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

Part A: Course Overview

Program: S0093 Dental Assisting Radiography

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

Portfolio: SEH Portfolio Office

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.

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
DENT5835C	City Campus	TAFE	155T Vocational Health and Sciences	Distance / Correspondence or Face-to-Face or Internet or Workplace	Term1 2015

Course Contact: Sandra Torbica

Course Contact Phone: 03 9341 1408

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

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

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

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

National Competency Codes and Titles

National Element Code & Title:	HLTDA410D Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice
Elements:	1. Apply knowledge of ionising radiation to produce a dental radiograph 2. Apply knowledge of radiation biology to protect client, operator and others from ionising radiation 3. Determine image characteristics of a dental radiographic image to minimise the necessity for retakes 4. Minimise radiation by maintaining quality in processing

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 workpractices 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

Overview of Assessment

The assessment involves the following:

• Radiographic equipment (Written report , Video presentation and Third party evidence)
• Simulated practical assessment
• Log Book 
• Clinical video assessment