Identify and appraise manual instruments used in equine dentistry

1. Assess materials used in manual dental instruments to determine appropriateness for intended use and for cleaning and disinfection
2. Assess speculum types and demonstrate fitting techniques according to work health and safety (WHS) standards and animal welfare considerations
3. Review manual files (floats) and file (float) blade types and demonstrate techniques for use according to WHS standards and animal welfare considerations
4. Examine other dental equipment and demonstrate techniques for use according to WHS standards and animal welfare considerations

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Prepare for use of manual instruments

1. Assess potential risks and safety considerations for equines and handlers in performing an oral inspection and apply safety protocols and risk controls
2. Refer to a treatment plan and oral mouth inspection reports before commencing dental treatment
3. Implement appropriate infection control procedures
4. Select appropriate manual instruments for the nominated task
5. Position or restrain the equine using safe handling techniques and instruct the carer on their role in controlling the equine

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Prepare for routine dental correction in line with the treatment plan

1. Fit speculum in line with industry standards giving due consideration to equine response and relevant anatomy
2. Remove impacted feed and flush oral cavity with water to conduct visual and manual examination using appropriate focal light source and dental mirrors
3. Identify any digitally loose retained deciduous teeth (caps)
4. Assess condition and cause/s of pathology and arrange for treatment according to the constraints of qualified equine dental provider professional scope and related workplace protocols
5. Provide advice and options for treatment or arrange for a referral to a registered veterinarian

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Perform routine dental correction according to treatment plan

1. Assess the impact of sharp buccal and lingual points on soft tissues on both the upper and lower molar arcades
2. File teeth (float) with extreme caution to optimise health, mastication and comfort of horse or other equine ensuring that the removal of dentine is not excessive and the pulp chamber is not approached or damaged
3. Assess procedure for removal of digitally loose retained teeth and treat
4. Remove supragingival calculus (tartar) from teeth as necessary
5. Clean and modify canine teeth according to professional workplace practice
6. Refer treatments outside of qualified equine dental provider professional scope to a registered veterinarian

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Install or restore bit seat for ridden or driven horses or other equines and address canine teeth

1. Address the presence or absence of first premolar (Wolf) teeth prior to installing bit seats and refer to a registered veterinarian if extraction is required
2. Identify features of the required ‘bit seat’ according to the treatment plan and purpose or use of the equine
3. Create appropriate bit seats on the second premolars on both the upper and lower arcades giving due consideration to tooth structure and maintaining optimal occlusion in relation to mastication and avoidance of the pulp canals
4. Rinse the oral cavity in line with workplace practice

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Provide post-dental treatment care

1. Inspect the oral cavity and teeth for evidence of injury caused during dental treatment and, if present, evaluate treatment options including the need to consult or refer to a veterinarian
2. Evaluate dental treatment to confirm comfort and evaluate oral functionality status
3. Clean and disinfect work area, instruments and other equipment according to infection control standard precautions
4. Check instruments and equipment for wear and/or damage and implement workplace maintenance or repair procedures
5. Update records including dental charts and photographs, according to workplace requirements
6. Inform the owner or carer about the scope of the treatment provided and provide advice about post-treatment care, the need for follow-up treatment, or referral to a registered veterinarian or other appropriate service provider.

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