Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:56 AM AWST

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Relate equine masticatory system to oral function, conditions and their health impacts

Relate equine masticatory system to oral function, conditions and their health impacts

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMEQD501
State Code
ODV38
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
18/02/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
25/05/2022
Field of Education
061101 - Veterinary Science
Original Release Date
25/05/2022
Nominal Hours
115
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assess the equine masticatory system, and evaluate efficiency and impact of oral conditions on equine health. It includes knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the equine head, oral structures and dentition, and their relationship to general health.The unit applies to individuals working as equine dental technicians who use practical skills and knowledge to perform equine dental treatments and oral care across a range of industry sectors involving equines. They work autonomously and apply in-depth, technical knowledge and skills to provide and communicate solutions for predictable and unpredictable problems.Commonwealth and state/territory health and safety and animal welfare legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to interacting with horses apply to workers in this industry. Requirements vary between industry sectors and jurisdictions.State/territory veterinary practice legislation, restricted acts of veterinary science, and pharmacy, controlled drugs and prohibited substance legislation apply to the scope of work of equine dental technicians. These vary according to jurisdictions.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify and locate equine oral cavity structures
  • 1.1 Locate structures of the equine head and oral cavity, and identify their functions
  • 1.2 Identify and record location and structure of equine teeth and related supporting anatomy using appropriate notation system
  • 1.3 Identify developmental stages and eruption of teeth in equine life stages from birth to maturity in equine
  • 1.4 Identify genetic, congenital and developmental dental abnormalities relating to the eruption, development and wear of teeth
2. Relate prehensile and masticatory function to teeth types
  • 2.1 Relate the process of prehension and mastication of food to normal oral function, including influence of different food types
  • 2.2 Identify functions of equine teeth and associated supportive and connective structures
  • 2.3 Identify stages of development and eruption of equine teeth
  • 2.4 Identify abnormalities of development and eruption
3. Age equine by interpreting tooth eruption, dental wear patterns and tooth angles
  • 3.1 Identify stages of tooth eruption and presence or absence of deciduous and permanent teeth
  • 3.2 Assess incisor shape and angles in relation to age, and identify variables that affect assessment
  • 3.3 Identify occlusal wear and shape of teeth relevant to equine life stage
  • 3.4 Estimate equine age based on presence or absence of deciduous and permanent teeth, wear patterns, tooth form and tooth angles
  • 3.5 Document tooth status and oral conditions using accepted industry notation methods
4. Evaluate the impact of dental and oral health on muscular structure, digestion and nutrient absorption
  • 4.1 Assess anatomical structure and function of head, and relationship between muscular structure and masticatory function
  • 4.2 Determine changes in head and oral cavity due to age, disease and injury
  • 4.3 Evaluate other factors affecting oral function and digestive processes
  • 4.4 Identify effects of poor oral health on equine physiology and nutrient absorption
5. Identify and evaluate the impact of dental and oral conditions on equine health
  • 5.1 Identify normal and abnormal dental and oral conditions and possible causes of abnormalities
  • 5.2 Evaluate potential health impacts of dental injuries, diseases and abnormalities
6. Evaluate the impact of absent or inappropriate dental care on equine health
  • 6.1 Evaluate potential consequences of absence of dental care on health of equines
  • 6.2 Identify indicators and consequences of inappropriate dental techniques and treatments
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BBE63 ACMEQD402 Determine equine oral function efficiency Unit of competency
BBE86 ACMEQD403 Identify potential health impacts of equine oral conditions Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BHN4 ACM50521 Diploma of Equine Allied Health Qualification