Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide veterinary dental nursing support for advanced veterinary dental surgery.
The unit applies to veterinary nurses, who work under the supervision of a registered veterinarian who is, at a minimum, a Member of the Veterinary Dental Chapter, Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS), and who regularly performs advanced veterinary dentistry procedures. This unit applies to veterinary nurses with extensive vocational expertise who are responsible for providing advanced dental nursing skills.
Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to veterinary nurses but 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. Carry out admission procedures | 1.1 Compile patient dental history 1.2 Coordinate referral and associated documentation 1.3 Collate dental pathology and diagnostic results |
2. Prepare theatre for dental surgery | 2.1 Prepare theatre furniture and equipment 2.2 Display patient images for the scheduled procedure 2.3 Access and check dental equipment and sterile dental packs 2.4 Complete gloving and gowning procedures |
3. Prepare patient for dental surgery under the direction and supervision of the surgeon | 3.1 Identify anatomy and physiology as it relates to dental health procedures 3.2 Comply with WHS, infection control and animal welfare requirements related to dental health procedures 3.3 Apply specific anaesthetic procedures under supervision of veterinarian 3.4 Assist with pre-operative medications 3.5 Position patient and apply restraints 3.6 Examine endotracheal tube to ensure it is functioning and apply pharyngeal pack |
4. Prepare specific materials and anticipate veterinarians' requirements | 4.1 Prepare specific dental materials for the scheduled procedure 4.2 Anticipate progress of surgery and respond to veterinarian's requirements 4.3 Hand instruments, equipment and materials to the veterinarian as requested 4.4 Provide specific dental surgical support 4.5 Take and maintain record of procedure 4.6 Dispose of clinical and other hazardous waste appropriately |
5. Clean, store and maintain dental instruments and equipment | 5.1 Clean or sterilise instruments and equipment 5.2 Store packed instruments and equipment 5.3 Identify damaged and ineffective instruments, equipment and their attachments and replace or set aside for repair or maintenance 5.4 Complete maintenance routines for instruments and equipment |
6. Communicate with client and discharge patient | 6.1 Report patient progress to client 6.2 Communicate specific home nursing requirements to client 6.3 Provide instructions on administering prescribed medications to client |
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 |
Numeracy | Measure and monitor medication dosages including anaesthetics |
Interact with others | Recognise the importance of building rapport to establish effective working relationships |
Get the work done | Address irregularities and contingencies in the context of the work role |
Sectors
Veterinary nursing (VET)