Course Title: Recognise and respond to oral health issues

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2024

Course Code: DENT5884C

Course Title: Recognise and respond to oral health issues

Important Information:

 

  

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4419 - Certificate IV in Dental Assisting (Dental Radiography)

Course Contact: Sandra Torbica

Course Contact Phone: 03 9925 0311

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


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 30

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

None.

Course Description

In this course you will learn the skills and knowledge required to identify variations and recognise oral health issues through a visual check, observation of patient behaviour and habits, signs and symptoms and physical condition of patients. This enables the candidate to respond appropriately to the clinical findings to initiate follow up oral health care.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

HLTOHC007 Recognise & respond to oral health issues

Element:

1. Identify variations in patient behaviour and habits.

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Identify opportunities to observe patient behaviour, physical functions, capabilities and habits that may indicate oral health issues or associated pain or discomfort. 1.2. Observe, listen for self-reports and question patient, family or carer to determine whether the patient is experiencing pain or discomfort that may be associated with oral health issues. 1.3. Access relevant information on contributing factors that may produce variation from normal behaviour. 1.4. Apply safe manual handling techniques to support patients with special care needs.

Element:

2. Undertake basic visual oral check and questioning.

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Obtain consent from the patient, family or carer to conduct basic visual oral check and questioning. 2.2. Ensure comfort of patient by developing trust and rapport, adapting environment based on patient needs. 2.3. Provide support for patient's head or chin if necessary, to enhance visual access without creating discomfort for the patient. 2.4. Seek assistance from patient to open their own mouth to limit hand contact inside the mouth. 2.5. Prepare and perform basic visual oral checks in line with own work role and use of standard precautions. 2.6. Identify signs and symptoms of oral health issues that may indicate variation from normal and actively listen to and be aware of self-reports.

Element:

3. Follow up and promote ongoing oral health care.

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Complete documentation and reporting processes, using information from patient and family or carer or other relevant people as well as own observations in relation to oral health issues. 3.2. Discuss oral health issues with patient and family or carer in line with organisational policies and procedures and respecting patient priorities and choices. 3.3. Take appropriate action within work role, including liaising with supervisor in consultation with patient to ensure appropriate referral occurs. 3.4. Use focussed communication strategies to provide information relevant to promoting and maintaining good oral health. 3.5. Provide instruction to support patients to take a self-care approach to oral health in line with individual needs where possible. 3.6. Identify and address key barriers to management or self-management of oral health. 3.7. Review and monitor oral health issues.

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements. 


Details of Learning Activities

You will participate in:

 

  • Facilitator- led classroom and online based lecture and workshop using PowerPoint Presentations
  • Demonstration and classroom discussion
  • Facilitator led practical simulated clinical demonstration
  • Group discussions
  • Online learning resources accessed via myRMIT Studies/ CANVAS
  • Written classroom and home study research tasks
  • Practical placement at a predetermined dental practice
  • Simulated workplace activities
  • Peer evaluation/feedback discussion board
  • Class presentations
  • Research

. As part of this course, you are required to be mentored and supervised by a qualified dental practitioner in your workplace. 


Teaching Schedule

Session 

Session # Topics / Activities ONLINE / FACE TO FACE
1

Introduction to the unit
Assessment requirements
What is oral health?


1. Responding to the oral health needs of the patient
The role of the DA in oral health education
o To support /follow the practitioners health care plan
o Recognising oral health , risk factors to oral diseases and referral
for any departure from oral health
o To support/instruct/motivate on effective oral hygiene strategies for
home care for a range of different patients


2. Factors that impact on oral health #1
Who is the client?

• Health determinants
o Access to dental and health services
o Intentional neglect; violence
o Recreational drug use, smoking, alcohol
o Beliefs & attitudes, towards health
o Culture
o Health literacy
o Marginalised
o Language
o Dexterity, ability, age, special needs


• Importance of the medical history: Interactions between oral health
and general health
o Diabetes
o Asthma
o Cardiovascular Disease
o Medications

