Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to inspect equine mouths, assess oral health status and plan required routine dental correction or oral care procedures, or initiate referral procedures where corrective equine dental treatment is required.
The unit applies to individuals, who use practical skills and knowledge to identify a range of common equine dental conditions to plan routine equine dental treatment.
Legislative and regulatory requirements, including work health and safety and animal welfare, apply to the scope of work of equine dental service providers, and vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.
NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Conduct pre-examination procedures | 1.1 Evaluate the equine health, injury and use-previous history records 1.2 Clarify reasons for equine dental appointment and outline more appropriate options to the owner or carer according to workplace practices 1.3 Conduct and document basic assessment of equine condition 1.4 Identify features of head and neck anatomy and assess their general function 1.5 Assess and evaluate the behaviour of the horse or other equine and its response to general handling |
2. Prepare to carry out oral and dental examination | 2.1 Assess potential risks and safety considerations for horse or other equine and handlers in performing an oral inspection and apply safety protocols and risk controls 2.2 Carry out hygiene and infection controls in preparation for the examination 2.3 Determine the need for sedation to carry out a thorough and complete examination of oral cavity considering work health and safety and animal welfare, safety and comfort 2.4 Check authorisation to obtain and administer medication according to relevant State or Territory legislation or refer case to registered veterinarian if beyond own professional or personal scope or ethical responsibility |
3. Conduct oral and dental examination | 3.1 Inspect equine head for symmetry, swellings or other abnormalities using safe handling techniques 3.2 Assess the rostro-caudal and lateral excursion range of motion of the mandible 3.3 Inspect and assess incisors for evidence of pathology and occlusion that may impact on speculum use 3.4 Inspect molars and incisors for occlusion 3.5 Fit and remove a speculum according to industry standards 3.6 Examine oral structures by palpation and visual inspection 3.7 Inspect and assess all teeth for normal and abnormal features related to position, alignment, wear, and angulations 3.8 Use results of oral and dental examination to decide if referral to a registered veterinarian is needed and explain required actions to owner or carer |
4. Provide post-inspection assessment and advice | 4.1 Document results of inspection using established terminology and dental charts 4.2 Assess inspection results and explain impact of findings to owner or carer |
5. Prioritise dental issues | 5.1 Consider dental examination findings in conjunction with the profile and history of the horse or other equine 5.2 Rank and prioritise dental conditions found during examination based on animal welfare considerations including health impact and equine comfort 5.3 Prioritise dental conditions found during examination based on health impact and equine comfort considering also the time required to perform treatment |
6. Select dental treatment strategy | 6.1 Discuss owner or carer requested or proposed treatments in context of ethical considerations, optimal comfort and dental care for horse or other equine 6.2 Explain significance of dental conditions found during examination to the owner or carer and discuss treatment strategies ranked according to optimal outcomes for the horse or other equine and other relevant considerations 6.3 Plan and document treatment stages and timing for services to be provided within own professional scope 6.4 Explain post treatment care and the need for monitoring the horse or other equine to the owner or carer 6.5 Confirm consent for the treatment strategy with the owner or carer |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interpret and consolidate key information in industry recognised charts and records for individual horses or other equines |
Writing | Enter data and observations into record keeping systems accurately using industry terminology and dental encoded systems |
Numeracy | Calculate ratios, proportions and volume relevant to mixing liquids and chemicals Estimate, calculate and record routine measures relating to carrying out equine oral inspections |
Oral communication | Provide clear explanations and respond to queries using terminology and concepts appropriate for the audience |
Navigate the world of work | Take responsibility for following work health and safety, safe handling practices, animal welfare and biosecurity requirements, in own role and work area Know own obligations and limits of professional and personal scope or ethical responsibility |
Interact with others | Follow accepted industry practices and protocols for working collaboratively with and reporting to registered veterinarians |
Get the work done | Assemble resources and plan and prioritise daily tasks to achieve outcomes relating to equine oral inspections Make decisions about routine and non-routine oral conditions and required treatments, taking responsibility for recommended plans and referral action |
Sectors
Equine Dentistry (EQD)