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

Nield-Gehrig Foundations of Periodontics for the Dental Hygienist 
Wilkins Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist
Nield-Gehrig Fundamentals of Periodontal Instrumentation