 Online
2

Theme : Factors that impact on oral health #2
TOPIC 1 : Saliva
o Causes of diminished saliva
o Medications/recreational drugs /over the counter drugs
o Systemic diseases eg: diabetes
o Hydration level
o Smoking
o Poor quality/dry saliva as a risk factor for oral diseases
o Strategies to stimulate salivary flow


TOPIC 2 : Plaque
o What is plaque?
o What affects plaque growth
o Smoking
o Dry mouth
o Lack of routine plaque control
o Dietary: frequent intake of fermentable carbohydrates
o Plaque: Risk factor for caries and periodontal diseases
o Plaque control strategies: aids /techniques/products

 Online
3 Theme: Factors that impact on oral health #3
TOPIC: Oral health and special needs
o The aged person
o Disability and impairment
o Mental health including dementia
o Child and adolescents
-Modified oral hygiene methods and aids
-Identifying client behaviours related to oral health issues
-Patient handouts
Video: oral health education and the special needs patient in care
“ dental rescue” including:
Techniques:
o Bridging
o Chaining
o Hand over hand
o Distraction
o Rescuing		 Online
4 Theme : Factors that impact on oral health #4
TOPIC: Fluoride to remineralise tooth structure
o Benefits of fluoride
o Fluoride in tap water
o Australian guidelines for use of fluorides
o Home care products
o How to respond to a patient who is anti-fluoride
TASK to complete on toothpastes   		Online
5 Theme: Factors that impact on oral health #5:
TOPIC : The influence of Dietary intake
o Australian dietary guidelines and how to use
o Impact of nutritional deficiencies on oral health
o Video : How much sugar is in drink products
o Frequency of sugar consumption: a risk factor for dental caries
o Frequency of acidic food and drinks and risk of dental erosion
o Patient recommendations
6 Self managed
study		 Online
6 Theme: Factors that impact on oral health #6:
TOPIC: Tooth surface loss
-Causes and risk factors
-Preventive strategies
o Caries
o Dental erosion
o Dental attrition
o Dental abrasion
o Traumatic injury		 Online
7 Preparation for next class
Theme 1: Conducting the Oral health check, recognising
departure from health and responding appropriately
Using a Checklist: observations and questions to ask the
patient Healthy oral tissue and unhealthy tissue
Watch Video : steps for conducting an oral health check		 Face to Face
8 Preparation for next class
Theme 2 : Educating the patient in response to findings from the
oral health check
Referral for any observed departure from normal or patient
complaint Oral hygiene strategies for different types of dentitions
Videos on plaque control techniques for various scenarios
o implants, bridges
o technique in use of manual and electric toothbrushes
o use of floss
o interdental brushes
o orthodontic fixed appliances
o denture hygiene		 Face to Face
9 This class will be on rotation with practical activities in preparation for
practical assessment
Student to student role play using a patient scenario
Part 1 Conducting the Oral health check, recognising departure from
health and responding appropriately
Using a Checklist: observations and questions to ask the patient
Identifying healthy oral tissue and unhealthy tissue
Part 2 Educating the patient in response to findings from the oral
health check
Referral pathways for any observed departure from normal or patient
complaint
Oral hygiene strategies for different types of dentitions, appliances
and health determinants influencing the patient.
Watch videos on plaque control techniques for various scenarios
o implants, bridges
o technique in use of manual and electric toothbrushes
o use of floss
o interdental brushes
o orthodontic fixed appliances
o denture hygiene
Upload today’s documentation into the assignment file		 Face to Face Practical
10 Student to student
Rotation through
activities
Concurrent
workshop
ASSESSMENT commences
Student rotation through workshop, practical activities and short
answer questioning
Assessment Task 2 &3: 
1. Conducting an oral health check on 11 simulated “patients”
2. Role plays using case studies: Educating the patient in response
to findings from the oral health check
-Oral hygiene strategies and home care advice for different types of
dentitions
o implants, bridges
o technique in use of manual and electric toothbrushes
o use of floss
o interdental brushes
o orthodontic fixed appliances
o denture hygiene
Products, aids, take home information		 Face to Face Practical
11 Student rotation through practical activities and short answer
questioning
Assessment Task 1: commence knowledge assessment
Assessment Task 2 &3: 
1. Conducting an oral health check on 11 simulated “patients”
2. Role plays using case studies: Educating the patient in response
to findings from the oral health check
-Oral hygiene strategies and home care advice for different types of
dentitions
o implants, bridges
o technique in use of manual and electric toothbrushes
o use of floss
o interdental brushes
o orthodontic fixed appliances
o denture hygiene
-Products, aids, take home information
Class discussion		 Face to Face Practical
12 Student rotation through practical activities and short answer
questioning
Assessment Task 1: continue knowledge assessment
Assessment Task 2 &3: 
1. Conducting an oral health check on 11 simulated “patients”
2. Role plays using case studies: Educating the patient in
response to findings from the oral health check
-Oral hygiene strategies and home care advice for different types of
dentitions
*****Commence AT4 clinical placement following this class		 Face to Face Practical 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Bird, D., Robinson, D. (2021) Torres and Ehrlich Modern Dental Assisting 13 th edition . W.B. Saunders,  Sydney.  


