NATIONAL COURSE CODE: HLT55115 Diploma of Dental Technology tafesa.edu.au
Course aims and objectives On successful completion of the Diploma of Dental Technology (HLT55115) graduates will have completed the education and training in contemporary dental technology practices enabling them to work in both the private and government sectors. Each graduate will have developed the knowledge, skills, behaviours, attitudes, values and judgements that will enable them to work as an integral part of the dental team in providing quality fixed and removable dental prosthesis. The course consists of lectures, tutorials, discussion groups, practical sessions, clinical demonstrations and clinical/ laboratory sessions.
Expected employment outcomes This qualification provides the knowledge and skills needed to work as a qualified dental technician. It covers the construction of dentures, crowns, bridges and other dental appliances and the repair and modification of these appliances. A dental technician is an oral health professional who is an educated and trained member of the dental team and who works together with the dentist and or prosthetists to provide dental appliances to the community. Dental technicians may work in a variety of settings including the public sector or commercial dental laboratories which may specialise in one or more disciplines e.g. (crown and bridge, orthodontics, and prosthodontic). Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome Centre for Dental Studies TAFE SA Centre for Dental Studies provides career pathways with courses in dental assisting, dental radiography, practice management, dental technology, dental prosthetics and dental hygiene. Dental Studies programs incorporate innovative and flexible learning and assessment methodologies to reflect current philosophies and practices within the dental community and industry. An emphasis on integrating current evidence-based science and practice is facilitated through competency and problem based learning methodologies that reflect required knowledge and skills for industry application. The innovative methodologies include the online learning management system that facilitates a virtual environment for all learners to access valuable learning. Facilities The Centre for Dental Studies at the TAFE SA Gilles Plains Campus was re-designed and renovated in 2008 to create a modern teaching facility for dental studies including an updated 36 station dental laboratory a dedicated 16 station crown and bridge laboratory and a state of the art 28 chair fully functioning dental clinic and demonstration area utilising intraoral and extra oral cameras. The clinic also includes 7 intraoral radiography units and a panoramic radiography machine. Both dental laboratories are fully functioning working environments which provide students a real environment in which to learn and practice the skills and knowledge required to work in the dental technology industry. All aspects of the job are carried out in the student laboratories under the supervision of qualified skilled lecturers.
Program outline Dental technicians work in a dental laboratory and fabricate both fixed and removable prosthesis for the mouth. Students undertaking this course will learn and practice the skills and knowledge required to construct full and partial acrylic and cast metal alloy removable dentures and appliances. They will also learn how to make fixed crown and bridge works including cast gold, ceramic and composite restorations. Orthodontic appliances are also covered along with how to repair appliances. Students will also study some business units along with communication, cultural awareness WHS and infection control. The student learning environment is diverse with time spent in classroom based learning as well as in the TAFE SA Student laboratory. Participation in practical and theory assessments is expected to assess the students competency in all units.
Recognition of prior learning If you have gained the skills and knowledge equivalent to a unit in this course through work experience, life skills or on the job training you may apply for the recognition of these skills, once you have been accepted into the course. This may shorten the length of time required for you to study to complete the course. Credit transfer If you have completed equivalent studies, you may apply for credit transfer once you have been accepted into the TAFE SA course. Qualification Successful completion of this course provides you with a Diploma of Dental Technology. Course delivery The course is delivered full time Monday to Friday at TAFE SA Gilles Plains Campus. Attendance times vary from term to term with students expected to attend all timetabled practical and theory lessons. Students have the advantage of learning in the fully equipped TAFE SA laboratories, some off campus venues may be used to enhance practical skills development. Vocational placements at SA Dental Service sites may be offered on a rotational basis in the first year of the course. Come learning delivered online. Course length This course duration is up to 24 months full time. Assessments The attainment of course outcomes will be achieved through the designing of assessment methodologies and tools that address the identified employment skills, competency levels and performance criteria in each unit. The process, method and timing of assessment are explained at the beginning of each unit. Opportunity for further study Once students have graduated with a diploma in dental technology they are eligible to apply for entry in to the advanced diploma of dental prosthetics. However, there may be selection criteria and a skills test as part of the selection process for the advanced diploma. Support services General career and education counselling and learning support are available. Most campuses have a learning resource centre (library), cafeteria, student lounge and recreational activities. Access and equity TAFE SA is committed to ensuring that all members of the public have access to all of the courses offered and a fair and non-discriminatory learning environment. Conditions of registration, including TAFE SA Code of Practice can be found at tafesa.edu.au How to apply Entry to the course in South Australia is administered through the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit www.tafesa.edu.au/courses and click on courses listed with Apply Now. Course admission requirements Satisfactory achievement in a written assessment and satisfactory demonstration of reading, writing and numeracy skills by undertaking the Core Skills Profile for Adults.
