Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to perform dental prophylaxis and assist with simple extractions. Dental prophylaxis involves oral examinations of the conscious and anaesthetised patient, sub- and supra-gingival tooth scaling and polishing, and the subsequent development of a homecare plan, as well as assisting in the performance of simple dental extractions.
Veterinary dental nursing procedures are most often carried out on dogs and cats.
The unit applies to veterinary nurses who work independently, under the supervision of a registered veterinarian in a veterinary practice. Veterinary nurses who carry out dental nursing procedures need to hold and apply specialised knowledge of anatomy of the animal oral cavity, including teeth, bone and gums.
Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to veterinary nurses but 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. Perform oral examination | 1.1 Identify anatomy of the oral cavity, including teeth, bone and gingiva as it relates to dental procedures 1.2 Perform extra and intraoral examination of the conscious patient 1.3 Restrain and position patient for examination and anaesthetic induction 1.4 Conduct extra and intraoral examination of the patient under anaesthesia 1.5 Record and report findings to the veterinary surgeon using industry terminology |
2. Complete dental chart | 2.1 Record patient details and current home dental care 2.2 Use a recognised dental encoding system 2.3 Record veterinary surgeon’s pre-treatment pathology and treatment plan 2.4 Record post-treatment dentition using industry terminology |
3. Perform dental procedures under veterinary supervision | 3.1 Follow safe work practices and wear required personal protective equipment 3.2 Set up the dental station, associated dental equipment and dental table 3.3 Position patient for dental procedure 3.4 Carry out routines specific for dental prophylaxis and provide dental equipment to the veterinarian 3.5 Comply with WHS, animal welfare, biosecurity, hazard management and hygiene requirements related to dental prophylaxis and surgical procedures 3.6 Clean and polish teeth following the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Dental Policy and Guidelines 3.7 Assist the veterinarian with simple extractions 3.8 Clean, sharpen and maintain dental instruments and equipment during procedure 3.9 Document veterinarian’s post-operative patient management programs using industry terminology |
4. Undertake post-dental treatment routines | 4.1 Clean, sharpen, maintain and store dental instruments and equipment 4.2 Monitor patient post-operatively for signs of abnormality and pain, and report findings to veterinarian 4.3 Provide post-dental advice to the animal owner according to veterinarian’s instructions |
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 and follow relevant policies and procedures, and the Australian Veterinary Association Dental Policy and Guidelines |
Numeracy | Calculate and record medication dosages Effectively monitor anaesthesia |
Get the work done | Address irregularities and contingencies in the context of the work role |
Sectors
Veterinary Nursing (VET)