This course involves four hours of instruction per week. A combination of lecture and laboratory format is used.
Enrolment is limited to students in the Veterinary Technology Program.
The major topics in this course include the following:
- Anatomy and physiology of relevant oral structures and dentition, touching on embryology of deciduous teeth and their development into adult structures.
- Charting the oral cavity and performing an oral exam: recognition of malocclusion, fractured teeth, crowding, dental abscesses, poor positioning and neoplasia of the oral cavity.
- Dental instrumentation – identification and care of instruments with an emphasis on proper use, sharpening and maintenance.
- Pathology of periodontal disease and periodontitis including clinical signs and treatment of the latter.
- Dental cleaning and oral hygiene procedures.
- Dental radiography – taking dental radiographs, developing and recognizing normal dental radiographic anatomy.
- Oral innervation and local anesthetic blocks.
- Ergonomics, theory of extractions, endodontics and orthodontics.
- Marketing and homecare techniques.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Perform the tasks in veterinary dentistry that are standard for the veterinary technologist.
- Recognize normal and abnormal dental anatomy and conditions.
- Use dental terminology and identify teeth by both the Anatomic and Triadan systems in order to accurately chart dental procedures and conditions.
- Identify and correctly use and care for dental hand instruments.
- Recommend home dental care programs to clients.
- Describe gingivitis and periodontitis, and perform oral hygiene procedures.
- Perform dental radiography.
The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. A final minimum cumulative grade of “C” or 60% is required (in both lecture and lab components) in order to pass this course. Evaluation will be based on quizzes and assignments, practical evaluations including a final practical examination, at least one midterm and a final written examination.
A list of required and optional textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of each semester.
Successful completion of Year 1 of the Veterinary/Animal Health Technology Program
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