Course Title: Recognise & respond to oral health issues

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2022

Course Code: DENT5884C

Course Title: Recognise & respond to oral health issues

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

Course Contact: Sue Fatone

Course Contact Phone: +61 39341 1406

Course Contact Email: sue.fatone@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 :

o             Facilitator- led classroom and online based lecture and workshop using PowerPoint Presentations

o             Facilitator led practical simulated clinical demonstration

o             Online learning using resources accessed via myRMIT Studies/ CANVAS

o             Home study research tasks

o             Class exercises to review discussions/lectures

o             Practical demonstrations and student to student role play activities in simulated lab

o             Analysis/critique of relevant reading material

o             Practical workplace placement

o             Simulated workplace activities

  •        Peer learning
  •        case studies

You will participate in :
o Facilitator- led classroom and online based lecture and workshop using PowerPoint Presentations
o Facilitator led practical simulated clinical demonstration
o Online learning using resources accessed via myRMIT Studies/ CANVAS
o Home study research tasks
o Class exercises to review discussions/lectures
o Practical demonstrations and activities in lab 
o Analysis/critique of relevant reading material
o Practical workplace placement
o Simulated workplace activities
o        Peer learning 

 
Workplace delivery and/or assessment 


As part of this course, you are required to undertake supervised learning/assessment in a workplace context.  

You will be employed at a dental practice during the term of this course and you will undertake activities that offer training in performing a visual oral health check on patients ( general public) 
 
The context for workplace training and assessment must include:
o access to suitable equipment and resources, including:
- appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- access to current Dental board of Australia (DBA) and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) guidelines and practice standards
- access to current Dental Board of Australia (DBA) infection control and record keeping guidelines
- access to National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) Australian dietary guidelines
o access to organisational policies and procedures for:
- patient privacy
- confidentiality of patient information and disclosure
- documentation and reporting

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice
 
Your dental practice may ask you to provide evidence of immunization and working with children’s check and/ or police check .

The integration of work based learning and academic learning will allow you to solve authentic industry problem.




Teaching Schedule

 Note: While all course content in this schedule will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources. 

Session

Date

SESSION TOPICS/ACTIVITIES

 

1

ONLINE

 

Monday

 

9am-12.30pm

Introduction to the unit

Assessment requirements

What is oral health?

 

The role of the DA in oral health education

o Support /follow the practitioners health care plan

o Support/instruct on effective oral hygiene strategies for

a range of different patients

 

Victorian government oral health priorities

 

Who is the client: Target population groups

 

What is an oral health care plan

 

Factors that impact on oral health #1:

 

• Health determinants

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

 

• Importance of the medical history: Interactions between

oral health and general health

  • Diabetes
  • Asthma
  • Cardiovascular Disease

 

2

ONLINE

 

Monday

 

1.30-4.30pm

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

 

 

Self managed study

 

 

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

3

 

PRACTICAL and workshop

 

Monday

 

 

9am-4.30pm

 

 

This class will be on rotation with practical activities

 

Part 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

 

 

 

Educating the patient in response to findings from the

oral health check and using case studies

Referral for any observed departure from normal or patient

complaint

Oral hygiene strategies for different types of dentitions

Plaque control techniques for various scenarios

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

 

 

Part 2 Workshop

Theme : Factors that impact on oral health #3:

 

Topic 1 : Nutrition fundamentals: what is a balanced diet

  • Australian dietary guidelines and how to use
  • Impact of nutritional deficiencies on oral health
  • Video : How much sugar is in drink products
  • Frequency of sugar consumption: risk factor for caries
  • Soft drinks and risk for dental erosion
  • Patient recommendations
  • Cariostatic foods as options to cariogenic food products

 

Topic 2 : Fluoride experience

  • Benefits of fluoride
  • Fluoride in the communal water supplies
  • Australian guidelines for use of fluorides
  • Topical applications and home care
  • How to respond to a patient who is anti-fluoride

 

 

 

 

Self managed study task

 

 

Theme : Factors that impact on oral health #4:

 

TOPIC: Oral health and special needs

  • The aged person
  • Disability and impairment
  • Mental health including dementia
  • 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

 

4

PRACTICAL

Monday

 

9am-4.30pm

 

 

Student to student

 

Rotation through activities

ASSESSMENT:  AT2

 

  1. Conducting an oral health check on 10 simulated “patients”

 

  1. 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

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

 

Products, aids, take home information

 

  1. Class discussion on study task and preparation for the

AT1 assessment

 

5

PRACTICAL

 

Monday

 

9am-4.30pm

 

Student to student

 

Rotation through activities

ASSESSMENT:  AT2 continues

 

  1. Conducting an oral health check on 10 simulated

“patients”

 

  1. 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

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

 

Products, aids, take home information

 

  1. Undertake the AT1 knowledge ASSESSMENT 2 hours

 

Commence AT3 at workplace following this class

 

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

 You are advised to look on Canvas for ongoing updated information including videos, patient oral health information pamphlets.


RMIT's Writing, Editing and Publishing library guide http://rmit.libguides.com/wcprp 


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 dates

 

Assessment 1 Knowledge test

You will 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.

 

Assessment 2 Practical (simulated with case studies)

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,

 

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

 

Assessment 3: clinical placement ( workplace)

This assessment will be conducted at your 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.

 

The Assessor will observe you perform a visual oral health check on 5 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 patients

 

 

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 detailed task documentation can be found on Canvas.


Skills must be demonstrated in the workplace with the addition of simulations and scenarios where the full range of contexts and situations cannot be provided in the workplace or may occur only rarely.


Performance evidence must have been demonstrated using ten simulation scenarios prior to demonstration in the workplace or with members of the general public:


Following the 10 simulated scenarios, you are to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, you will  

  • perform a visual oral health check on 5 different patients, including:

-identifying any signs and symptoms related to oral health care issues

-gathering relevant information from visual check and questioning to initiate appropriate follow up oral health care

- using safe manual handling techniques as required when working with patients with special care needs.

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

Prescribed resources: 

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


  • Felton,A; Chapman,A;  (2014) Basic guide to oral health education and promotion 2nd ed; Wiley Blackwell , UK  (this is available online via RMIT library website)


  • Australian Dental Association Infection Control Guidelines (2021)  located in canvas


  • Laskaris, G; (2019) Pocket Atlas of Oral Diseases; 3rd edition; Thieme Germany
  • Fehrenbach, M; (2019) Mosby’s Dental Dictionary, 4th edition; Elsevier; US


  • Ramseier, C; Suven, J: ( 2010) Health behavior change in the Dental practice; 1st edition; Wiley-Blackwell USA


  • Therapeutic Guidelines Ltd; (2019) Therapeutic Guidelines: Oral and Dental; Version 3; Therapeutic Guidelines, Australia . (To obtain this version: contact Therapeutic Guidelines Ltd directly on +61 393291566)  Students receive a discount with student ID number.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview