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Unit Group

3112 Medical and Dental Technicians

OSCA - Occupation Standard Classification for Australia
Reference period
2024, Version 1.0

3112 Medical and Dental Technicians

Operate anaesthetic, operating theatre and medical testing equipment, construct and repair dentures and other dental appliances, and perform and assist with laboratory tests in support of Health Professionals.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 2: AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma, Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience
  • Skill Level 3: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience
Occupation

311231 Anaesthetic Technician

Prepares and maintains anaesthetic equipment for operating theatres or clinics, and assists Anaesthetists during anaesthetic procedures.

Skill level: 2

Main tasks

  • Prepares and sets up anaesthetic equipment and supplies for surgical procedures
  • Checks and tests anaesthetic equipment to ensure proper functioning, and assists with the insertion of invasive monitoring devices
  • Assists with the positioning and preparation of patients for surgery
  • Assists Anaesthetists in administering anaesthesia to patients, and monitors vital signs during procedures
  • Cleans and sterilises anaesthetic equipment after use, and participates in the maintenance and inventory of anaesthetic supplies and medications
Occupation

311232 Dental Technician

Constructs and repairs dentures and other dental appliances.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Specialisation

  • Dental Laboratory Assistant

Skill level: 2

Main tasks

  • Creates models of the mouth and teeth from impressions taken by a dental practitioner
  • Makes replacement braces, retainers or dentures for patients using plastic, metal or ceramic materials
  • Crafts braces, mouthguards and plates for correcting irregular or damaged teeth
  • Designs, constructs and repairs ceramic restorations such as crowns, bridges or dentures
  • Polishes and finishes braces or retainers before they are placed in a patient's mouth
Occupation

311233 Medical Laboratory Technician

Performs routine medical laboratory tests, and operates diagnostic laboratory equipment under the supervision of Medical Laboratory Scientists and Pathologists.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Alternative titles

  • Medical Laboratory Assistant
  • Medical Laboratory Technical Officer

Specialisation

  • Pathology Technician

Skill level: 2

Main tasks

  • Prepares and stains slides and tissue sections to study the cells of blood for histological examination
  • Performs diagnostic tests on tissues and fluids, and analyses the chemical constituents of blood, urine, faeces and tissues
  • Tests for diseases by looking for the presence of antibodies and the products of immune response in samples
  • Operates and maintains laboratory equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability of test results
  • Records and analyses test results, and reports findings to medical professionals
  • Assists in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases by providing accurate and timely laboratory test results
Occupation

311234 Operating Theatre Technician

Prepares and maintains an operating theatre and its equipment, assists the surgical team during operations, and provides support to patients in the recovery room.

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Prepares operating theatre for surgical procedures, and cleans and sterilises operating theatre equipment and instruments
  • Assists surgical team during operations by passing instruments and supplies
  • Monitors and maintains sterile field during surgical procedures
  • Handles specimens and prepares them for laboratory analysis
  • Assists with positioning and transferring patients before and after surgery
  • Provides support to patients in the recovery room, monitoring vital signs and assisting with post-operative care
Occupation

311235 Respiratory Technician

Performs routine lung function tests, and uses and maintains diagnostic equipment under the supervision of Respiratory and Sleep Scientists. Monitors patients on ventilation or those undergoing sleep studies.

Alternative title

  • Sleep Technician

Specialisation

  • Neurophysiological Technician

Skill level: 2

Main tasks

  • Performs routine lung function tests and assists with conducting sleep studies on patients
  • Uses and maintains diagnostic equipment for respiratory tests
  • Monitors patients on ventilation to ensure proper functioning
  • Assists Respiratory and Sleep Scientists in analysing test results and making recommendations
Occupation

311299 Medical and Dental Technicians nec

This occupation group covers Medical and Dental Technicians not elsewhere classified.

Skill level: 2

Occupations in this group include:

  • Dialysis Technician
  • Electroencephalographic Technician
  • Hyperbaric Technician
  • Mortuary Technician (Forensic)
  • Ophthalmic Technician
  • Orthotic and Prosthetic Technician
  • Perfusionist
  • Renal Technician