Measure and record plaque indices

This standard is about measuring and recording plaque indices.

This standard is applicable to Dentists, Dental Nurses, Dental Hygienists, Dental Therapists and Orthodontic Therapists.

Dental procedures may be carried out in general dental practices, public dental services, hospital settings, domiciliary or other non-standard environments.

Dentists, Dental Nurses, Dental Hygienists, Dental Therapists and Orthodontic Therapists need to be trained competent and indemnified to carry out this function.

Users of this standard will need to ensure their practice reflects up to date information, policies and legislation.

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1. Retrieve and make the individual’s records available and review the prescription to identify planned treatments in accordance with workplace procedures
2. Apply standard infection control precautions taking other health and safety measures throughout in accordance with workplace procedures
3. Confirm identity and obtain valid, informed consent from individuals in accordance with professional standards and workplace procedures.
4. Communicate with individuals in ways that meet their needs and demonstrate equality, respect and dignity
5. Provide advice, information and support to individuals in ways that are consistent with other members of the oral health care team and within your scope of practice
6. Confirm an individual’s medical history, checking for any known allergies
7. Assess the oral cavity to ensure appropriate for the application of the disclosing agent, raising any concerns that prevents proceeding with the procedure. 
8. Explain the procedure clearly to the individual and advise on how to participate throughout it in a way that will reduce any anxiety
9. Select and prepare the correct equipment, instruments and materials required to carry out disclosing and a plaque index
10. Position the individual correctly and comfortably for disclosing and recording plaque and removal of disclosing solution
11. Position yourself correctly to facilitate the effective application of the disclosing agent 
12. Apply disclosing agent, ensuring coverage of all relevant tooth surfaces, in accordance with the prescription and workplace procedures
13. Record plaque indices, and safely remove the disclosing solution, in accordance with the prescription and workplace procedures.
14. Monitor individuals during the procedure to identify any complications, taking necessary actions in accordance with workplace procedures and within your own scope of practice
15. Dispose of waste in accordance with relevant legislation, guidance and workplace procedures
16. Provide post operative instructions in accordance with the dental procedure advising individuals how to access further oral health
17. Complete and store all documentation in accordance with relevant legislation, guidelines, and workplace procedures.

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1. Scope and limitations of your competence, responsibilities and accountability within your job role and the importance of working to prescription
2. The purpose of measuring plaque indices and the different methods and techniques used to record individuals’ plaque scores.
3. Standard infection control precautions and safe working practices and how to apply these.
4. Principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
5. Different methods of communicating and how to apply these
6. The importance of taking account of an individual’s preferences, needs and values during communication
7. Barriers to effective communication and how to overcome these
8. The aetiology and development of plaque and its relationship with dental caries, gingivitis and periodontal disease.
9. The importance of measuring and recording plaques indices as part of oral health assessment, individual education, diagnosis and treatment planning
10. The different plaque scoring methods, the benefits and drawbacks of each
11. Different types, properties and uses of disclosing agents
12. Functions of equipment, instruments, materials and medicaments used to measure and record plaque indices in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
13. How to confirm an individual’s medical history checking for any known allergies in accordance with workplace procedures.
14. Relevant oral anatomy for disclosing and recording a plaque score and recognition of common anatomical variations and their impact on the measuring and recording plaque indices
15. Contra indications and complications that may occur, including an individual’s anxiety, foreign body obstruction, anatomical challenges and equipment failure.
16. How to monitor and support individuals, and manage anxiety and anatomical challenges
17. The importance of appropriate posture and positioning the individual when delivering clinical care.
18. Interpretation of the plaque index score and how to communicate with the individual the findings and implications of the recorded plaque index
19. Different methods of waste disposal and how to apply these
20. Importance of maintaining accurate, up to date documentation and storage of individuals records safely and securely.

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1

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2031

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Health

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SFHOH36

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Health Professionals, Nursing and Subjects and Vocations Allied to Medicine, Dental Nurse

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3218

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Measure; record; plaque, indices

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