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:

obtain horse history, evaluate and document current general condition and behaviour of horse

inspect incisors for evidence of major malocclusions which may impact on speculum use and require referral

comply with infection control and hygiene protocols and monitor for update alerts

fit a speculum and inspect the mouth and teeth for signs of healthy dental and oral status

identify and rank less complex dental conditions consistent with those which can be addressed by routine dental and oral procedures using industry recognised charts and records

discuss options for treatment with mentors, veterinarian or other appropriate service providers

document findings using established record keeping and appropriate terminology

report inspection results and impact of findings to owner or carer.

refer owner or carer to a veterinarian or other appropriate service provider if the case is beyond current professional and personal scope, legal restriction or ethical responsibility of the dental service provider

document treatment plans, including appropriate treatment procedures and equipment

explain treatment plan and post treatment care and monitoring requirements to the owner or carer.

The skills and knowledge required to conduct equine oral inspection and assessment and plan equine dental treatment 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 resources 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

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

identify and rank equine dental conditions and diseases based on provider's professional and personal scope and the need for referral to veterinarian or other appropriate service provider

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 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

obtain evidence of periodontal disease, occlusal surface malocclusions, significant protruding teeth and any other pathology which may require referral

plan dental treatment with consideration to the horse and providing comfort, based on provider's professional and personal scope and the need for referral to veterinarian or other appropriate service provider

prepare and maintain equine dental records using appropriate terminology

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

recognise any equine oral conditions that require referral, and action referral

relate instruments and processes used in equine dentistry to dental conditions

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

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

findings in images and pathology tests

charting systems used to record equine dental information

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

common equine dental conditions and diseases

contagious disease symptoms, prophylaxis and biosecurity protocols

diagnostic tools used to investigate horse health and dental conditions

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

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 and disease

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

post-dental treatment monitoring and care

principles of animal welfare

protocols, legal and ethical considerations when consulting with veterinarians and other appropriate service providers

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

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

techniques and instruments used to provide equine dental care

techniques used to restrain the horse for dental treatment

safe work practices

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.

Horse history information may include:

age, breed and sex

behavioural issues in relation to:

handling

head position and movement

past dental treatment

rider or driver control

diet

exercise routine

horse use

vital signs

observations and/or injuries

known allergies

known dental and health problems

previous dental treatments

reason for consultation or inquiry

vaccination status

competition status

current veterinary or complementary treatment.

Features of head and neck anatomy may include:

symmetry of head:

ears

eye orbits

facial crests

nasal bones

nostrils

rami

temporomandibular joints (TMJ)

symmetry and tone of head and neck muscles:

head muscles: masseter and temporalis

facial muscles including: levator nasolabialis, facial cutaneous muscle

neck muscles including: semispinalis capitus, caudal oblique, longus capitus, omohyoid sternohyoid muscles

other neck muscles including: brachiocephalic, rhomboid, splenius and trapezius muscles.

The behaviour of the horse may include:

nervous or defensive behaviours:

striking

kicking

biting

holding body in tension

laying ears back

shaking

pawing

pushing or barging

sweating

attempting to run away

behavioural problems:

weaving

attempting to sit down or lean on operator

refusing to allow head to be handled

behaviour may be a reflection of:

eating disorders

environmental conditions

herd behaviour

inability to maintain concentration

resistance to working in a collected frame

level of exercise

pain, discomfort or fear

temperament.

Safety considerations when working with horses include:

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

identifying a safe working environment

following safe work method statements for:

completing dental tasks

infection control (biosecurity) precautions

horse catching, handling, controlling and restraining methods using safe manual handling procedures

using personal protective equipment (PPE)

clothing of a protective nature including disposables

eye and ear protection

masks for the protection of the respiratory system

gloves

items for sun and other protection

safety footwear and leg protection

recognising possible symptoms of and risks of zoonotic diseases such as Hendra virus and required reporting procedures.

Conditions within the parameters of routine dental correction and oral procedures may include:

conditions that may be recognised include:

impacted feed above the gum line

soft tissue lacerations from sharp teeth

conditions that may be treated via routine dental correction include:

supragingival calculus ("tartar") removal

creation of appropriate bit seats taking into consideration the risk of pulp exposure

removal of sharp points consisting of dentine, cementum and enamel on upper and lower buccal and lingual edges under close scrutiny to avoid proximity or exposure of any pulp canals

removal of retained 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

removal of digitally loose permanent teeth without significant periodontal attachment (able to be moved considerably with a finger) using the hand or an instrument as appropriate followed by referral for appropriate investigation as to the cause

addressing causes predisposing to gingivitis

conditions that are recognised where referral must be considered, according to industry protocols, include:

evidence of:

endodontic disease

periodontal disease

Orthodontic problems (malocclusion)

absent teeth

loose teeth with periodontal attachment

supernumerary teeth

displaced teeth

fractured teeth

abnormal deciduous or permanent teeth

conditions which will require referral include:

fractures involving bone

retained deciduous teeth (caps) with significant periodontal attachments

presence of pungent odour or discharge from mouth or nose

incisor reduction of more than the measurement indicated in state/territory legislation and guidelines (however, 1mm reduction is generally considered a safe margin)

check teeth reduction of more than the measurement indicated in state/territory legislation and guidelines (however, 3mm reduction is generally considered a safe margin)

Referral procedures may include:

direct contact by phone or in person with relevant specialist or allied equine health provider after gaining owner permission

verbal advice to owner regarding suggested referral requirements

written advice to owner regarding suggested referral procedures.

Persons to whom referrals may be made include:

veterinarians and veterinary specialists

appropriately qualified equine dental service provider

equine nutritionists

other appropriate service providers

Treatment options may include:

assessing the need for sedation based on:

the animal's problems

the investigation and treatment required

the animal's behaviour and/or stress level

the ability to manage the animal by the operator and handlers

the environment and OHS risk assessment

accessing sedation in accordance with relevant State/Territory legislation

routine dental correction including:

supragingival calculus ("tartar") removal

creation of appropriate bit seats

removal of sharp enamel points on upper and lower buccal and lingual edges

removal of sharp points consisting of dentine, cementum and enamel on upper and lower buccal and lingual edges under close scrutiny to avoid proximity or exposure of any pulp canals

removal of retained 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

removal of digitally loose molars without significant periodontal attachment (able to be moved considerably with a finger) using the hand or an instrument as appropriate followed by referral for appropriate investigation as to the cause

addressing causes predisposing to gingivitis

referral for:

advanced or staged corrective treatment

periodontal disease

fragments for extraction or further investigation

extractions other than described above

endodontic disease

orthodontic (malocclusion) problems

other health problems.

Other relevant considerations may include:

appropriate sedation in relation to horse's age, breed, temperament and physical condition

age of the horse

work or activity the horse is engaged in

temperament of the horse

owner or carer wishes.

Significance of dental conditions may include:

behavioural problems

discomfort or pain

impact on digestion and health

impact on performance or reproduction.

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

re-education of the horse

referral to veterinarian or other appropriate service provider.