Design and manufacture prostheses using precision attachments
Overview
This standard focuses on the design and manufacture, using manual or digital techniques, of prostheses using precision attachments; dental devices which are custom-made to fit the individual's unique mouth shape and which replace one or more missing teeth and incorporate the use of a precision connector of two or more parts.
The term 'client' is used to mean the member of the oral health care team who has prescribed the custom-made prosthesis. Clients may be external to the organisation (such as general dental practitioners) or internal (within a dental hospital). The individual is the one for whom the custom-made prosthesis is being made.
The design and manufacturing process may be carried out in a regulated dental laboratory within a variety of settings.
Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information, policies and regulations.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- communicate with relevant others at a pace, manner and level appropriate to their understanding, preferences and needs
- collate and confirm accuracy of all specification information required for the design and manufacture of the prostheses using precision attachments with relevant others.
- interpret and analyse information captured of both soft and hard tissues in oral environment using both analogue and digital techniques
- select the necessary components, materials and equipment and confirm that they are fit for purpose
- set up and operate the manufacturing equipment in accordance with the specification
- manufacture the prostheses using suitable manual or digital techniques adjusting manufacturing processes as necessary.
- monitor the manufacturing process and adjust as required
- devest or retrieve the manufactured product using an appropriate method which releases the item without causing damage
- ensure that the manufactured product matches the specification and make any necessary adjustments
- clean and finish the restoration, prepare and package it safely for dispatch together with instructions for the individual and client
- dispose of waste in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, and workplace procedures
- complete and store all documentation in accordance with relevant legislation, guidelines, and workplace procedures
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- how to communicate with relevant others at a pace, manner and level appropriate to their understanding, preferences and needs
- the importance of applying standard infection control precautions and the potential consequences of poor practice
- the principles, uses, methods, techniques and equipment involved in digital design and manufacturing.
- the skeletal anatomy, tooth morphology, orofacial musculature including the tongue and temporomandibular joint function and movement
- the physiological and pathological changes associated with the ageing process and trauma related to the oral environment
- the effect of tooth loss on the supportive dental tissue, the processes and effect of ridge resorption
- the importance of retention of the periodontal ligament and the changes in proprioception due to loss of periodontal ligament
- the range of factors to consider during manufacture and the range of equipment used in the design and manufacture of dental devices
- the classification and sub-classification of materials on the basis of chemical composition and internal structure
- the mechanical, physical, thermal, chemical and biological properties of materials
- the purpose of different products used for cast and mould manufacture or digital representation
- the purpose of different types of materials used in the manufacture of prostheses using precision attachments
- methods of constructing dental bridges and crowns using precision attachments
- the relationship between chemical bonds and the properties of solid materials
- legal and physical implications of modifying manufacturer products and ensuring quality assurance .
- how to effectively clean and finish the restoration, prepare and package it safely for dispatch together with instructions for the individual and client
- different methods of waste disposal and how to apply these
- the importance of updating documentation and storing individuals records safely and securely