Course Title: Implement an individualised oral hygiene program

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2025

Course Code: DENT5848C

Course Title: Implement an individualised oral hygiene program

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.  

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.  

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.  

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus  

  

Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6157 - Advanced Diploma of Dental Prosthetics

Course Contact: Luke Scarica

Course Contact Phone: 03 9925 0312

Course Contact Email: luke.scarica@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 330

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

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement an individualised oral hygiene program and promote oral health.

This unit applies to dental assistants and to other health care workers who are actively involved in promoting the general well-being of patients through promotion of healthy eating habits and good oral health.

 

 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

HLTDEN004 Implement an individualised oral hygiene program

Element:

1.Implement a prescribed oral health education program

Performance Criteria:

    1. Follow a prescribed oral health education program
    2. Review patient’s current oral hygiene routines
    3. Provide information on the causes and prevention of oral diseases to patient or carer appropriately and completely using language that can be easily understood
    4. Provide an appropriate environment for patient or carer to ask questions and become involved in improving their oral health
    5. Actively encourage patient or carer to follow an effective individual oral health program
    6.  Implement a review strategy to determine the effectiveness of the oral health education program 

 

Element:

2. Demonstrate oral hygiene techniques to patient or carer

Performance Criteria:

    1. Demonstrate the presence of plaque to patient or carer using disclosing solution
    2. Demonstrate a variety of relevant oral hygiene techniques specific to patient needs
    3. Provide information about the advantages of different oral hygiene techniques and involve patient or carer in the decision-making process
    4. Assist patient or carer in implementing relevant oral hygiene techniques
    5. Demonstrate how to use appropriate aids specific to patient needs and necessary to achieve and maintain effective oral hygiene
    6. Evaluate patient or carer oral hygiene techniques and give further instruction when appropriate
    7. Provide information appropriately on the effectiveness and availability of fluoride as directed by the operator

Element:

3. Provide appropriate advice on cariogenic food and drinks

Performance Criteria:

    1. Involve patient or carer in a review of current dietary habits
    2. Develop and give patient or carer appropriate information on acids and fermentable carbohydrates in a manner they can understand
    3. Actively encourage patient or carer to ask questions or express views

Element:

4. Perform a saliva diagnostic test and record the results

Performance Criteria:

    1. Provide full details of the procedure to patient or carer
    2. Provide specific instructions to patient or carer before the appointment where a saliva diagnostic test is planned
    3. Select and prepare appropriate materials for a saliva
    4. Perform a resting or unstimulated saliva test and record the result in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions
    5. Perform a stimulated saliva test and record the result in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions

Element:

5. Implement a prescribed prevention program to suit an individual patient

Performance Criteria:

    1. Provide information appropriately, and as directed by the operator, on lifestyle change to assist with diminished salivary flow
    2. Provide appropriate information on materials that can provide additional external protection to the teeth
    3. Explain methods to increase salivary stimulation as directed by the operator
    4. Assist the patient or carers to implement prescribed oral hygiene programs in response to saliva quality and composition

Learning Outcomes


On completion of this course you will be able to:

1. Implement a prescribed oral health education program

2. Demonstrate oral hygiene techniques to patient or carer

3. Provide appropriate advice on cariogenic food and drinks

4. Perform a saliva diagnostic test and record the results

5. Implement a prescribed prevention program to suit an individual patient


Details of Learning Activities

24 X 6 hour face to face theory, online/self managed activities and practical classes over 2 semesters    90 hours of Home study including required readings, research and completing study and assessment tasks    100 hours integrated clinical practice with patients conducted at the teaching clinic at the Royal Dental Hospital Melbourne over 3 semesters   This is the designated Work Integrated Learning (WIL) course for C6157 Advanced Diploma of Dental Prosthetics. This course includes a WIL experience in which your knowledge and skills will be applied and assessed in a workplace /clinical context     Examples of learning activities to be undertaken:

-Prescribed readings located in CANVAS
-Completing prescribed home study tasks ( refer to catalogue)
-Working in groups to research information
-In class learning tasks: short answer questions and case studies
-Oral presentations
-Attendance and participation during classes
-Supervised clinical and practical experiences
----Student to student
----Student to patient

There will be prescribed home study /learning tasks to complete forming part of the structured learning requirements to enhance and consolidate knowledge and are to be uploaded into canvas “ assignments” as per course schedule. The tasks follow the syllabus…..some tasks are totally self- managed, some are commenced in class and require completion. Some tasks are required to be brought into clinic. It is expected that you complete each task each week as the semester progresses , and when indicated by the teacher (and as per syllabus)


Teaching Schedule

 

SESSION TOPICS

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction to the unit and assessment requirements

 

What is oral health?

 

Theme: Responding to the oral health needs of the patient

 

The role of the Dental Prosthetist in oral health education

 

  • Recognising oral health, risk factors to oral diseases and referral for any departure from oral health

 

  • To support/instruct/motivate on effective oral hygiene strategies for home care for a range of different patients

 

  • Integrating oral hygiene into prosthetic practice

 

Theme: Factors that impact on oral health 1:

 

Who is the client/patient?

 

• Health determinants

 

  • Access to dental and health services
  • Intentional neglect; violence
  • Recreational drug use, smoking, alcohol
  • Beliefs & attitudes, towards health
  • Socio economic
  • Culture
  • Health literacy
  • Marginalised groups
  • Language
  • Dexterity, capability
  • Age
  • Special needs
  • Food security

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

Theme: Factors that impact on oral health 2

 

1.Importance of the medical history: Interactions between oral health and general health

 

-Systemic conditions and the effect on oral health

  • Diabetes
  • Asthma
  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Hypertension

 

-Medications and their impact on oral health

 

2.Undertaking a risk assessment for oral diseases

 

What is a risk factor

 

Risk factors for oral diseases

  • Oral candidiasis
  •  Oral cancer

 

-History taking of patient : asking the right questions

-Investigating oral hygiene home care behaviours

 

Readings in canvas and task to complete

            3

Self -directed learning task

Go to canvas page titled:

“Study Activity: Preparation for the next class on TOPIC: Saliva”

Follow the “TO DO” instructions in preparation for the next class and practical

 

 

4

 

 

Theory and

Sim lab

 

 

Theme : Factors that impact on oral health 3:

 

TOPIC: Saliva

 

o Causes of diminished saliva

o Medications/recreational drugs /over the counter drugs

o Systemic diseases eg: diabetes, GERD

o Hydration level

o Smoking

o Poor quality/dry saliva as a risk factor for oral diseases

o Strategies to stimulate salivary flow

 

case study related to theory topic

 

TOPIC: Saliva testing

 

Student to student activities

 

  • Conducting saliva testing with analysis ( stimulated and unstimulated)
  • Informed consent before commencing tests
  • Providing advice to the patient with rationale
  • Salivary substitute products
  • Providing a rationale for changing home care behaviors to improve oral health
  • Task to upload

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

Theme : Factors that impact on oral health 4:

 

Case study class discussion from class 1 and 2

 

TOPIC 1 : Biofilm ( Dental Plaque )

 

o Factors that encourage plaque growth

    • Smoking including e cigarettes and vaping
    • Dry mouth
    • Low salivary pH
    • Lack of routine plaque control
    • Dietary: frequent intake of fermentable carbohydrates
    • Alcohol exposure

 

Task issued

 

TOPIC 2: Tooth surface loss 1

 

-Causes and risk factors

-Preventive strategies 

 

  • Caries

 

Task issued

 

6

 

Self -directed learning task

 

Homework

In preparation for next class

Topic: Plaque control strategies

 

Check out the videos and readings in canvas on methods of plaque control

 

Oral hygiene strategies for different types of dentitions

  • implants, bridges
  • technique in use of manual and electric toothbrushes
  • use of floss
  • interdental brushes
  • orthodontic fixed appliances
  • denture hygiene

 

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discussion on caries case scenario issued at class 4

 

TOPIC 1: Periodontal disease

 

  • Gingivitis
  • Periodontitis
  • Peri-Implantitis

 

Task issued

 

TOPIC 2: Plaque control continues with workshop

 

  • Plaque control aids and products
  • Rationale and how to educate a patient on plaque control strategies.
  • Student to student activity
  • Determining the capability /dexterity of the patient

 

 

8

 

 

Theme : Factors that impact on oral health 5:

 

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

 

            9

 

Dr Tammi Yap ( Oral medicine specialist)

 

Session outline TBC

           10

Self -directed learning task

 

Activity complete module on motivational interviewing and task and upload the corresponding certificate into canvas   go to dentalcare.com

 

           11

 

TOPIC: Tooth surface loss 2

 

-Causes and risk factors

-Preventive strategies 

 

Dental erosion: (is this the same as dental caries ?)

