This unit is intended to address skills and knowledge appropriate for health workers whose work roles may require the application of fluoride varnish in accordance with relevant jurisdictional, legislative and regulatory requirements The unit applies to practitioners working in specific contexts, such as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health workers as well as nurses working in rural, remote and isolated areas The work involves implementation of verbal or written individualised oral health care plans that have been prepared by, or under advice from, an appropriate registered oral health practitioner |
Pre-requisite | This unit must be assessed after achievement of: HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures |
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Prepare for and participate in the application of fluoride varnish | 1.1 Ensure client's oral health care plan developed by an oral health practitioner specifically includes the application of fluoride varnish and that there are no contraindications to this procedure 1.2 Check scope of own work role to ensure it includes application of fluoride varnish as advised by an oral health practitioner in an individualised oral health care plan 1.3 Explain fluoride varnish application procedure to client and/or significant others and check their understanding of the benefits of fluoride varnish and the risks associated with fluoride varnish 1.4 Explain the advantages of fluoride varnish over other procedures and the disadvantages of fluoride varnish over other procedures 1.5 Confirm informed consent 1.6 Ensure client is positioned as comfortably as possible according to their individual needs 1.7 Prepare fluoride varnish kit and other equipment as required |
2. Apply fluoride varnish to teeth | 2.1 Position the client for safety and comfort 2.2 Prepare teeth for application in accordance with product instructions 2.3 Dispense appropriate amount of fluoride varnish 2.4 Apply fluoride varnish in correct manner with applicator to specific teeth as recommended in the oral health care plan 2.5 Apply fluoride varnish in line with legislative requirements, organisation policies and procedures and standard precautions |
3. Provide information to client and/or significant others | 3.1 Inform client and/or significant others of the importance of following manufacturer instructions and recommended guidelines for eating, drinking fluids and brushing/cleaning teeth following application 3.2 Inform client and/or significant others of any expected changes in tooth appearance or sensation, including colour, feel or taste 3.3 Ensure client and/or significant others are aware of oral health practitioner's recommended schedule for ongoing application in line with their individualised oral health care plan 3.4 Provide information to client and/or significant others in both verbal and take home written or picture formats as appropriate to their individual needs or preferences |
4. Complete reporting and documentation according to organisation policy and procedures | 4.1 Document and report application undertaken and any concerns arising during contact with client and/or significant others 4.2 Document specific information that is provided to client and/or significant others at each application session 4.3 Complete documentation ensuring client confidentiality and file |
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit. |
Essential knowledge: The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required 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 These include knowledge of: Awareness of relevant jurisdictional legislation and regulation relating to fluoride, including schedule, supply, authorisation and disposal Awareness of the National Oral Health Plan and other relevant state, territory and national government policy and programs Advantages and disadvantages of fluoride varnish use over other preventive products/procedures Basic anatomy and physiology underpinning oral health and hygiene Benefits and risks associated with fluoride varnish Causes and prevention, of tooth wear, including erosion, abrasion and attrition Common equipment and aids utilised in the application of fluoride, such as mouth props Effective self-care practices for oral health Emergency procedures that may be required during the application of fluoride varnish Factors that impact on oral health, including: abuse access to services accumulation of plaque and calculus alcohol, licit and illicit drugs and substances, and over the counter and herbal treatments alcohol misuse bacteria in dental plaque client education correct infant feeding practices diet and nutrition, including fluids fluoride general health and wellbeing immunosuppressant conditions oral piercings medical history psychological issues, such as fear of being seen without dentures or persisting with ill fitting dentures for satisfaction of others salivary function smoking social and cultural determinants of health susceptible tooth surfaces transmission of bacteria particularly from parent to child trauma, such as from seizures Healthy eating recommendations as identified in the National Health and Medical Research Council's (NHMRC) Australian Dietary Guidelines Work health and safety (WHS) issues and procedures, including those related to manual handling and infection control continued.... |
Essential knowledge (cont'd): Oral disease and broad treatment options available Own work role and responsibilities in the application of fluoride varnish Personal safety and security risks associated with provision of fluoride varnish application Principles and practices in undertaking technical skills associated with the application of fluoride Principles and practices of confidentiality, privacy and consent Processes and strategies to support people with oral hygiene care needs Relevant evaluation criteria for monitoring effectiveness of fluoride varnish application program Role of significant others in supporting clients oral health care needs Safe application of fluoride varnish Safe storage of products Symptoms and signs that suggest need for further assessment and/or treatment The relationship between oral health and general health Tooth development, including understanding of the: life cycle of a tooth tooth eruption tooth structure tooth types |
