Conduct pre-examination procedures

1. Evaluate the equine health, injury and use-previous history records
2. Clarify reasons for equine dental appointment and outline more appropriate options to the owner or carer according to workplace practices
3. Conduct and document basic assessment of equine condition
4. Identify features of head and neck anatomy and assess their general function
5. Assess and evaluate the behaviour of the horse or other equine and its response to general handling

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Prepare to carry out oral and dental examination

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. Carry out hygiene and infection controls in preparation for the examination
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
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

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Conduct oral and dental examination

1. Inspect equine head for symmetry, swellings or other abnormalities using safe handling techniques
2. Assess the rostro-caudal and lateral excursion range of motion of the mandible
3. Inspect and assess incisors for evidence of pathology and occlusion that may impact on speculum use
4. Inspect molars and incisors for occlusion
5. Fit and remove a speculum according to industry standards
6. Examine oral structures by palpation and visual inspection
7. Inspect and assess all teeth for normal and abnormal features related to position, alignment, wear, and angulations
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

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Provide post-inspection assessment and advice

1. Document results of inspection using established terminology and dental charts
2. Assess inspection results and explain impact of findings to owner or carer

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Prioritise dental issues

1. Consider dental examination findings in conjunction with the profile and history of the horse or other equine
2. Rank and prioritise dental conditions found during examination based on animal welfare considerations including health impact and equine comfort
3. Prioritise dental conditions found during examination based on health impact and equine comfort considering also the time required to perform treatment

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Select dental treatment strategy

1. Discuss owner or carer requested or proposed treatments in context of ethical considerations, optimal comfort and dental care for horse or other equine
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
3. Plan and document treatment stages and timing for services to be provided within own professional scope
4. Explain post treatment care and the need for monitoring the horse or other equine to the owner or carer
5. Confirm consent for the treatment strategy with the owner or carer

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