Dental attrition

Dental abrasion

Traumatic injury

 

Task

 

12

Self -directed learning task

To complete

 

Theme  : Educating the patient

 

TOPIC: Nutrition and the impact on oral health

 

Nutrition fundamentals for population target groups:

o        Recommendations to the patient

o        NHMRC dietary guidelines

 

Activity 1 READ posted resource

 

Activity 2  conduct a diet diary on yourself to bring for analysis to next practical class on template is located in canvas bring to practical class # 17

 

            13

 

 

Theme: Factors that impact on oral health 6:

 

TOPIC : The influence of Dietary intake on oral health

 

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

o        Case study task discussed

 

14

 

 

Theme: Educating the patient

 

COMMENCE development of your Assessment Task 1 log book’s portfolio of patient handouts for clinic

 

Create a portfolio of patient educational material/handouts as per appendix in log book assessment document issued today

 

Resources including links to access patient handouts on oral health topics and advice are available in canvas

15

Self -directed  learning task

Readings on oral health and the geriatric patient : Class preparation

 

16

 

 

The older patient and oral health part 1

 

  • The impact of ageing on oral health
  • Medical conditions and medications
  • Dental considerations
  • Challenges when providing oral health education
  • Case study
  •  

Workshop : Review products and modified aids suited to the older patient and special needs patient

 

Issue case study for practical class/log book assessment scheduled session #12

 

             17

 

 

PRACTICAL in SIM LAB

 

Student to student and rotation of activities

 

Theme 1: Preparing for clinical practice as an oral health educator

 

TOPIC: Identifying the oral health needs of the patient 1

 

Bringing it all together using a case study to commence logbook (assessment 2)

 

Student to student learning activities and demonstration

Each student will conduct the following activities on 1:1 student: student

 

•           Oral health check/history taking/interview

•           Risk assessment

•           Saliva testing/plaque disclosing

•           Oral hygiene advice/tooth brushing /interdental cleaning

•           Product selection                              

•           Dietary advice on diet diary in case study

•           Oral health plan: setting objectives with the patient

•           Oral hygiene advice for home care with rationale

•           Includes smoking cessation

 

18

 

 

PRACTICAL in SIM LAB

 

 

Student to student and rotation of activities

Theme 1: Preparing for clinical practice as an oral health educator

 

TOPIC: Identifying the oral health needs of the patient 2

 

Student to student learning activities

Each student will conduct the following activities on 1:1 student: student

 

•           Oral health check/history taking/interview

•           Risk assessment

•           Saliva testing/plaque disclosing

•           Oral hygiene advice/tooth brushing /interdental cleaning

•           Product selection                              

•           Dietary advice on a diet diary provided by another student

•           Oral health plan: setting objectives with the patient

•           Oral hygiene advice for home care with rationale

•           Includes smoking cessation

 

Case study will be used to undertake these activities for log book entries

 

Following completion of classes 17 & 18

 

Assessment Task 1

Commence oral hygiene with dentate patients in clinic using log book

 

 

 

        19

 

     TBC

 

The older patient and oral health part 2

 

Guest speaker from COLGATE: Cathryn Carboon

 

1.The older patient and oral health: The Seattle pathway of care

 

Review of topics:

  • Products for plaque control strategies
  • Toothpastes
  • Dental erosion
  • Dentinal hypersensitivity 

 

20

 

 

 

guest speaker

 

TBC

 

TOPIC:smoking , e-cigarettes and vaping

 

  • all forms of recreational smoking including , tobacco, cannabis, e-cigarettes and non- tobacco products; chewing tobacco
  • the impact on oral tissues and saliva quality ( changes to pH , hydration, buffering capacity) 
  • potential risks for oral diseases (caries, perio & oral cancers)
  • smoking cessation strategies including motivational interviewing techniques and referral pathways
  • resources available to offer to patients
  • referral protocol to QUIT

 

 

21

 

 

TOPIC: The child patient and oral health education

 

  • Review fluoride guidelines for toothpaste use in children
  • Prevention of sports injuries
  • Mouthguard hygiene
  • Review oral health care for orthodontic appliances
  • Class case study task

 

22

 

Self -directed learning task

 

COMPLETE online modules from Oral B . go to dentalcare.com

Upload certificates

 

Topics:

  1. Sports related injuries
  2. Smiles for tomorrow

 

 

23

 

 

TOPIC:The special needs patient and oral health:

 

Theme: Impact on oral tissues

 

  • Class Discussion reviewing a class task
  • Working with carers
  • Case study : Diabetes and oral health care

 

24

 

 

 

 

Preparing for assessment

Revision workshop

Case study “Mr K” task to discuss

 

Check on progression of your log book …bring to class.