Essential skills: It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to: Adhere to own work role and responsibilities in line with organisation policies and procedures Apply fluoride varnish safely and effectively in line with product guidelines and oral health care benefits Carry out effective oral health self-care practices Communicate effectively with people requiring application of fluoride varnish and their families and/or carers and/or significant others Identify and respond to risks associated with applying fluoride varnish Liaise and report appropriately to supervisor and/or oral or other health practitioners Make informed observations and report appropriately, including the identification of variations to oral health care support requirements Obtain and follow relevant information from an individualised care support plan Reflect on and improve own level and application of skills and knowledge to achieve desirable outcomes and maintain own capabilities Use processes, aids and equipment appropriately in the application of fluoride varnish Use relevant technology, including information technology safely and effectively 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 These include the ability to: Apply basic problem-solving skills to resolve problems of limited difficulty within organisation protocols Apply literacy and numeracy skills required to fulfill work role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation Consistently demonstrate interpersonal skills, including empathy when relating to people from a range of backgrounds and abilities Work effectively with clients, colleagues and supervisors |
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this unit of competency: | The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills This unit is best assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace under the normal range of conditions Consistency in performance should consider the particular workplace context |
Access and equity considerations: | All workers in health and community services environments should be aware of access, equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities |
Context of and specific resources for assessment: | This unit can be delivered and assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged Resources required for assessment include: access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place simulation of realistic workplace setting |
Method of assessment: | In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspects in the work environment, the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on 'What if?' scenarios Assessment of this unit of competency will include observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning on essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over a range of relevant workplace conditions |
Related units: | This unit may be assessed independently or in conjunction with other units with associated workplace application |
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts. | |
Fluoride varnish refers to: | A highly concentrated form of fluoride which is applied to tooth's surface as a type of topical fluoride therapy may be applied to enamel, dentine or cementum of tooth and can be used to help prevent decay, remineralise tooth surface and treat dentine hypersensitivity not permanent varnish but due to adherent nature will stay in contact with tooth surface for several hours |
Clients may include: | Clients with prescribed application of fluoride varnish in an individualised oral health care plans, such as those in: aged care facilities correctional facilities mental health facilities rural, remote or isolated communities |
Oral health care plan may include: | A stand-alone individualised oral health care support plan Care plan written by an appropriate health practitioner Oral hygiene care plan Personal care tasks embedded in a wider individualised plan |
Contraindications may include but not be limited to: | A known allergy to one of the constituents of the varnish Being pregnant or lactating Last application less than three months earlier Not having eaten prior to treatment |
Significant others may include but are not limited to: | Any person with the appointed right to speak for the client, such as: carers guardians members of family other professionals |
Benefits of fluoride varnish include but may not be limited to: | Prevention and reduction of dental caries Reduced tooth sensitivity |
Risks associated with fluoride varnish include but may not be limited to: | Incorrect dose which may be toxic Over-application i.e. less than three months apart Swallowing fluoride varnish which can be toxic and corrective action i.e. drinking milk must be taken |
Advantages of fluoride varnish over other procedures includes but may not be limited to: | Can be used in some cases where there is tooth sensitivity resulting from erosion or abrasion Dries rapidly and will set even in presence of saliva Has sticky consistency which helps it adhere to tooth's surface Quickly applied |
Disadvantages of fluoride varnish over other procedures includes but may not be limited to: | Is technique sensitive and poor technique, such as not covering entire specified surface negates outcomes May cause a temporary change in the surface colour of teeth as well as some filling materials May cause gagging and/or vomiting May require a dry field during application Requires client cooperation |
Consent may be: | Verbal Written |
Fluoride varnish kit may consist of: | Applicator/micro-brush Cotton rolls Fluoride varnish Gauze for cleaning tooth in preparation for varnish |
Appropriate amount of fluoride varnish refers to: | Amount as stated in the product application guidelines or oral health care plan and depending upon the specific product |
Apply fluoride varnish in correct manner refers to: | Keeping client mouth open and tongue away from teeth Maintaining moisture control Retracting lip, wiping and applying a thin layer of varnish to the teeth as prescribed in the oral health care plan Ensuring varnish is applied only directly to the area prescribed in the oral health care plan without contact with other tissues Wiping tongue to remove excess varnish using wipe Never dispensing product in addition to that stated in the oral health care plan |
Legislative requirements refer to: | Federal, state or territory legislation that may impact on workers' practices and responsibilities, noting that implementation of the unit of competency must reflect the legislative framework in which a worker operates |
Organisation policies and procedures may include but not be limited to: | Clinical protocols Position descriptions Workplace policies and procedures, including: infection control WHS |
Standard precautions refer to infection control and include: | Washing hands before and after oral care Appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including: gloves mask eye/facial protection e.g. glasses/face shield gown Use, where appropriate, environmental barriers, such as plastic coverings on chair headrests Disposal of PPE Appropriate handling of contaminated waste Effective environmental cleaning |
Recommended guidelines for eating, drinking fluids and brushing/cleaning teeth include: | Client should not eat or drink for specified time as per product instructions to prevent removal of fluoride varnish unless necessary e.g. if diabetic Client should avoid hot foods and should eat a soft, non-abrasive diet for the rest of the day Drinking cool fluids, preferably water, is acceptable Resume regular and effective oral health procedures as per practitioners recommendations in the oral health care plan |
Not Applicable
This unit contains Employability Skills |
Not Applicable