Specific entry requirements Due to the competitive numbers for entry into this course the following criteria apply: Satisfactory completion of a written entry assessment, aptitude test and hand skills test. The written component consists of a series of questions related to the dental technology industry and the role of the dental technician, and scenarios where applicants can demonstrate their ability to problem solve, and transfer knowledge through analysis, interpretation and decision making. It will aim to assess the applicant s reading/writing and communication skills, personal integrity, use of empathetic behaviours and cultural understandings. Effective team skills and the ability to manage conflict are also assessed as part of the entrance requirements. The basic hand skills test aims to assess the applicants level of manual dexterity and fine motor skills. SA Health and TAFE SA are committed to ensuring the health and safety of all patients in health care settings and providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees and students. This commitment includes adopting a screening, education and vaccination program that minimises the risk of acquiring infectious diseases. Failure to comply with current screening and vaccination policies of SA Health is likely to preclude a student from vocational placements and completing the requirements of the course. Students should be advised that information about specific vaccines can be obtained from their local GP or immunisation clinic. It is important to note that students are responsible for any costs associated with vaccination and screening. Fees WorkReady fees: $6542.40 This course is funded through the Government of South Australia s WorkReady initiative. Eligibility criteria apply, incidental fees may apply. Students will need to check course fees directly with TAFE SA via website TAFE SA courses. TAFE SA will advise students about all fees and publish their fee policies on TAFE SA website. Subject to eligibility, only applies to courses that are listed on the WorkReady training list. In some courses there will be incidental fees for specific tools, materials, events or uniforms. For further information tafesa.edu.au Please make an appointment with a TAFE SA student support officer to discuss your eligibility if you require assistance. Financial assistance Students are able to apply for VET Student Loan assistance for TAFE SA diploma and advanced diploma qualifications. VET Student Loans are a Commonwealth Government loan scheme which assists students to apply for all or part of the TAFE SA tuition fees. Like HECS, it is an income contingent loan. A VET Student Loan will be repaid through the Australian taxation system once your repayment income is above the minimum threshold. To be eligible for VET Student Loan assistance, you must be: a student of any age an Australian citizen; or the holder of a permanent humanitarian visa and resident in Australia for the duration of the TAFE unit of study studying with an approved VET training provider. It is recommended that students contact the TAFE SA infoline for more information. Freecall 1800 882 661
25 units of competency are required for award of this qualification including 20 core units and 5 electives: Core units Elective units Unit code Units of competency Unit code Units of competency CHCCOM005 CHCDIV001 HLTAID003 HLTDET001 HLTDET002 HLTDET003 HLTDET004 HLTDET005 HLTDET006 HLTDET007 HLTDET008 HLTDET009 HLTDET0010 HLTDET0011 HLTDET0012 HLTDET0013 HLTDET0014 HLTDET0015 HLTINF001 HLTWHS003 Communicate and work in health or community services Work with diverse people Provide first aid Construct models Construct custom impression trays Construct registration rims Articulate models and transfer records Construct thermoformed bases and appliances Construct immediate dentures Construct removable acrylic partial dentures Construct cast removable alloy partial denture framework Construct crown and bridge structures Join alloy structures Construct ceramic and fixed restorations Construct orthodontic appliances Construct oral splints Repair and modify dentures and appliances Construct removable acrylic dentures and appliances Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures Maintain work health and safety BSBADM311 BSBCUS301 BSBWOR204 BSBWOR301 BSBINM301 Maintain business resources Deliver and monitor a service to customers Use business technology Organise personal work priorities and development Organise workplace information All clinical subjects are taught at the TAFE SA Dental Clinic, Gilles Plains Campus, 33 Blacks Rd, Gilles Plains, 5086.
tafesa.edu.au/dental 1800 882 661 RTO Code: 41026 CRICOS Code: 00092B HEP Code: PRV14002 Information current as at November 2017