Course Title: Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2013

Course Code: DENT5835C

Course Title: Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice

School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4320 - Certificate IV in Dental Assisting

Course Contact: Ms. Sandra Torbica

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9341 1408

Course Contact Email: sandra.torbica@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Marcella Sabo

ph: 9341 1409

marcella.sabo@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 110

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

HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures
 HLTIN302C Process reusable instruments and equipment in health work
 HLTWHS300A Contribute to WHS processes

Course Description

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to minimise the risk of radiation to the client, the operator and others during the exposure of a prescribed dental radiographic image.  It also describes the quality assurance measures necessary to ensure all radiographs are of consistent diagnostic standard

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 for  maintaining infection control and the policies and procedures of the dental practice or organisation.  All tasks are carried out in accordance with
State/Territory legislative requirements.

This unit applies to dental assistants who assist at the chairside


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

HLTDA410D Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice

Element:

1. Apply knowledge of ionising
radiation to produce a dental
radiograph

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Apply knowledge of X ray properties correctly
1.2 Identify and select technical variables of dental x-ray generating equipment correctly according to manufacturers' specifications and client requirements
1.3 Identify the main components of the tubehead
1.4 Identify and select the appropriate technique for the type of cone
 

Element:

2. Apply knowledge of radiation
biology to protect client,
operator and others from
ionising radiation

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Apply knowledge of the biological effects and risks associated with X-rays to implement safe work practices to minimise radiation risks to operator, clients and others
2.2 Interpret the immediate and long term effects of radiation
2.3 Apply the correct units of radiation measurement
2.4 Implement radiation safety measures for the client, operator and others
2.5 Work in accordance with relevant WHS policy and procedures
 

Element:

3. Determine image
characteristics of a dental
radiographic image to
minimise the necessity for retakes

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Ensure visual qualities of the radiograph are of a diagnostic standard
3.2 Ensure geometric qualities of the radiograph are of a diagnostic standard
 

Element:

4. Minimise radiation by
maintaining quality in
processing

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Identify the contents of the film package and determine the use of each item
4.2 Maintain quality assurance for processing dental radiographic images
4.3 Follow quality assurance processes for the use of radiographic chemicals in accordance with manufacturer specifications
4.4 Maintain appropriate conditions for manual and automatic processing in accordance with manufacturer specifications
4.5 Identify a range of processing errors and implement corrective measures to produce a diagnostic radiograph
 


Learning Outcomes


1.1 Apply knowledge of X ray properties correctly
1.2 Identify and select technical variables of dental xray generating equipment correctly according to manufacturers’ specifications and client requirements
1.3 Identify the main components of the tubehead
1.4 Identify and select the appropriate technique for the type of cone
 

2.1 Apply knowledge of the biological effects and risks associated with X-rays to implement safe work practices to minimise radiation risks to operator, clients and others
2.2 Interpret the immediate and long term effects of radiation
2.3 Apply the correct units of radiation measurement
2.4 Implement radiation safety measures for the client, operator and others
2.5 Work in accordance with relevant WHS policy and procedures

3.1 Ensure visual qualities of the radiograph are of a diagnostic standard
3.2 Ensure geometric qualities of the radiograph are of a diagnostic standard

4.1 Identify the contents of the film package and determine the use of each item
4.2 Maintain quality assurance for processing dental radiographic images
4.3 Follow quality assurance processes for the use of radiographic chemicals in accordance with manufacturer specifications
4.4 Maintain appropriate conditions for manual and automatic processing in accordance with manufacturer specifications
4.5 Identify a range of processing errors and implement corrective measures to produce a diagnostic radiograph


Details of Learning Activities

A variety of learning activities which can include:

  • Facilitator led clasroom discussion with powerpoint presentation
  • Small group activities
  • Individual activities
  • Role play
  • Practical simulated labs
  • Workshops
  • Portfolio/logbooks
  • Third party evidence


Teaching Schedule

As per Certificate IV in Dental Assisiting timetable


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Iannucci, J,M; Howerton, LJ (2011) Dental Radiography: Principles and Techniques; 4th edition, Saunders Elsevier, USA  

Code of Practice and Safety Guide for Radiation Protection in Dentistry (2005)
http://www.arpansa.gov.au/pubs/rps/rps10.pdf
 

Radiation Legislation : Radiation Act (2005) and Radiation Regulations(2007) http://www.health.vic.gov.au/radiation/legislation.htm

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals, medicaments and materials used in dental practice (Obtained from Dental Supply companies or via web search)

Australian Dental Association Inc (2012) ADA Guidelines for Infection Control,2nd edition
Document available at: http://www.ada.org.au
 

National Health and Medical Research Council (2010) Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare www.nhmrc.gov.au

Laskaris, G (2006) Pocket Atlas of Oral Disease; 2nd edition, Theime ,Stuttgart & New York


References


Other Resources


• Australian Standards AS/NZS 4815 (2006), Document available at http://www.standards.com.au

• Australian Dental Association Vic Branch (2005) Systematic Operating Procedures A manual for infection control and operational safety for the dental practice. http://www.adavb.com.au/

• Bird, D., Robinson, D. (2011) Torres and Ehrlich Modern Dental Assisting, 10th Ed. W.B.Saunders Company, Sydney.

• Frommer, H; Stabulas-Savage, J; Radiology for the Dental Professional, 9th edition, Elsevier/Mosby,. ISBN 0-323-03071-8. (Plus: the study guide for this textbook.)

• Whaites, E: (2007) Essentials of Dental Radiography and Radiology 4th edition. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier

• Zwemer, T.J. (1998) Mosby’s Dental Dictionary, Mosby Inc., Sydney
ISBN 978-0-3230-4963-4
 


Overview of Assessment

Assessment will include demonstration of underpinning knowledge, and skills; assessment activities may include oral presentation, written work, written tests, simulated practical assessment, portfolio of simulated films with critique sheets, logbook and third party report, patient films with critique sheets and a workplace assessment.


Assessment Tasks

  • Terminology/Anatomy written test
  • Oral presentation : the radiographic unit
  • Simulated prac assessment
  • Portfolio of simulated films(X40) & related critique sheets
  • Case study oral presentations X4
  • Logbook/Third party evidence with X30 competent patient films with corresponding critique sheets
  • Written exam
  • Workplace assessment


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Plagiarism

RMIT University requires that you present YOUR work for assessment. Plagiarism is a form of cheating. It is the presentation of the work or idea of another person. Plagiarism is NOT acceptable. Penalities can include charges of acedemic 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 to submit your learning guides and assessments.
 

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=g43abm17hc9w (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 assesment time or assessment submission date. The application for Special Consideration is NOT granted automatically on application.

RMIT assessment policies - RMIT University http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse:ID=od0oagg9uc111 (unresolved)

Special consideration online application - RMIT University: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse:ID=g43abm17hc9w (unresolved)

Non completion or non-submission of compulsory tasks:

Failure to complete ant or all of the compulsory tasks listed above will prevent the student from achieving a CA (competency achieved) result for unit HLTDA410D. This will result in the student not completeing the unit successfully. NYC (not yet competent) will be recorded and re enrolment will be required to continue the unit/program. Fees will be incurred. Please note: A second opportunity for assessment will not be granted unless the student has applied for and been granted special consideration as per RMIT assessment policy.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview