ACMEQD501 — Relate equine masticatory system to oral function, conditions and their health impacts

Elements & performance criteria

Performance evidence

• examined oral condition of at least twelve equines, including: at least two equines in each of the following life stages: young (less than 6 years), mature, senior/aged; at least two equines on each of the following diets: pasture/paddock, stable feed, high performance feed.
• located and described oral cavity features by name, location and function
• identified lateral excursion, rostro-caudal movement and occlusal functionality
• estimated equine age based on tooth eruption, development, wear, shape and incisor angulation
• assessed basic general health and health of teeth and dental structures for each equine
• identified evidence of pathology, health issues and appropriate or inappropriate dental care for each equine
• completed accurate dental charts for each equine examined
• used appropriate dental codes, language and terminology to document functionality of the masticatory system and all observations.

Knowledge evidence

• functionality of the equine masticatory system
• structures and features of the anatomically correct and healthy equine head and dentition, and well-maintained oral cavity, including: bone structures of the head; soft tissues, including lips, tongue, gums and cheeks; hard palate and palatine artery; periodontal and related structures; equine teeth; innervation and blood supply to various structures of the head
• key functions of oral structures, including: those used for prehension, mastication, swallowing, digestion; normal and abnormal functions, including physiology and effect of diet
• equine tooth types, including: incisors; canines; cheek teeth – premolars (including wolf teeth) and molars; supernumerary teeth
• stages of tooth development, including: bud stage, cap stage, bell stage; embryonic sac; deciduous, permanent; mineralisation, attrition and ageing
• nomenclature and classification of equine tooth types, including: Triadan numbering system; anatomical nomenclature of teeth; deciduous and permanent teeth, and timing and stage of eruption
• structures of equine teeth and associated structures, including: apical foramen; alveolus (socket); periodontal ligament; Sharpey’s fibres; cementum, dentine and enamel; root, reserve crown and clinical crown, infundibulum; pulp canals (or chamber) nerves, vessels and associated structures
• stages of development and eruption of teeth, including: bud, cap, bell and mineralisation stages; deciduous and permanent tooth eruption; structure of enamel, cementum and dentine; attrition/wear of the different dental structures
• abnormalities of development and eruption, including: absence of teeth (oligodontia); supernumerary teeth; developmental defects of the teeth; dentigerous cysts; impaction (failure of tooth to erupt normally); lack of wear; parrot mouth, overbite, overjet (mandibular brachygnathism/maxillary prognathia); sow mouth, monkey mouth (maxillary brachygnathism/mandibular prognathia); wry mouth (campylorrhinus lateralis)
• stages of equine dental eruption and age indicators, including: presence or absence of deciduous teeth, permanent teeth and infundibulae; observation of teeth in wear
• masticatory processes, including: biomechanics of masticatory system; feed manipulation and formation of food bolus and transit through oral cavity; masticatory muscles, the tongue and salivary glands; palate rugae; teeth and their normal occlusal angles and surface ridges
• process of prehension, mastication and role of normal oral function, including physiology and effect of diet
• nutritional requirements and digestive processes of equines
• potential consequences of the absence of dental care on equine health, including: untreated pathology, including malocclusions, periodontal disease, developmental defects, fractures, decay; inability or reluctance to prehend or to masticate effectively; poor acceptance of a bit, bridle or head collar or other behavioural problems related to dental issues; gastrointestinal tract impaction and/or colic
• potential outcomes of inappropriate dental techniques and treatments, including: damage to or severing of nerves or blood vessels, such as palatine artery, including haemorrhage; lacerated oral tissues, fracture of teeth or of the bones of the maxilla and mandible; pulpitis or pulp necrosis (tooth death) due to pulp exposure, or near exposure, or thermal or mechanical damage; compromised integrity and functional anatomy of the teeth
• need to refer to a colleague, including veterinarians, when appropriate
• safe work practices, including safe horse handling techniques
• key requirements of hygiene and biosecurity procedures, relevant to: personal hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE); cleaning, disinfection or sterilisation of equipment and materials; safe biological and general waste disposal; equine infectious disease, notifiable diseases and quarantine procedures.

Foundation skills

• Reading: Interpret information in equine dental records and charts and veterinary advice; Analyse complex anatomical texts, diagrams and other resources from a variety of sources, and consolidate information
• Writing: Record equine dental information in English, using industry accepted nomenclature and coding systems in print-based or electronic formats

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