The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this Unit. Assessors should ensure that candidates can:

define by name, location and function oral cavity features

describe the process of prehension, mastication and the role of normal oral function in relation to lateral excursion, rostro-caudal movement and occlusion

identify the features of equine teeth and classify tooth types

use dental formulae and established terminology to describe and document tooth status and oral conditions

determine the age of a horse using tooth development, wear, shape and incisor angulation.

The skills and knowledge required to determine equine oral functional efficiency must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment for this Unit is to be practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in a workplace where equine dentistry is provided or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions.

There must be access to a range of horses and anatomical models and the appropriate equipment and/or resources to enable one to demonstrate competence.

Method of assessment

To ensure consistency in performance, competency should be demonstrated, to industry standards, on more than two occasions over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities and over a number of assessment activities.

The assessment strategy must include assessment of competency in a work environment. Suggested strategies for this Unit are:

written and oral assessment of candidate’s required knowledge

observed, documented and first-hand testimonial evidence of candidate’s application of practical tasks

simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions

case studies

third-party evidence

workplace documentation

portfolio.

This Unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a language background other than English, youth and people from low socio-economic backgrounds).

Required skills include:

Ability to:

analyse and solve problems using available information and resources including recording information and prioritising daily tasks

apply interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

classify equine teeth and describe their location using established terminology and charts

communicate effectively to fulfill the job role including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and consulting with or seeking advice from other appropriate service providers

comply with animal welfare legislation, animal care guidelines, state and territory veterinary surgeons or practitioners legislation and regulation, relevant equine dental association code of conduct, equine dental service provider accreditation requirements and standards

describe location of anatomical features using scientific terminology

employ safe and environmentally responsible organisational systems and procedures when working with and handling horses

follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legibly information collected and select and apply procedures to a range of defined tasks

identify and describe the functions of oral anatomical features

identify efficient and abnormal masticatory function in relation to lateral excursion, rostro-caudal movement and occlusion

maintain the highest standards of hygiene and infection control at all times to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection considering zoonotic and exotic disease possibilities (biosecurity)

numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace elements

read, understand and follow required policies and procedures, including OHS, infection control and waste management

record oral findings using charts and other recording methods including photography

use safe manual handling techniques and/or equipment

use safe, hygienic and environmentally friendly waste handling and disposal procedures.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

anatomy and physiology of the equine head and oral structures including features and functions of the equine mouth and teeth including normal and abnormal functions

anatomical directional terminology

contagious disease symptoms, prophylaxis and biosecurity protocols

masticatory processes

principles of animal welfare

recognise dental encoded systems for example: modified triadan number system and symbols

relationship between equine dental related anatomy and physiology

relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice, including OHS, animal welfare and ethics, veterinary practices, restricted dental practices and waste disposal

stages of tooth development, growth and ageing

workplace hygiene standards (biosecurity) including: disinfectants, cleaning agents and techniques, cleaning and appropriate disinfection or sterilisation of equipment, materials and personal protective equipment (PPE).

The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Structures within the equine oral cavity may include:

lips

cheeks

gums

tongue and hyoid apparatus

hard palate

palatine artery

palatine raphe and ridges

dental papillae

soft palate

teeth including:

incisors

canines

premolars (including wolf teeth)

molars

supernumerary

vestigial teeth such as wolf teeth

periodontal structures and function

bone structure of the maxilla and mandible

pharynx

salivary glands and ducts.

Process of mastication of food may include:

biomechanics of:

mandible and maxilla

temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

feed mastication and formation of food bolus

role of:

masticatory muscles

rugae

teeth: incisors, premolars and molars

curve of spee

occlusal angles

occlusal ridges

saliva

tongue.

Equine dental classification may include:

functional nomenclature:

incisor

canine

premolar

molar

functional status:

incisor function

canine function

premolar and molar function

numerical nomenclature:

triadan system

anatomical nomenclature:

universal system

type and timing of eruption:

deciduous

permanent

Structures of equine teeth and periodontal structures may include:

apical foramen

alveolar socket

cementum

cusp and zone terms

dental cavity

dentine

enamel

infundibulum

nerves

pulp canals or chamber

periodontal ligament

root and crown.

Stages of development and eruption of teeth may include:

bud stage

cap stage

bell stage

apposition and calcification of enamel and dentine

eruption

attrition (wear)

exfoliation

eruption and shedding ages for all deciduous teeth.

Abnormalities of development and eruption may include:

absence of teeth (oligodontia)

underdevelopment of cementum or enamel (hypoplasia)

overdevelopment of cementum or enamel (hyperplasia)

dentigerous cysts

super-eruption (e.g. of unopposed teeth)

impaction (failure of tooth to erupt)

lack of wear

parrot mouth (brachygnathia)

sow mouth (prognathia)

supernumerary teeth

wry mouth (campylorrhinus lateralis)

Function of individual teeth may include:

food prehension

food mastication

relationship to effective digestion

relationship to behaviour and performance.

Stages of equine dental eruption and age indicators may include:

presence or absence of deciduous teeth

presence or absence of permanent teeth

presence or absence of infundibula

observation of teeth in wear.