Description
SAVC and AVNAT Approved Course
This flexi CPD course is aimed at vet nurses and vet technicians in general practice and is available on-demand with unlimited lifetime access. Each module consists of a tutorial, quiz and further reading articles
Module 1
Aetiology and Pathogenesis
- Anatomy of the head
- Tooth and periodontal anatomy, and oral soft tissues
- Oral nomenclature
- Tooth types, nomenclature and formulae
- Eruption times
- Occlusion
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Identify tooth and periodontal structures
- Explain the Modified Triadan System of numbering teeth in the dog and cat
- Recognise normal occlusion
Module 2
Periodontology
- Aetiology and pathogenesis of dental disease
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
- Gingivostomatitis
- Periodontal therapy
- Scaling and polishing
- Pocket control and therapy
- Medications, homecare (brief), dental clinics (brief)
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Describe how gingivitis develops and its progression to periodontal disease
- Explain what gingivostomatitis is
- Outline the process of safe ultrasonic tooth scaling and its purpose
Module 3
Oral Pathology and Treatment
- Trauma and treatment options
- Tooth fracture / discolouration / (sub) luxation
- Dental diseases and treatment options
- Tooth resorption / caries / periodontal disease
- Malocclusion and treatment options
- Traumatic / dental / skeletal malocclusions
- Other conditions and treatment options
- Enamel defects / dentigerous cysts / persistent deciduous / root dilacerations and abnormal morphology / tumours
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Identify common pathologies associated with the teeth and oral cavity
- Describe some potential treatment options for common pathologies
Module 4
Oral Examination and Charting
- History taking and clinical examination – conscious oral examination
- Pre-operative tests
- Assessment under general anaesthesia – including anaesthesia induction, intubation, oral preparation, probing
- Charting – what to fill in, disease scoring and making your chart work
- Imaging and other investigations
- Radiography – parallel and bisecting angle techniques
- Biopsy
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Confidently undertake a thorough conscious examination of a patient’s teeth
and oral cavity - Set up for and assist with assessment of the teeth and oral cavity in an anaesthetised patient
- Accurately complete a dental chart which documents all pathology discovered upon examination
Module 5
Instrumentation and Dental Surgery
- Instruments – use, care and maintenance
- Dental machine and other powered equipment – use, care and maintenance
- Ancillary equipment – use, care and maintenance
- Preparation for and veterinary nursing assistance with surgery
- Pre-, intra- and post-operatively, including analgesia
- The role of intraoperative radiography
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Differentiate between different instruments used for dental and oral procedures, and state what they are used for
- Describe the proper use, care and maintenance of a range of dental instruments and equipment
- Explain the benefits of oral radiography in veterinary patients and outline the basic, fundamental principles of the parallel and bisecting angle techniques
Module 6
Dental Clinics, Products and Homecare
- What is an effective dental clinic
- Types of patients attending dental clinics
- Resources for dental clinic consultations
- Products and interventions available to help with maintaining oral health
- Oral homecare regimes
- Effective dissemination of theoretical and practical oral hygiene advice
- Client concordance and follow-up
Learning objectives
After completion of this module, participants should be able to:
- Debate what makes a dental clinic effective
- Explain the range of resources required to run an effective dental clinic, and the purpose of these resources
- Describe how a range of products and interventions used to maintain optimal oral health work
- Outline how to achieve and maintain client compliance with recommended oral homecare regimes
The course will be available immediately following purchase, with unlimited lifetime access and will provide a total of:
12 hours of CPD (UK)
12 points (Australia and New Zealand)
12 points (South Africa – SAVC Accreditation Number AC/2602/25)
Release date: Aug 2025






Amy H –
very knowledgable and made me think about changes we need to do in practice
Rated: Introduction level
(Qualified RVN in general practice >5 years – UK)
May S –
Very good, clear course
Rated: Introduction / Intermediate level
(Newly qualified (<2 years) - UK)
Hannah H –
The course was very informative and covered a wide range of topics within dentistry. The format of the course worked really well with you being able to test your knowledge with the Quiz at the end of each module. I also enjoyed the extra tasks that had been set by Claire and found the forum sessions useful to have an insight into how other practices work with regards to dental treatment. I would say this is one of the best courses I have attended.
Rated: Introduction level
(Qualified RVN in general practice >5 years – UK)
Louise W –
Really enjoyed this course, learnt more than I thought I would.
Rated: Intermediate level
(Qualified RVN in general practice >5 years – UK)
Josie M –
Amazing, informative
Rated: Intermediate level
Josie M –
Amazing, Informative!
Rated: Intermediate level
Mandy S –
It’s been a while since I qualified and dentistry isn’t my best subject so I did this course to improve my knowledge and confidence. I found the weekly chucks of information in tutorials, extra reading and assignments just right. The quizzes at the end to test what I had learnt and to ensure I was “taking in” what I had been taught.
Rated: Introduction level
Charlotte G –
Really interesting course – learnt a lot! Thorough feedback and easy to navigate the course.
Rated: Introduction level
Aimee A –
The course was great! It provided some much useful knowledge and tip/tricks for practice! Would definitely recommend.
Rated: Intermediate level
Alexandra S –
Very good and informative
Rated: Introduction level