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

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

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

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.doherty@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: 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 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

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 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
  • Online learning resources accessed via myRMIT Studies (BlackBoard)
  • including online tests or quizzes
  • Practical clinical practice, peer evaluation/feedback session
  • Written classroom tasks
  • Self managed research to support completion of written tasks


Teaching Schedule

As per Certificate IV in Dental Assisting timetable, located on myRMIT Studies (BlackBoard).
 


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. (2014) Torres and Ehrlich Modern Dental Assisting, 11th Ed. W.B.Saunders Company, Sydney.

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

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

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


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

To achieve a grade of CA (Competency achieved) for the unit HLTDA410D Apply the principles of radiationbiology
and protection in dental practice, you are required to attend classes and assessments and 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 assessments for HLTDA410D are:

Written Report Radiographic equipment and Safety.
This is a written report of the student’s dental radiographic equipment in their workplace.

Simulated practical assessment.
This is a simulated assessment in the Level 3 Sim Lab involving all 3 technique- Bisecting, Paralleling and Bitewing.

Log Book
The student submits the completed the LogBook of dental radiographs completed in their workplace.

Workplace Assessment .
This is a Workplace Assessment in the student’s workplace involving all 3 technique- Bisecting, Paralleling and Bitewing.
The student must show competency across all elements for the three dental radiographic units for the simulated and workplace assessment.

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 HLTDA410D Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice.
A NYC or DNS result will be entered in the student record. This will result in non-completion of this unit of competency
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 HLTDA410D Apply the principles of radiation biology and
protection in dental practice with work based experience and further self-managed research to support positive outcomes in this Unit.

To undertake a practical clinical assessment (simulation or workplace), 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
HLTDA410D Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice. 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.

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