VTEC 2213: Veterinary Technology Dentistry
AVAILABLE IN CANADA ONLY FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA OPEN LEARNING PROGRAM
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.
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
The following material is required for this course:
- Berg, M.L. Companion Animal Dentistry for Veterinary Technicians. (2021),
1st ed.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9781643860749
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: COHAT | 10% |
| 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% |
| Final Exam (mandatory) | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
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.
