Week 1

Patient and Equipment Preparation for Dentistry and Oral Surgery

The dentistry workspace and ergonomics

Use and maintenance of dentistry equipment

Dental Instrumentation – use, care and sharpening

Organising the dentistry workflow

Preparing veterinary patients for dentistry procedures and maintaining patient safety

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Effectively prepare and maintain the dentistry workspace and recognise any required
improvements for the practice

Operate dentistry equipment and instrumentation in a safe and effective manner

Understand common sharpening techniques for dental instrumentation

Understand how to maintain a safe environment for both staff and patients during dentistry procedures

Week 2

Complete Oral and Radiographic Evaluation (CORE)

Explore the veterinary nurses’ role in veterinary dentistry

What is a CORE procedure

The concept of staged dentistry procedures

Performing an oral assessment, recording findings and completing a dental chart

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand how to perform a CORE dental procedure

Recognise and record pathology and discuss findings with the supervising veterinary
surgeon

Understand the importance of discussing dentistry treatment with pet owners and the benefits to patient welfare

Week 3

Dental Radiography and Image Interpretation

Dental radiography equipment

Positioning techniques for intra oral radiography

Image interpretation

Other imaging modalities for veterinary dentistry

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand the methods in obtaining intra-oral radiographs

Understand the process of achieving diagnostic full mouth radiographs in dog and cats

Gain confidence in orientating and interpreting intra oral radiographs

Week 4

Periodontal Treatments and Surgery in Canine and Feline Patients

Review periodontal disease and its effects on both oral and systemic health

Performing a professional dental cleaning

Managing and treating periodontal disease in cats and dogs

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand the aetiology of periodontal disease

Discuss the methods involved in professional dental cleaning, including ultrasonic
scaling

Identify treatment options for managing periodontal disease

Understand the principles required during tooth extraction

Advise pet owners on oral hygiene options

Week 5

Local Anaesthetic Techniques for Dentistry Patients

Common regional blocks used in veterinary dentistry

Local anaesthetic agents

Indications for local anaesthesia in dentistry

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Calculate local anaesthetic doses for dental patients

Discuss different local anaesthetic techniques

Understand the appropriate regional block for the required dental procedure

Develop awareness of potential complications from administering local anaesthesia

Week 6

Advanced Procedures for Common Dental Conditions

Treatment options for malocclusions

Common dental procedures for traumatic damage to teeth

Nursing and supportive care of oral surgery patients

Learning objectives
After completion of this week, participants should be able to:

Understand the benefits of advanced dentistry treatment

Discuss endodontic treatment and the required equipment

Advise on postoperative consideration for oral surgery patients