Take a direct oral impression of an individual to produce an analogue or cast

This standard covers the safe and effective practice of taking a direct intra-oral impression to produce an analogue or cast using manual or digital techniques. The activity described here would take place as part of a treatment plan, after an assessment.

"1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
5. confirm identity of the individual in accordance with organisational procedures
6. gain valid, informed consent from the individual in accordance with specific procedures
7. communicate with relevant others at a pace, manner and level appropriate to their understanding, preferences and needs
8. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs, and dignity
9. provide support to the individual and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
10. check the treatment plan and identify the purpose of taking the impression
11. confirm the individual's medical history and identify any pre-disposing medical conditions that could affect the impression technique, individual safety, or accuracy of the impression
12. explain the procedure clearly to the individual, discuss it in a way that will reduce any anxiety they may experience and will enhance their comfort and cooperation
13. apply standard precautions for infection prevention and control
14. examine and prepare the impression site, considering risks of damage to any soft or hard tissues or remaining dentition, and take appropriate action
15. select appropriate equipment and materials for the individual and the procedure, and use them in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
16. modify the impression tray to assure comfort and accuracy as required
17. ensure the individual's airway and any areas of compromised tissue are protected
18. advise the individual on how to participate during the procedure, and monitor and reassure them where appropriate
19. ensure an appropriate amount of the material is mixed and applied correctly
20. insert and remove the impression in accordance with organisational procedures
21. examine the individual for any injury or debris after removing the impression, and take appropriate action where required to restore their safety and comfort
22. decontaminate the impression to the agreed standard, removing all blood, tissues and other body fluids
23. confirm accuracy and quality of the impression and store it in accordance with organisational procedures
24. where the impression is flawed, identify the reason for this, explain the situation to the individual and, where possible, take a further impression
25. dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
26. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements"

"1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
7. how to communicate with relevant others at a pace, manner and level appropriate to their understanding, preferences and needs
8. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
9. how to obtain positive confirmation of an individual's identity in accordance with organisational procedures
10. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
11. the importance of applying standard infection control precautions to impression-taking, **and the potential consequences of poor practice
12. relevant oral anatomy and physiology
13. relevant procedures that require direct or digital impressions
14. the principles, practice and procedures associated with digital techniques for recording oral data
15. the range of materials available for impression-taking and indications/contra-indications for their use
16. how to manage and integrate the procedure of impression-taking to provide biocompatible, functional and aesthetic dental prostheses (fixed and removable) in accordance with individual requirements or needs
17. the needs of individuals including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
18. the procedures and methods relating to the coordination of inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary teams within and across services
19. how to dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
20. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements"