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 rostrocaudal movement and occlusion

maintain the highest standards of hygiene and infection control at all times to reduce the risk of infection and crossinfection 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 andor 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 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 rostrocaudal 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 andor 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 candidates required knowledge

observed documented and firsthand testimonial evidence of candidates application of practical tasks

simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions

case studies

thirdparty 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 eg literacy and numeracy demands and the needs of particular target groups eg people with disabilities Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people women people with a language background other than English youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds

Structures within the equine oral cavity may include:

Process of mastication of food may include:

Equine dental classification may include:

Structures of equine teeth and periodontal structures may include:

Abnormalities of development and eruption may include:

Function of individual teeth may include:

Stages of equine dental eruption and age indicators may include: