Mr John Robinson Bds(Lond)

NEW qualification for Veterinary Nurses!

This programme is now accredited by the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies and leads to the qualification Nurses Certificate in Dentistry  - NCert(Dent)

Dental disease in small animals represents a large part of the regular caseload. This course will cover dental diagnostics and recording before moving onto specific problems encountered in dogs, cats and small mammals. Delegates will learn how to approach inflammatory and traumatic conditions with confidence. Key practical sessions will enable delegates to practice techniques such as dental prophylaxis and extraction methods in a relaxed environment.

Module One

The Dentition. Dental examination and Radiography

• Perform an oral examination - in the conscious and anaesthetised animal.
• Know why charting the findings is done and the principles of how to complete a dental chart
• Evaluate different types of dental charts
• Have an overview of how the dentition is established
• Evaluate the bite (occlusion) and know when intervention may be required
• Understand the requirements and technique to perform intra- oral radiography

Module Two

Periodontal disease (1)

• Have a working knowledge of normal periodontal (gum) tissues
• Know the main aspects of cause, progression and effect of periodontal disease
• Assess the animal's risk factor
• Understand the main ways of reducing the development and progression of periodontal diseases
• Evaluate the efficacy of home care (plaque) control techniques
• Recommend the best homecare techniques for each animal
• Provide valuable client education relating to periodontal disease.

Module Three

Periodontal disease (2)

• Evaluate the stage of the periodontal disease and chart it
• Plan effective treatment
• Ensure scaling and polishing doesn't cause damage
• Understand the rationale of the different treatments in periodontal disease
• Tailor professional treatment of periodontal disease to the patient's requirement.
• Ensure that you have the correct equipment for periodontal treatments
• Maintain the equipment

Module Four

Common dental diseases affecting the pulp

• Describe the anatomy and physiology of the tooth components
• Understand how the pulp interlinks with tooth tissues and the body at large
• Recognise the common dental diseases and problems that can involve the pulp
• Understand how dental pain is expressed.
• Know how to evaluate and treat these dental diseases
• Chart completely the dental condition

Module Five

Other Oral disease & gingival conditions (especially in the cat)

• Appreciate how oral/ dental disease differs in cats (compared to dogs)
• Detect resorptive lesions and how to assess them
• Understand which extraction technique is most suitable for each resorptive lesions
• Have a working knowledge of the management of stomatitis
• Know how to deal with soft tissue oral abnormalities

Module Six

Assisting with dental treatments

• Aware of the health and safety issues relating to dentistry
• Comprehensively understand the supportive care needs specific to dental problems and treatments
• Know all the equipment requirements and some optional alternatives in dentistry
• Know how to re-order instruments and equipment parts
• Know how to maintain and sharpen dental equipment
• Assist the veterinary surgeon or others in performing dental treatment
• Record all dental findings on a chart and then make that information available to whoever wants it.

Module Seven

Tooth Extraction considerations

• Have a working knowledge of the main different extraction techniques & their advantages and disadvantages.
• How to assist in tooth extraction and how to best support the patient
• Be aware of the common complications associated with tooth extraction and how to manage them
• Know how to ensure best healing post tooth extraction and how to monitor the sites
• Know about therapeutics, agents and equipment for use with tooth extraction
• Understand when there may be alternatives to tooth extraction
• Facilitate a referral to a dental specialist

Module Eight

Rabbit and rodent dentistry

• Advise clients on how to avoid dental problems in their rabbits
• Know how to dentally assess rabbits and pet rodents
• Know which treatments are most effective for incisor and cheek teeth problems
• Trim rabbit incisors
• Provide nursing care to support the dental patient
• Know which equipment and instruments are required.