 

 

 

                                      Assessments

 

 

 

Due Date TBC

 

Semester 1, 2026

 

 

Assessment task 1: PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT

 

Log book of 10 completed patients X2 clinical appointments,

commencing semester 1, 2025

 

  1. Students will be provided with an appointment with the assessor to review progression of the log patients OR will be directed to submit during a class
  2. Students will negotiate a date with the assessor to observe 2 clinical patients

 

Due Date TBC

 

Semester 2, 2025

 

Assessment task 2 : KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT

 

2 hour online multiple choice questions via collaborate ultra ( canvas)

 

 

Due Date TBC

 

Semester 1, 2026

 

Assessment task 3: CASE PRESENTATION

 

Following submission of the task 1 log book……

 

Each student will be allocated a 30- minute appointment time to present in PowerPoint format, one patient case from their log book .

 

The presentation will be conducted via collaborate ultra ( canvas) or face to face as a class TBC

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Resources will be available to assist learning will include laboratories, CANVAS learning management system, equipment, uniform and PPE ( except safety glasses) for clinic placement.   

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

 

The following resources will be useful to complete the requirements of this course. You should ensure you have access to these and contact the teaching staff if you encounter any issues:

Prescribed textbook

1. Chapman,A; Felton ,S;  (2021) Basic guide to oral health education and promotion 3rd ed; Wiley Blackwell , UK   

2. Bird, D., Robinson, D. (current ed ) Torres and Ehrlich Modern Dental Assisting . W.B. Saunders,  Sydney.  (this is available online via RMIT library website)

Link for Chapter 15  Preventive Dentistry Modern_Dental_Assisting_-_E-Book_preventive dentistry.pdf Download Modern_Dental_Assisting_-_E-Book_preventive dentistry.pdf 

Additional resources

 


Overview of Assessment

You must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that you have:

• provided complete and appropriate information to at least 10 different patients including:

  • providing information on the prevention of oral diseases
  • providing advice and demonstrating oral hygiene techniques
  • using learning and motivational skills to inform and motivate behaviour change.

To be deemed competent you must demonstrate an understanding of all aspects required of the competency. 

Regular attendance is necessary.  Assessment methods have been designed to measure your achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over multiple tasks and consist of theory and practical based tasks.


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. 

Every task must be completed satisfactorily for competence to be achieved. Unless otherwise advised you must submit all work via the RMIT issued assessment tool which is located in CANVAS for you to populate. 

Resubmissions are at the discretion of the teacher and/or coordinator. 

 

Results

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 

 

All tasks are to be undertaken and fully completed 

Assessment 1. Clinical log book of at least 10 different patients demonstrating:
-providing information on the prevention of oral diseases
-providing advice and demonstrating oral hygiene techniques
-using learning and motivational skills to inform & motivate behaviour change.
NOTE: This will include assessor practical observations and questioning

Assessment 2. Supervised knowledge test

Assessment 3. Case presentation : oral presentation on a clinical case from the log book

If you miss an assessment or assessable practical class you need to apply for special consideration. The special consideration department will ask you to provide a medical certificate or give other evidence to support your request. Once Special consideration has been applied for the students will wait for the results and then contact their teacher on the outcome of the result


Assessment Matrix

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class and practical exercises, working with clinical patients, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. 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.  

It is expected that you attend all timetabled sessions including scheduled clinic times. 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 

 

Extensions of time for submission of assessable work:

If you are prevented from submitting an assessment on time by circumstances outside your control you may apply for an extension of up to seven (7) calendar days in writing (email) to your teacher and Program Coordinator one working day BEFORE the due date. Please provide evidence  and /or valid reasonings why you were unable to complete the submission on time within this email. Extensions cannot be guaranteed if evidence or valid reasons are not given. Eligibility criteria for application and the form is available from the link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work

Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration.

Special consideration:

If due to illness or other unforeseen circumstance, you are unable to attend on the due date of an assessment (e.g. test, examination, oral, etc.), you may submit an application for special consideration within 5 working days of the due date. If special consideration is granted, you will be given the opportunity to complete/repeat the assessment task at a later date. For advice on this application please visitwww.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration or speak to your Program Coordinator.

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