Vetskill Level 3 Preventative Canine Oral Care & Dental Hygiene

Level 3 (610/2309/7)

PRICE: £795

This qualification is ideal for canine professionals who wish to offer preventative oral care such as Emmipet ultrasonic teeth cleaning as a service.

The VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Award in Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral Hygiene qualification has been designed for individuals who are currently working with canines within a professional capacity, holding either employed or voluntary positions. This Ofqual regulated qualification is designed to expand your underpinning knowledge and practical skills, to allow you to incorporate the application of preventative canine dental care and oral hygiene within your role.

The units contained within this qualification have been rigorously developed to include the essentials for working within the sector legally, professionally and ethically; whilst supporting the development of theoretical knowledge, complemented by the necessary practical skills and techniques.

Aims

Providing preventative canine dental care and oral hygiene involves the application of safe methods and techniques to keep the mouth healthy, and prevent deterioration that can result in significant health and welfare issues. Preventative canine dental care and oral hygiene is not intended to be used as a substitute for essential regular assessment and treatment by a veterinary professional. The Veterinary Surgeons Act clearly stipulates who is legally permitted to offer treatment to animals, this includes dental treatment. You will be assessed on the legal, ethical and professional roles and responsibilities, along with scope of practice, for those individuals who provide preventative dental care, along with the importance of dental assessment and treatment by veterinary professionals. Further information regarding scope of practice for dental assessment and treatment service can be found here: Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (legislation.gov.uk).

The canine mouth provides the optimal environment for harmful bacteria to thrive and grow, therefore, prioritising the health of the mouth plays a crucial part in contributing to the general wellbeing of a dog. The importance of providing preventative canine care has evolved over the years, with owner education and awareness improving, alongside the variety of options available to owners for preventative healthcare. Responsible dog owners increasingly foster a need to explore everything they can in order to optimise the health and welfare of their canine companions. Maintaining the health of the canine mouth can contribute to reducing the risk of developing secondary issues relating to poor dental hygiene, including the two major causes of dental issues; gum disease and plaque. Providing safe, effective and regular canine preventative dental care can therefore maintain a healthy mouth and teeth throughout a dog’s life. As a preventative canine dental care practitioner, you will assess the suitability of each dog, refer for veterinary attention where necessary, and if appropriate, arrange a course of preventative care and cleaning to improve the health of the mouth and teeth. You will often then work with the owner to devise an appropriate and individualised maintenance programme, to ensure the health of the dog’s mouth remains optimal.

Progression

Achievement of the VetSkill Level 3 Award in Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral Hygiene may enable you to progress to study further VetSkill animal-related qualifications. This qualification is available to learners aged 16 years of age and over. VetSkill cannot accept any registrations for learners below 16 years of age.

Learners must:

• Have a regulated level 2 animal-related qualification and evidence that they are actively working within the animal care industry.

  or,

• A minimum of twelve (12) months experience of working within the animal care industry and evidence that they are actively working within the animal care industry.

There are no other formal or specific academic or learning entry requirements for learners undertaking this programme. The nature of both the learning and assessment required for the qualification is such that learners will require basic literacy and numeracy skills.

Qualification Structure

The VetSkill VTEC Level 3 Award in Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral Hygiene comprises the following four (4) mandatory units:

• PCDC01 Application of Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral Hygiene

• PCDC02 Professional Practice

• PCDC03 Canine Oral Anatomy and Physiology

• PCDC04 Canine Oral Health

To achieve the VetSkill Level 3 Award in Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral Hygiene, you must complete all four (4) mandatory units and pass the associated assessments.