Veterinary Elective Procedures (Dentistry & Surgical Assistance)
Curriculum guideline
Lecture: 2 hours/week
and
Lab: 2 hours/week
Learning activities may include lectures, workshops, assignments, online quizzes, case studies, student presentations, group work, pre-lab instructional videos, simulation (models and cadavers) labs and in-lab evaluations.
Dental anatomy and pathology
- normal dental anatomy: deciduous and adult teeth
- abnormal dental anatomy: crowding, missing teeth, malocclusion and malpositioned teeth
- dental pathology: neoplasia, periodontal disease, periodontitis and abscesses
Dental care
- oral cavity charting and medical record-keeping
- dental instruments: identification, use and care
- routine oral hygiene procedures
- extractions, endodontics and orthodontics
- homecare
Dental radiography and local blocks
- dental radiograph positioning techniques
- normal dental radiographic anatomy
- oral innervation
- local anesthetic block techniques
Surgical equipment
- surgical instruments
- packs, drapes, gowns
Aseptic techniques
- methods of sterilization
- autoclaves
- preparation of surgical packs, drapes and gowns
- preparation of surgical sites
Surgical assistance
- patient positioning
- surgical suite conduct (non-sterile and sterile personnel)
- scrubbing, gowning and gloving
- opening sterile packs (non-sterile and sterile personnel)
- draping and passing instruments (sterile personnel)
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- safely and competently perform dentistry essential skills designated by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association;
- recognize normal dental anatomy in veterinary species such as dogs, cats, horses and rabbits;
- describe common dental pathology and treatment options in veterinary species such as dogs, cats, horses and rabbits;
- accurately chart dentition, dental pathology and dental procedures in dogs and cats using standardized charts and appropriate terminology;
- identify, use and maintain dental tools used for routine oral hygiene purposes in dogs and cats;
- identify and maintain dental tools used for dental extractions in dogs and cats;
- perform local blocks commonly used in dog and cat dentistry;
- perform oral hygiene procedures on a dog or cat model;
- perform dental radiography on a dog or cat model;
- describe techniques for dog and cat oral homecare;
- describe and identify common surgical instruments used in small and large animal surgery;
- discuss aseptic techniques used in preparation of surgical instruments;
- use an autoclave;
- prepare, wrap, sterilize and maintain surgical packs, gowns and drapes;
- prepare surgical sites using aseptic techniques;
- perform a surgical scrub, dry hands, gown and glove without breaking sterility;
- open surgical packs and suture as a sterile and non-sterile surgical assistant;
- aseptically drape a surgical site;
- pass instruments and other supplies as a sterile surgical assistant.
Assessments will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester.
In order to achieve a grade of C (or higher) in the course, students must:
- achieve a final minimum grade of 60% in each of the lecture and lab components
- demonstrate competency (a performance of 60% or higher) in an evaluation of each of the assigned essential skills
- attend a minimum of 80% of the scheduled lab hours
Evaluation will be based on:
Lab evaluations: 20-50% (no single evaluation worth more than 20%)
Assignments: 10-30%
Quizzes: 5-20% (no single quiz worth more than 5%)
Term test(s): 0-20%
Final examination(s): 30-40%
Total: 100%
Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. Example textbooks and materials may include:
- J.M. Bassert, A.D. Beal and O.M. Samples. (Current Edition). McCurnin's Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians. Pub Elsevier.
VTEC 2108 must be completed either prior to or simultaneously with this course
None