Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 6:52 AM AWST

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Perform equine dental treatment and oral care using appropriate instrumentation

Perform equine dental treatment and oral care using appropriate instrumentation

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMEQD503
State Code
ODV54
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
110
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to perform planned dental treatment and oral care using manual and motorised instrumentation.The unit applies to individuals working as equine dental technicians, who use practical skills and knowledge to perform equine dental treatment and oral care across a range of industry sectors involving equines. 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. Identify and appraise instruments used in equine dentistry
  • 1.1 Assess manual and motorised dental instruments to determine whether appropriate for intended use and requirements for cleaning and disinfecting
  • 1.2 Assess speculum types and demonstrate fitting techniques according to health and safety and animal welfare considerations
  • 1.3 Assess safety features and horse welfare issues associated with use of manual and motorised instruments
  • 1.4 Use manual and motorised dental instruments safely and effectively
2. Prepare for use of equine dental instruments
  • 2.1 Assess potential risks and safety considerations for equines and handlers in performing dental treatment and apply safety procedures and risk controls
  • 2.2 Refer to treatment plan and oral inspection reports before commencing dental treatment
  • 2.3 Implement appropriate infection control procedures
  • 2.4 Select appropriate dental instruments for nominated task
  • 2.5 Position or restrain equine using safe handling techniques, and instruct handler on their role in controlling equine
3. Prepare to perform dental treatment in line with treatment plan
  • 3.1 Reassess potential risks and safety considerations for equine, handler and technician
  • 3.2 Carry out hygiene and infection controls in preparation for treatment
  • 3.3 Determine need for sedation to carry out a thorough and complete dental treatment, considering health and safety requirements and equine welfare and comfort
  • 3.4 Follow required protocols and 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
  • 3.5 Position, secure and support equine as necessary
  • 3.6 Provide assistance to attending veterinarian or other ancillary staff, where necessary
  • 3.7 Carry out initial rinse of mouth
4. Perform planned dental treatment
  • 4.1 Use appropriate technique and instruments for treatment, minimising generation of heat from motorised handpieces, if used
  • 4.2 Address incisor malocclusions to prevent interference with lateral excursion or rostral-caudal movement of mandible, conserving physiological integrity and functional anatomy of teeth
  • 4.3 Address canine teeth and minimally buff or round as required, conserving physiological integrity and functional anatomy of teeth
  • 4.4 Remove supragingival calculus (tartar) from teeth as necessary
  • 4.5 Fit and remove a speculum according to health, safety and animal welfare considerations and treatment plan
  • 4.6 Rinse the oral cavity with water to conduct visual and manual examination using appropriate instruments
  • 4.7 Treat digitally loose teeth according to treatment plan
  • 4.8 Assess dentition for presence of wolf teeth (first premolars) and remove digitally loose wolf teeth or refer to veterinarian according to agreed treatment plan
  • 4.9 Address cheek teeth malocclusions and remove sharp points protuberant to soft tissue without compromising functional occlusal surface while conserving the physiological integrity and functional anatomy of teeth
  • 4.10 Profile rostral aspect of #6 cheek teeth (second premolars), removing minimal occlusal surface and conserving physiological integrity and functional anatomy of teeth
5. Reassess equine masticatory and oral function
  • 5.1 Inspect oral cavity for evidence of injury caused during treatment, and if present, evaluate, document and refer for treatment if necessary
  • 5.2 Evaluate dental treatment to confirm comfort and masticatory function by identifying rostral-caudal and lateral movement of mandible and function of dental arcades
6. Provide post-dental-treatment care
  • 6.1 Clean and disinfect work area, instruments and other equipment according to infection control procedures
  • 6.2 Check instruments and equipment for wear and damage, and implement workplace maintenance or repair procedures, as necessary
  • 6.3 Update records, including dental charts and photographs, according to workplace requirements
  • 6.4 Inform owner or agent about scope of treatment provided and provide advice about immediate post-treatment care, need for follow-up treatment, or referral to a registered veterinarian or other appropriate service provider
  • 6.5 Monitor equine behaviour and immediate environment for safe post-procedure recovery
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BBE96 ACMEQD405 Perform routine dental correction and oral care using manual instruments Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BHN4 ACM50521 Diploma of Equine Allied Health Qualification