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: | aluminiumcarbide chipdiamondropesstainless steeltungsten carbidevarious synthetic handle materials. |
Speculum types and fittings may include: | full mouth speculumswedge gags:bilateral wedgeunilateral wedgeunsuitable gags such as spool, which are TO BE AVOIDEDspeculum accessories:gum barsextended gum barstooth platesextended tooth plates. |
Speculum fitting techniques may include: | adjustment for the large or small horseconsideration for the younger horsemodifications to accommodate incisor malocclusionsincremental opening and shutting of the mouth to accustom the horseslow 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 equipmentbeing prepared to say no to handling an uneducated, stressed, difficult or sick horsefollowing safe work method statements for:cleaning, disinfecting and sharpening instrumentscompleting dental related taskselectrical safety procedures when using water in close vicinity of electrical equipmentfollowing personal and workplace hygiene procedureshazard identification and risk minimisation:handling, use, storage, transport and disposal of chemicalshandling and disposal of biological wasteshorse catching, handling, controlling and restraining methodssafe proximity and position of carer in charge of the horseusing machinery and equipment in accordance with manufacturers’ instructionsusing infection control procedures to minimise risks associated with:zoonotic diseasesrelease of infective agents (both animal and human)chemical spillageusing personal protective equipment (PPE)clothing of a protective nature including disposableeye and ear protectionmasks for the protection of the respiratory systemglovesitems for sun and other protectionsafety footwear and leg protection. |
Animal welfare considerations may include: | complying with relevant:industry codes of practiceindustry standards and protocolslegislation and regulations concerned with:animal welfarethe prevention of cruelty to animalsequine dentistry. |
Manual files (floats) and file (float) blade types may include: | manual file (float) types:incisorpre-molarmolarbuccallingualmanual file (float) design:straight shaftcurved shaftangled shaft flat shaftround shaftfile (float) blade:milled tungsten carbidebonded carbide chip. |
Other equipment used in the provision of a dental service may include: | antiseptics and disinfectantsapronsbuckets and bucket brushcanine tooth buffercap extractorshead standhead lamps and lightshead stall and lead ropelubrication oilpersonal protective equipment and clothingpickssyringe for mouth washvarious appropriate forcepsworktable. |
Infection control standard procedures may include: | appropriate reprocessing of reusable equipmentaseptic techniqueenvironmental 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 wastesurface cleaning and management of blood and bodily fluid spillstechniques to limit contaminationuse of personal protective equipment. |
Horse may be restrained for dental treatment by: | experienced and capable horse handlerestablished 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 horsemobile stall 'crush' designed for the examination of the horsehalter and leadsedation, if required, legally accessed and administered. |
Retained deciduous teeth treatment may include: | assessing presentation of deciduous teeth with periodontal attachment and requirement for referralremoving 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 appropriateconducting examination for presence of deciduous tooth fragments post-removalreferral if requireddiscussing 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 referralremoving digitally loose molars without significant periodontal attachment (able to be moved considerably with a finger) using the hand or an instrument as appropriatediscussing 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 premolarsfeaturesMUST give consideration to tooth physiological structures and avoid approaching or exposing the pulp canalsfeatures 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 usehaemorrhagelatrogenic injury to soft tissues such as the tongue or oral mucosalatrogenic injury to hard tissues, such as bone, TMJpulp 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 forcepslubrication of dose syringe with silicone sprayrecharging or replacing batteriesreplacing file (float) handles and covers as appropriatereplacing blunt bladesre-sharpening blades if appropriateroutine disinfection of equipmentsafe 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 recommendationsmodification of work and bit useexercise or training modifications or considerationsmouth rinsesnil by mouth post sedationpain managementre-education of the horsereferral to veterinarian or other appropriate service provider. |