Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 1:23 AM AWST

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Conduct assessment of equine masticatory system and plan dental treatment

Conduct assessment of equine masticatory system and plan dental treatment

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMEQD502
State Code
ODV56
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
18/02/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
25/05/2022
Field of Education
061101 - Veterinary Science
Original Release Date
25/05/2022
Nominal Hours
90
Description
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to assess the equine masticatory system and plan dental and/or oral care procedures; or initiate referral procedures to a suitable practitioner where dental and/or oral care is outside the technician's scope of practice.The unit applies to individuals, working as equine dental technicians, who use practical skills and knowledge to identify a range of equine dental conditions and plan equine dental treatment. They work autonomously and apply in-depth, technical knowledge and skills to provide and communicate solutions for predictable and unpredictable problems.Commonwealth and state/territory health and safety and animal welfare legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to interacting with horses apply to workers in this industry. Requirements vary between industry sectors and jurisdictions.State/territory veterinary practice legislation, restricted acts of veterinary science, and pharmacy, controlled drugs and prohibited substance legislation apply to the scope of work of equine dental technicians. These vary according to jurisdictions.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Conduct pre-examination procedures
  • 1.1 Assess potential risks and safety considerations for equine and handlers in performing an oral inspection, and apply safety procedures and risk controls
  • 1.2 Assess and evaluate equine behaviour and response to general handling
  • 1.3 Carry out hygiene and infection controls in preparation for examination
  • 1.4 Evaluate equine health, injury and use, and assess any previous history records
  • 1.5 Conduct and document a basic assessment of equine condition
  • 1.6 Identify features of head and neck anatomy and assess general condition, heart rate, temperature, capillary refill times and mucosa colour
2. Prepare to carry out oral and dental examination
  • 2.1 Determine need for sedation to carry out a thorough and complete examination of oral cavity, considering health and safety and animal welfare, safety and comfort
  • 2.2 Follow required protocols within relevant state/territory legislation relating to sedation, and advise client to contact their registered veterinarian regarding the administration of sedation, if sedation is assessed as necessary
  • 2.3 Position, secure and support equine as required
  • 2.4 Assist attending veterinarian or other ancillary staff as required
3. Conduct oral and dental examination
  • 3.1 Inspect equine head for symmetry, swellings or other abnormalities using safe handling techniques
  • 3.2 Rinse oral cavity using appropriate product to remove food and debris
  • 3.3 Assess the rostro-caudal and lateral excursion range of motion of mandible and determine masticatory function
  • 3.4 Inspect and assess incisors for evidence of pathology and occlusion that may impact on use of speculum
  • 3.5 Determine appropriate type of oral speculum required, and fit and remove speculum according to health and safety and animal welfare considerations
  • 3.6 Examine oral structures by palpation and visual inspection using bright light source with appropriate instrumentation
  • 3.7 Inspect and assess all teeth for normal and abnormal features related to position, alignment, regular and irregular dentition development, wear, and angulations
4. Record post-inspection assessment and advice
  • 4.1 Explain examination findings clearly to owner or agent
  • 4.2 Document results of inspection using established terminology and appropriate dental charting system
  • 4.3 Document dental conditions using imagery, if appropriate
5. Prioritise dental issues
  • 5.1 Consider dental examination findings in conjunction with use, wellbeing and history of equine
  • 5.2 Prioritise dental conditions found during examination based on animal welfare considerations, health impact and equine comfort, taking into consideration time required to perform treatment, and level of expertise of dental technician
  • 5.3 Identify conditions requiring referral to a dental veterinarian or appropriate service provider
6. Select dental treatment strategy
  • 6.1 Plan and document treatment stages and timing for services to be provided with dental health and equine welfare as a priority
  • 6.2 Explain treatment plan and post-treatment care and monitoring of equine to owner or agent
  • 6.3 Confirm consent for treatment strategy with owner or agent
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BBF20 ACMEQD404 Conduct equine oral inspection and assessment and plan equine dental treatment Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BHN4 ACM50521 Diploma of Equine Allied Health Qualification