a checklist of the items that will be observed
in the simulated clinical observation. This checklist is based on the following topics:

  • Patient Management
  • WHS (chemical and radiation safety)
  • Automatic developing procedures
  • Equipment maintenance

Written test Phase 4 Day 5
The written test comprises of multiple choice questions and a final mark of 70% is required for a pass in HLTDA304D Assist
with dental radiography.

Dental Radiography Mounting Practical Assessment  Phase 4 Day 2
Dental Radiography Mounting Procedures comprises of the correct dental mounting of three intra oral films and the completion
of the mounting response form.

Simulated manual developing procedure assessment (simulated observation) Phase 4 Day 2.
The HLTDA304D Assessment Overview document is issued in Phase 2 Day 1 and is a checklist of the items that will be observed
in the simulated clinical observation. This checklist is based on the following topics:

  • Patient Management
  • WHS (chemical and radiation safety)
  • Automatic developing procedures
  • Equipment maintenance

Direct credit transfer and RPL:
Direct credit transfer is available to students who have already completed the same or similar courses.
Recognition of prior learning is available to students who have relevant prior skills or experience.
Please refer to http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=8u7jborsx9dy (unresolved)

Work submitted for assessment:
Assessments that require work to be submitted must be handed in by the due date designated
by the unit teacher. Details of the due date for each assessment item are included in the unit Assessment
Overview. Students are expected to prepare all assignments and other written work in a professional manner.
More information on general academic study and writing skills can be found on the “Learning Lab”
http://emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/  All work submitted for assessment must be submitted electronically
unless directed by the unit teacher.

Harvard style is used for all referencing and for bibliography. Care must be taken to reference all work correctly
and to avoid plagiarism. Be sure not to plagiarise unintentionally. Students must keep a copy of all submitted
assessments including electronic copies.

Failure to complete any of the above listed tasks/assessments will result in an NYC (Not yet competent) or DNS
(Did not submit) for the unit HLTDA304D Assist with dental radiography. A NYC or DNS result will be entered in the
student record. This will result in non-completion of this unit of competence and re-enrolment will be required incurring
fees and a return to class work and completion of any relevant assessments at the time of the re-enrolment.
 


Assessment Matrix

Other Information


This unit of competency is delivered against current industry standards. It is recommended that all students are familiar with
the current ADA Infection Control Guidelines Document 2012 or the most current version of this document.
 
Students are required to support the learning outcomes for Unit HLTDA304D with work based experience and further self-managed
research to support positive outcomes in this Unit.

To undertake a practical clinical assessment (simulation), students MUST present for the assessment process as follows:

• In appropriate clinical attire(no jeans or tracksuit pants, no bare midriff, no singlet tops).
• Fully covered in leather(not suede) clinical footwear. Hair to be contained by tying back or in appropriate hair cover.
• No artificial fingernails to be worn. No nail varnish to be worn. The wearing of henna is acceptable. Short, clean fingernails
• No jewellery to be worn on the hands or wrists. Wedding rings or jewellery that cannot be removed for cultural
reasons must be taped with an appropriate waterproof tape.
• All cuts/ skin abrasions on the hands or wrists must be covered with a waterproof dressing 
 
A student that is non-compliant with any of the above requirements will not be permitted to undertake clinical
evaluation or assessment at the scheduled time.

Plagiarism
RMIT University requires that you present only YOUR work for assessment. Plagiarism is a form of cheating.
It is the presentation of the work or idea of another person without appropriate referencing,
as though it is your own.  Plagiarism is NOT acceptable. Penalties can include charges of academic 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 (electronic or paper based), you are declaring that the work is not plagiarised.

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=b1wqvnwk8aui (unresolved) 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 assessment time or assessment submission date.
The application for Special Consideration is NOT granted automatically on application.

Special consideration online application - RMIT University: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration/online

RMIT assessment policies - RMIT University: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment

Failure to complete any of the above listed tasks/assessments will result in NYC - Not Yet Competent result for unit
HLTDA304D Assist with dental radiography. This will result in non-completion of the unit requiring re-enrolment incurring fees,
return to class work and completion of any relevant assessments at the time of the re-enrolment. This may also result in non-completion
of the Certificate III in Dental Assisting Program

The assessment result is final and a second opportunity for re-assessment will be NOT be provided unless the student has applied
for and been granted Special Consideration as per RMIT Assessment Policy http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=od0oagg9uc111 (unresolved)  

Assessment Appeal Process
The Appeals Against Assessment policy and procedure applies to all coursework programs in all careers. The appeal process is
staged and students are required to follow each stage in order to ensure their full entitlement to
appeal, this is available on http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=nwjxaifdrgle (unresolved)

Course Overview: Access Course Overview