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:

prepare for treatment and organise sedation, if required, in accordance with the relevant State and Territory legislation, regulations and industry standards

instruct the carer on their role and safety procedures in handling the horse during treatment

use appropriate techniques with manual instruments to restore dental and oral structures to acceptable condition, function and comfort in accordance with the treatment plan and oral inspection report

comply with safety, animal welfare and infection control and hygiene protocols and monitor for update alerts

explain procedures and post treatment care to the owner or carer and others as required

update dental and other relevant records.

The skills and knowledge required to perform routine dental correction and oral care using manual instruments 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 horses presenting with a range of relevant equine dental conditions, anatomical models and the relevant information, materials and documentation to enable one to demonstrate competence.

Method of assessment

To ensure consistency in performance, competency should be demonstrated, to established standards, on more than four occasions over a period of time in order to cover a variety of individual cases, circumstances and disciplines 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

assess mastication and oral function status in relation to lateral excursion, rostro-caudal movement and occlusion at a routine dental correction level

assess the comfort of the horse in relation to the application of the bit

clean, disinfect and maintain manual instruments used in equine dentistry to ensure efficient and safe working standards

communicate effectively with others, 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 regulations, relevant equine dental association code of conduct, equine dental service provider accreditation requirements and standards

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

follow industry referral protocols and procedures

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

in conjunction with veterinarian, monitor horse vital signs for indicators of impact of sedatives during and after treatment of dental conditions, subject to relevant state/territory regulations

interpret and respond appropriately to horse behaviour

maintain equine dental records using appropriate terminology

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 and more complex workplace elements

operate manual instruments effectively and with due consideration to the potential hazards associated with using instruments on horses

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

recognise equine oral conditions that may impact on speculum use and require referral

use safe manual handling techniques and 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

appropriate industry and state/territory equine dental codes of conduct and standards of practice

appropriate terminology used to describe dental conditions, treatment and oral features

charting systems used to record equine dental information

clinical signs and effects of the categories of sedative drugs used in the horse

contagious disease symptoms, prophylaxis and biosecurity protocols

features of correctly formed, healthy and well-maintained equine dental and oral structures

features of manual instruments used in equine dental care related to purpose, operation, quality, longevity and cost

horse ailments and injuries that may impact on dental health

horse behaviour and other symptoms that may indicate dental problems

indicators of horse distress, illness an disease

instrument manufacturers' use and maintenance specifications

life span and indicators of wear or redundancy of manual equine dental instruments

normal and abnormal features of equine dental and oral structures including physiology and effect of diet

parameters of treatment which may require referral to veterinarian or other appropriate service provider

principles of animal welfare

post-dental treatment monitoring and care

protocols, legal and ethical considerations in consulting with veterinarians and other relevant persons

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

relevant state or territory legislation covering the supply, possession and use of restricted and controlled substances

safe work practices

standard precautions for the care and treatment of all animals, regardless of their perceived or confirmed infectious status for animal care

techniques and manual instruments used to provide equine dental care

techniques used to:

remove supra-gingival calculus ("tartar")

fit speculum

file (float) teeth with manual instruments

install bit comfort areas

remove impacted feed

remove retained deciduous teeth (caps) and digitally loose molars

restrain the horse for dental treatment

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.

Materials used in manual dental instruments may include:

aluminium

carbide chip

diamond

ropes

stainless steel

tungsten carbide

various synthetic handle materials.

Speculum types and fittings may include:

full mouth speculums

wedge gags:

bilateral wedge

unilateral wedge

unsuitable gags such as spool, which are TO BE AVOIDED

speculum accessories:

gum bars

extended gum bars

tooth plates

extended tooth plates.

Speculum fitting techniques may include:

adjustment for the large or small horse

consideration for the younger horse

modifications to accommodate incisor malocclusions

incremental opening and shutting of the mouth to accustom the horse

slow and confident handling to reassure the horse.

