Course Title: Prepare for and assist with dental procedures

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: VE 2025

Class Number: All

Class Section: All

For flexible terms and optional semesters, a Part B course guide may have been published for the entire teaching period, or for the specific class number in which you are enrolled. If there is no Part B course guide published for your specific class number, please refer to the guide for the teaching period in which you are enrolled. Enrolment Online is the definitive source for details regarding your class enrolment.

Course Code: DENT5885C

Course Title: Prepare for and assist with dental procedures

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C3407 - Certificate III in Dental Assisting

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: 350

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 prepare the dental surgery including equipment, instruments and materials, for dental procedures and assist the practitioner during dental procedures.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

HLTDEN015 Prepare for and assist with dental procedures

Element:

1. Prepare dental surgery for dental procedures.

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Make patient records accessible in the surgery clean zone. 1.2. Identify planned procedure. 1.3. Identify and select equipment, instruments, materials and medicaments for planned procedure and arrange in likely order of use. 1.4. Explain and support patient and provide pre-procedural items to patient. 1.5. Support aseptic techniques to prevent spread of infection.

Element:

2. Use dental terminology.

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Communicate with dental team using dental terminology. 2.2. Receive, interpret and document written and oral instructions using dental terminology. 2.3. Use and interpret common dental abbreviations and symbols.

Element:

3. Record personal, medical and dental details.

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Make accurate, legible and legal records of patient personal, medical and dental information as directed by practitioner. 3.2. Verify records in accordance with practitioner requirements. 3.3. Maintain confidentiality of patient information.

Element:

4. Select and prepare syringe local anaesthesia.

Performance Criteria:

4.1. Select and prepare the syringe, cartridge and needle for local anaesthesia as directed by practitioner. 4.2. Check expiry dates and anaesthetic cartridge prior to use.

Element:

5. Assist practitioner during dental procedures.

Performance Criteria:

5.1. Select equipment, instruments, materials and medicaments and transfer to the practitioner. 5.2. Assist practitioner to maintain a clear field of vision. 5.3. Clear mouth of fluids and debris, and control moisture. 5.4. Retract and protect the patient's soft tissues using instruments and materials appropriate to the procedure. 5.5. Monitor patient wellbeing and take timely action to support patient and practitioner. 5.6. Prepare materials and medicaments using appropriate technique and timing to ensure consistency and quantity following manufacturer instructions. 5.7. Retrieve additional items, instruments, materials and medicaments using appropriate methods to avoid contamination.

Element:

6. Manage waste and decontaminate the clinical area during changeover of patients.

Performance Criteria:

6.1. Wear personal protective equipment throughout the changeover procedure and replace as required to maintain safety and infection control. 6.2. Dispose of single use items in waste receptacle. 6.3. Place reusable items in transfer container. 6.4. Flush dental unit water lines and suction. 6.5. Use disposable detergent wipes to clean and decontaminate surfaces using techniques to prevent cross contamination. 6.6. Ensure changeover procedures are carried out using infection prevention and control practices according to current Australian standards and guidelines.

Element:

7. Maintain and store instruments, equipment materials and medicaments.

Performance Criteria:

7.1. Maintain instruments and equipment in good working order and fit for purpose. 7.2. Ensure maintenance records are legible and accurate. 7.3. Store instruments, equipment, materials and medicaments according to manufacturer instructions and National and State or Territory guidelines. 7.4. Monitor stock rotation and expiry dates. 7.5. Ensure packaged sterile items are stored and labelled according to National and State or Territory guidelines.

Element:

8. Work legally, ethically and professionally in a dental setting.

Performance Criteria:

8.1. Identify sources of legal information relating to the dental industry. 8.2. Identify own legal responsibilities in context of the job role. 8.3. Adhere to legal requirements in work practice according. to organisational policies and procedures and work role. 8.4. Recognise situations where reporting is required. 8.5. Identify relevant professional bodies and their role. 8.6. Identify opportunities and sources of professional development. 8.7. Recognise potential ethical issues, dilemmas and discuss with appropriate person. 8.8. Recognise own personal values and attitudes and take into account to ensure non-judgemental practice.

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

In this unit you complete the following learning activities: 

  • Online sessions via Collaborate Ultra
  • Simulated workplace activities 
  • Online quizzes  
  • Self-directed learning on Canvas  
  • Workshops    
  • Independent knowledge-based work  
  • On the job training 

Workplace delivery and/or assessment  

In this course your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in a workplace context.   

As part of this course, you are required to undertake supervised learning/assessments, gaining invaluable experience and industry contacts.  

 

This course has an on the job training competent and you will complete the Workplace Assessments.


Teaching Schedule

HLTDEN015 PREPARE FOR AND ASSIST WITH DENTAL PROCEDURES (2201)

CLASS AND ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE  2025 (DA28 onwards)

Please note Timetable is subject due to teacher commitments and teaching resources

Between Phases, students must review content covered in previous phase, along with complete required tasks outlined by educators. On the job training continues throughout the program. 

Phase & Session

Session Type

Topic

Task / Assessment

Phase 1

 

 

Phase 1 assessments:

AT2 Simulated  Practical Log Book issued.

