VTEC 2213 - Veterinary Technology Dentistry

Course Description

Students will perform dental prophylaxis procedures and aid in surgical dentistry in a Veterinary clinical setting. Students will learn the normal anatomy of the oral cavity and through practical, hands on application, develop the skills to recognize and aid in the diagnosis of dental disease. An emphasis will be placed on professional dental cleanings, dental instrumentation, oral radiographic techniques, nerve blocks, assisting with dental surgery, and client communication skills.

Learning outcomes

Articulate the normal anatomy of the oral cavity and identify abnormal anatomical structures and pathological dental conditions.
Recognize periodontal disease. Discuss its progression and preventive treatment.
Use proper dental terminology and tooth identification to accurately chart dental procedures and conditions.
Identify the hand instruments and power equipment used for dental prophylaxis and demonstrate their effective use, care, and maintenance.
Perform routine dental radiographic imaging procedures and produce diagnostic dental radiographic images.
Recognize the hazards of performing a dental prophylaxis and provide protective measures for both the patient and the technician to guard against such hazards.
Perform a complete oral health care assessment and treatment (COHAT) on a patient, including charting and the recommendation of a home dental care program.
Discuss anesthetic nerve blocks in veterinary dentistry: their purpose, the anatomical sites, pharmaceuticals used, and outline possible complications.

AVAILABLE IN CANADA ONLY FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA OPEN LEARNING PROGRAM

Course topics

Module 1: Introduction to Veterinary Dentistry
Module 2: Dental Anatomy
Module 3: Oral Pathology, Oral Exam, and Charting
Module 4: Equipment and Instrumentation
Module 5: The COHAT
Module 6: Regional Anesthesia (Nerve Blocks) and Dental Radiography
Module 7: Assisting with Advanced Dental Techniques
Module 8: Home Care and Client Education
Module 9: Talking to Clients about Dentistry

Required text and materials

Note: Print versions of the textbooks are strongly recommended for all VTEC courses.

Students are responsible for purchasing the required materials on their own:

Berg, M.L. (2021) Companion Animal Dentistry for Veterinary Technicians. (1st ed.). Top Hat.
Type: E-Textbook. ISBN: 9781643868547

Note: This item can be purchased directly from the following VitalSource link.

Assessments

Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.

To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 60% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.

Assignment 1: Critique of Dental Suite	5%
Quiz 1: Regulation, Safety, and Anatomy	2%
Assignment 2: Anatomy of Teeth and Gingiva	5%
Quiz 2: Pathology, Charting, Equipment, and Instrumentation	2%
Assignment 3: Oral Exam and Charting	7.5%
Assignment 4: Equipment and Instruments	10%
Quiz 3: COHAT, Regional Anesthesia, and Radiographs	2%
Assignment 5: Part 1: COHAT	2.5%
Assignment 5: Part 2 and 3: COHAT	7.5%
Assignment 6: Radiographs and Assisting with Dental Extractions	10%
Quiz 4: Assisting with Advanced Techniques	2%
Assignment 7: Discharge and Home Care	2.5%
Quiz 5: Homecare and Client Education	2%
Mandatory Final Exam	40%
Total	100%

Prerequisites

VTEC 2713 with a minimum grade of C

and

VTEC 2123 with a minimum grade of C

Exclusions

ANHD 3170
VTEC 2210

Open Learning faculty member information

An Open Learning faculty member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.