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations, and through the application of learned skills and insights to your written tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.


Assessment Tasks

Assessment 1: AT1 Knowledge Test 

This short-answer written assessment task is one of three assessment tasks you need to complete satisfactorily, in order to be deemed competent for this unit.   

This assessment task allows you to demonstrate your knowledge required to identify variations and recognise oral health issues through a visual check, observation of patient behaviour and habits, signs and symptoms and physical condition of patients.

You must satisfactorily answer all 23 questions



Assessment 2: Practical Assessment

This practical assessment task is the second of four assessment tasks you need to complete satisfactorily, in order to be deemed competent for this unit. 

This practical assessment will allow you to demonstrate your ability to use correct manual handling techniques, perform oral assessments and report the findings.

You are required to perform 10 visual oral health checks in simulation following the procedure outlined below,

 

    1. Support client’s head or chin as required to allow visual inspection while maintaining client comfort
    2. Use correct manual handling techniques if required
    3. Limit hand contact inside mouth by gaining patient assistance
    4. Use standard precautions to conduct visual check within scope of own responsibilities
    5. Identify and report signs and symptoms of possible oral health issues by completing a Oral Health Assessment Tool /Oral health check checklist

 

Assessment 3: AT3 Practical Assessment

This practical assessment task is the third of four assessment tasks you need to complete satisfactorily, in order to be deemed competent for this unit. 

This practical assessment will allow you to demonstrate your ability to use correct manual handling techniques, perform oral assessments and report the findings.

You are required to perform 1 visual oral health checks in simulation following the procedure outlined below,

    1. Obtain consent from client and/or family/carer
    2. Develop rapport and ensure the environment is suitable to promote client comfort with procedure
    3. Listen to client self-reporting
    4. Support client’s head or chin as required to allow visual inspection while maintaining client comfort
    5. Use correct manual handling techniques if required
    6. Limit hand contact inside mouth by gaining patient assistance
    7. Use standard precautions to conduct visual check within scope of own responsibilities
    8. Identify and report signs and symptoms of possible oral health issues by completing a Oral Health Assessment Tool /Oral health check checklist

Assessment 4: AT4 Clinical Placement

This practical assessment task is the final of three assessment tasks you need to complete satisfactorily, in order to be deemed competent for this unit. 

This assessment will be conducted at your clinical workplace

 This practical assessment will allow you to demonstrate your ability to assess the health of the patients’ mouths and identify interventions to address oral health needs.

During your clinical placement, your supervior will observe you perform a visual oral health check on 4 different patients, including:

  • Identifying signs and symptoms of oral health care issues
  • Gathering information to make oral health assessment and plan follow up actions
  • Using appropriate manual handling techniques to ensure comfort and safety of self and patients
  • Performing appropriate follow ups within scope of own role to maximise oral health of patient


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required.  

 

Other Information

Attendance: 

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises  

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully. 

 

Information about your studies: 

You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas

 https://www.rmit.edu.au/students 

 

Assessment: 

Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time): 

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment 

 

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:  

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy. 

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity 

 

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:  

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification). 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.   

 

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course. 

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview