Course Title: Apply the principles of radiation biology and protection in dental practice
Part A: Course Overview
Program: C4356 Certificate IV in Dental Assisting
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