OHS considerations when working with horses may include:

applying appropriate manual handling techniques when packaging and handling loads, including horses and equipment

being prepared to say no to handling an uneducated, stressed, difficult or sick horse

following safe work method statements for:

cleaning, disinfecting and sharpening instruments

completing dental related tasks

electrical safety procedures when using water in close vicinity of electrical equipment

following personal and workplace hygiene procedures

hazard identification and risk minimisation:

handling, use, storage, transport and disposal of chemicals

handling and disposal of biological wastes

horse catching, handling, controlling and restraining methods

safe proximity and position of carer in charge of the horse

using machinery and equipment in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions

using infection control procedures to minimise risks associated with:

zoonotic diseases

release of infective agents (both animal and human)

chemical spillage

using personal protective equipment (PPE)

clothing of a protective nature including disposable

eye and ear protection

masks for the protection of the respiratory system

gloves

items for sun and other protection

safety footwear and leg protection.

Animal welfare considerations may include:

complying with relevant:

industry codes of practice

industry standards and protocols

legislation and regulations concerned with:

animal welfare

the prevention of cruelty to animals

equine dentistry.

Manual files (floats) and file (float) blade types may include:

manual file (float) types:

incisor

pre-molar

molar

buccal

lingual

manual file (float) design:

straight shaft

curved shaft

angled shaft

flat shaft

round shaft

file (float) blade:

milled tungsten carbide

bonded carbide chip.

Other equipment used in the provision of a dental service may include:

antiseptics and disinfectants

aprons

buckets and bucket brush

canine tooth buffer

cap extractors

head stand

head lamps and lights

head stall and lead rope

lubrication oil

personal protective equipment and clothing

picks

syringe for mouth wash

various appropriate forceps

worktable.

Infection control standard procedures may include:

appropriate reprocessing of reusable equipment

aseptic technique

environmental controls (e.g. design and maintenance of premises and cleaning)

personal hygiene practices especially washing and drying hands (e.g. before and after animal contact)

safe handling and disposal of sharps and other clinical, related and general waste

surface cleaning and management of blood and bodily fluid spills

techniques to limit contamination

use of personal protective equipment.

Horse may be restrained for dental treatment by:

experienced and capable horse handler

established restraint techniques utilised in accordance with relevant State and Territory animal welfare legislation and codes of practice, which may include:

fixed stall ('crush') designed for examination of the horse

mobile stall 'crush' designed for the examination of the horse

halter and lead

sedation, if required, legally accessed and administered.

Retained deciduous teeth treatment may include:

assessing presentation of deciduous teeth with periodontal attachment and requirement for referral

removing deciduous teeth (caps) ready to be shed and without significant periodontal attachment (able to be moved considerably with a finger) using the hand or an instrument as appropriate

conducting examination for presence of deciduous tooth fragments post-removal

referral if required

discussing post-treatment follow-up with the owner or carer if required.

Digitally loose molar treatment may include:

assessing digitally loose molars for indicators of periodontal disease and requirement for referral

removing digitally loose molars without significant periodontal attachment (able to be moved considerably with a finger) using the hand or an instrument as appropriate

discussing post-treatment referral for investigation as to the cause and follow-up with the owner or carer.

Features of the required 'bit seat' may include:

appropriate rostral, buccal and lingual rounding and smoothening of the parts of the upper and lower 2nd premolars

featuresMUST give consideration to tooth physiological structures and avoid approaching or exposing the pulp canals

features MUST maintain optimal occlusion while addressing pre-existing pathology, mastication and performance requirements.

Evidence of injury caused during dental treatment may include:

fractures of teeth from incorrect instrument or speculum use

haemorrhage

latrogenic injury to soft tissues such as the tongue or oral mucosa

latrogenic injury to hard tissues, such as bone, TMJ

pulp exposure.

Equipment and instruments maintenance or repair procedures may include:

cleaning, storing and maintaining in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, such as:

lubricating joints on forceps

lubrication of dose syringe with silicone spray

recharging or replacing batteries

replacing file (float) handles and covers as appropriate

replacing blunt blades

re-sharpening blades if appropriate

routine disinfection of equipment

safe and secure storage of equipment for transport.

Post treatment care may include:

horse management recommendations to the owner or carer including:

change of feed or husbandry recommendations

modification of work and bit use

exercise or training modifications or considerations

mouth rinses

nil by mouth post sedation

pain management

re-education of the horse

referral to veterinarian or other appropriate service provider.