Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to determine equine oral function efficiency. It includes knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the equine head including oral structures and dentition, and how they relate to general health and in particular, to dental conditions and disease.
The unit applies to individuals who use practical skills and knowledge to provide equine dental care and treatments across various equine industry sectors.
Legislative and regulatory requirements, including work health and safety and animal welfare, apply to the scope of work of equine dental service providers, and vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.
NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify the structures and determine the function of the equine oral cavity | 1.1 Define structures within the oral cavity by name and location from embryonic (or foetal) to mature equine 1.2 Describe the functions of oral cavity structures 1.3 Analyse and define structures and body systems that affect growth and health of oral structures and their functions 1.4 Describe and relate the process of prehension and mastication of food to normal oral function including the influence of different food types |
2. Relate the prehensile and masticatory function to teeth types | 2.1 Identify and classify equine teeth by name and location using established equine dental formulae and terminology 2.2 Identify structures of equine teeth and periodontium by name and location 2.3 Identify and define stages of development and eruption of equine teeth 2.4 Identify normal development and eruption 2.5 Identify abnormalities of development and eruption 2.6 Define the function of individual equine teeth |
3. Age the horse by interpreting tooth eruption, dental wear patterns and tooth angles | 3.1 Identify and define stages of equine dental eruption and age indicators 3.2 Determine incisor angles in relation to age and define the variables that affect this assessment 3.3 Identify and define occlusal wear and shape of teeth throughout horse life 3.4 Estimate the age of the horse based on presence or absence of deciduous and permanent teeth, wear patterns, tooth form and tooth angles 3.5 Document tooth status and oral conditions using accepted industry notation methods |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interpret dental information in equine treatment records and veterinary advice |
Writing | Record equine dental conditions and treatments accurately using accepted dental encoded systems |
Navigate the world of work | Take responsibility for complying with and keeping up to date with regulatory requirements, codes of practice, standards and workplace procedures relating to safety, patient microbiological risk, biosecurity and animal welfare |
Get the work done | Plan, sequence and prioritise equine dental activities to achieve outcomes |
Sectors
Equine Dentistry (EQD)