Due date: Phase 5

 

AT3 Workplace Log Book issued.

Due date: WPA

Day 1

Lecture

Introduction into Dentistry

 

Day 2

Lecture

Oral Pathology

 

Day 3

Practical Session – On Campus

Practical Session 1

         •PPE & HH

•Environmental Cleaning

•Hazards & Risks

 

Practical session 2

  • Dental Water Unit Lines
  • Barriers
  • Non-Touch Techniques
  • Hazards and Risks

 

 

 

Day 4

Lecture

Dental Anatomy

 

Charting and Notation

 

Day 5

Practical Session – On Campus

Practical Session and Assessment

 

•Hazards & Risks

 

 

Phase 2

 

 

Phase 2 Assessments :

AT4 Instrument Portfolio issued Due date: WPA

Day 1

Lecture

Special Needs

 

Anaesthesia and Pain control

 

Day 2

Lecture

Restorative Dentistry

 

Day 3

Lecture

Fixed Prosthodontics

 

Removable Prosthodontics

 

Day 4

Practical Session – On Campus

Dental Surgery Practical Session

  • The Dental Surgery
  • Hazards & Risks
  • Stock Control & Equip. Maintenance 
  • Dental Instrumentation

 

 

Day 5

Practical Session – On Campus

Dental Materials Practical session

 

  • Dental Materials
  • Mixing Methods
  • Inf Control & WHS Issues

 

Phase 2 Practical workshop

  • LA
  • Restorative Dentistry
  • Prosthodontics: Fixed
  • Prosthodontics: Removeable
  • Study Guide
  • Instrumentation Portfolio

 

 

Phase 3

 

 

Phase 3 Assessments:

AT1 Knowledge Assessment issued.

Due date: Due after Phase 4. Date will be given.

Day 1

Lecture

Periodontics

 

Day 3

Lecture

Endodontics

 

Day 4

Practical Session – On Campus

Practical session:

 

Four Handed Dentistry Practical session

  • Ergonomics
  • Hand Ergonomics
  • Instrument Transfers
  • Dental Unit

 

Day 5

Practical Session – On Campus

Practical session:

 

Phase 3 practical workshop

  • Periodontics
  • Endodontics
  • Study Guide completion
  • Instrumentation Portfolio

 

 

Phase 4

 

 

Phase 4 Assessments:

AT6 Specialist Procedure Issued.

Due date: WPA

Day 2

Practical Session – On Campus

Practical Session:

 

Oral Hygiene Session 1

 

 

Day 3

Lecture

Orthodontics

 

Day 4

Practical Session – On Campus

Practical Session:

 

Exodontia and Oral Surgery

 

Day 5

Practical Session – On Campus

Practical Session:

 

  • WPA workshop
  • Instrument portfolio completion

 

Phase 5

 

 

 

Day 1

Practical Session – On Campus

Practical Session:

 

Oral Hygiene Session 2

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:  

The Learning Lab  
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab  

The Study Support Hub   
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub  

English for uni workshops  
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops  


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

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace.   

To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.  
  
You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria and due date. 

 

AT1 Knowledge Assessment:

  • Knowledge based assessment involves questions to demonstrate knowledge of all aspects of preparing and for assisting with a dental procedure  
  • Feedback will be provided on Canvas   

 

AT2 Logbook - Simulated.

  • This logbook will provide a record of the 50 hours of dental assisting work you are required to undertaking in the Simulated Dental Clinic using scenarios based on general and specialised dentistry. 
  • Feedback will be provided on Canvas  

 

AT3 Workplace Logbook: 

  • This logbook will provide a record of the 300 hours of dental assisting work you are required to undertake in a dental clinic workplace. 
  • Feedback will be provided on Canvas  

AT4 Portfolio (Part A & Part B):

Part A General Procedures: Assessment conducted at WPA Post Phase 3 

  • A list of general procedures – student has to provide a brief description of procedures, include image of set up and name each instrument  
  • Feedback will be given on day of assessment via Assessor   

Part B Specialised Procedures: Assessment conducted at WPA Post Phase 6 - Involves:

  • A list of specialised instruments – student has to provide a brief description of procedures, include image of set up and name each instrument 
  • Feedback will be given on the day of assessments via Assessor  

 

AT5 Chairside support with General Procedure: WPA Post Phase 3 

Practical Assessment conducted in workplace post Phase 3: 

  • Feedback will be given on the day of assessment via Assessor   

AT6 Chairside support with a Specialised Procedure: Conducted at WPA Post Phase 6 

  • Practical Assessment conducted in workplace post Phase 6: 
  • Feedback will be given on the day of assessment via Assessor   

Refer to canvas for due dates and Workplace Assessments to be arranged after relevant phases 

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:  

CA: Competency Achieved  
NYC: Not Yet Competent  
DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment


Assessment Matrix

Assessment is ongoing throughout the course and will include two projects and presentation of a portfolio to a panel of industry experts. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on Canvas. 

Other Information

Attendance:  

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

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 etc.  

 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