Revised 3/2018

VET 214 - Animal Dentistry (2 CR.)

Course Description

Introduces the basic principles of dental care for common domestic species. Includes dental anatomy, nomenclature, common oral pathology, record systems, instrumentation, dental prophylaxis, common dental treatments, intraoral dental radiography, and local anesthesia techniques. Lecture 1 hour. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 4 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

This course introduces veterinary technology students to techniques of basic dental care for common domestic animals, emphasizing the dog, cat, and horse.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Enrollment is limited to those students program-placed in the Veterinary Technology curriculum or those students with special approval from the program head

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  • Implement the concept of universal precautions during dental procedures
  • Accurately use dental nomenclature
  • Describe and identify the normal oral anatomy of the dog, cat, and horse
  • Perform dental charting using the anatomical and modified Triadan methods
  • Identify dental instruments and their usage
  • Demonstrate proper technique in the use of the probe/explorer
  • Demonstrate proper technique in the use of the dental hand scaler and curette
  • Demonstrate the proper technique in use of power scalers and polishers
  • Perform proper care and maintenance of dental instruments
  • Demonstrate an awareness of dental ergonomics
  • Perform the sequence of dental prophylaxis and assist in dental treatments for dogs and cats
  • Explain the dental care of the equine
  • Recognize the common signs of dental disease
  • Explain dental home care concepts for the dog and cat
  • Describe various extraction techniques and how to properly assist in the procedures
  • Perform intraoral dental radiographic technique for the dog and cat
  • Explain how local anesthesia is applied to oral structures using regional blocks

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Anatomy of teeth, related structures, and dental nomenclature
  • Dental record systems
  • Care and use of dental hand and power instruments
  • Ergonomics and safety in the dental operatory
  • Common oral and dental pathology
  • Dental prophylaxis and dental treatments for the dog and cat
  • Dental prophylaxis for the horse
  • Dental home care products and techniques
  • Assistance in extraction techniques
  • Dental radiography techniques
  • Local anesthesia of dental structures

Additional Topics

  • Endodontic, restorative, and orthodontic services offered in specialty practice
  • Veterinary technician’s role in a veterinary dental specialty practice
  • Dental conditions of other species, such as livestock and exotic animals, and common treatments