Essential skills: It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to Comply with WHS procedures Implement standard and additional precautions while preparing for and assisting at the chairside Maintain and store instruments, equipment, materials and medicaments in accordance with manufacturer specifications and operator's requirements Maintain records of maintenance procedures and processes Prepare clients, environments, instruments and materials for oral health care procedures in accordance with the requirements of the dental practice and the operator Provide chairside support to the operator during oral health care procedures Store materials and medicaments in accordance with manufacturer specifications and operator's requirements In addition, the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role This includes the ability to: Assist the operator during oral health care procedures safely and effectively Consistently apply standard and additional precautions while assisting with all oral health care procedures Consistently use safe work practices to minimise the risk of transmission of infection including: ensuring instruments used for invasive procedures are sterile at time of use following the procedure for washing and drying hands limiting contamination maintaining clean surfaces and manage blood and body fluid spills protecting materials, equipment and instruments from contamination until required for use putting into practice clean and sterile techniques using personal protective equipment Consistently follow sequenced written instructions and manufacturer specifications for the preparation of materials and medicaments Consistently demonstrate interpersonal skills when relating to people from a range of social, cultural and religious backgrounds and physical and mental abilities Consistently demonstrate communication skills as required in fulfilling the job role as specified by the dental practice/organisation including: acknowledging and responding to a range of views active listening asking for clarification from client and/or carer asking questions negotiation Consistently deal with conflict Consistently work with others and display empathy with client and relatives Consistently use problem solving skills required including: using available resources appropriately to ensure efficient use of power and other resources selecting and preparing instruments, equipment and materials as directed by the operator Recognise, respond to and assist with dental and medical emergencies Select and apply procedures to perform a range of tasks specific to the dental assistant's job role Use literacy skills to read and follow directions, policies and procedures including: WHS policies and procedures infection control policies and procedures practice policies and procedures |