DIPLOMA
JOB ROLE STATEMENT – Advanced Certified Equine Dental Service Provider
An Advanced Equine Dental Service Provider is engaged or employed to provide day-to-day and more complex dental care and treatment services. These services
deliver staged remedial and corrective work for horses in a defined range of varied contexts that may be complex and non-routine. The duties are performed in
collaboration with veterinarians and other relevant equine health care service providers. The duties require the application of high level judgement and case
management skills. Providers must be able to accurately interpret and communication information covering a variety of circumstances and make informed
judgements including when a case is beyond the provider's current professional and personal scope or ethical responsibility and referral is required.
Diploma in Equine Dentistry
Key job function
Tasks
Skills required
Knowledge required
1.
Identify injured tissue and determine
prognosis for return to work following
repair based on physical assessments,
diagnostic tools and tests

evaluate the effects of therapies in the
promotion of healing

cell structure and the impact of injury
on cell integrity


Evaluate tools and techniques used to
confirm injury
identify and interpret signs and
symptoms of injury
common signs and symptoms of poor
response to the repair process


Identify and explain tissue repair processes
and current status of repair
identify disruptions to function of body
systems due to injury
diagnostic tools used to confirm injury
and assess severity

identify indicators of infection.

features of the design, construction,
growth and regeneration of bone,
muscle, tendon and ligament that may
be affected by stresses and forces that
could lead to injury

impact of heat and cold therapy on
injury and repair processes

medications used in the management
of injury and their impact on tissue
repair

physical methods and therapeutic tools
used in the management of injury and
the impact on repair processes.
Identify injury and repair processes in
horses
Evaluate therapies, materials and
equipment used to promote healing and
repair.
AgriFood - Equine Dentistry Continuous Improvement
116108356
Page 1 of 7
Diploma in Equine Dentistry
Key job function
Tasks
Skills required
Knowledge required
2.
Evaluate and determine demands of
contemporary equine competition and
work on horse performance


breed characteristics that influence
balance, symmetry and efficiency of
stride
Observe, identify and evaluate gaits of the
horse and complete movement
assessments
identify breed and conformation
characteristics that affect balance,
symmetry and efficiency of stride and
movement


centre of gravity requirements for
horses in a range of working and
performance activities
Refer owners or carers for specialist advice
if the issue is beyond the scope of the
provider's skill and knowledge
identify musculoskeletal features that
influence movement, power and
stamina


observe and evaluate efficiency of
movement in various gaits and during
various activities and suggest options
for improvement
conformation characteristics that
impact on balance, symmetry and
efficiency

methods used to measure stride length
and efficiency and to assessment
movement in horses.

anatomy and physiology of the equine
head and oral structures

features of correctly formed, healthy
and well-maintained equine dental and
oral structures

mechanics of occlusion and influences
on tooth eruption and the process of
wear

identify oral conditions that come
within the parameters of advanced or
staged corrective dental treatment,
intra-oral extractions or other
conditions that will need referral
cause and effect of dental
malocclusions, diagnostic principles
and techniques, principles of
orthodontic treatments

diagnostic tools used to investigate
horse health and dental conditions
including dental imaging
maintain highest standards of hygiene

pathology tests used to investigate
equine dental conditions and types of
Assess horse performance in relation
to biomechanics of movement
Document and report movement
assessments to others and for personal
records
3.
Conduct assessment and plan for
advanced or staged corrective equine
dental treatment, intra-oral extractions
or referral

numeracy skills to estimate, calculate
and record routine workplace
measures including stride length

document and report using
appropriate terminology
Profile the history of the horse, evaluate
and document current general condition
and behaviour

assess and document the condition of
the horse including muscle tone,
movement and balance
Inspect and confirm healthy oral and dental
presentation

Identify conditions which require advanced
or staged corrective work
assess features and general function of
the head and neck anatomy

identify potential causes of poor
condition and behaviour issues in the
horse related to oral care or dental
condition
Recognise teeth requiring intra-oral
extraction and recognise stages of
periodontal disease
Recognise conditions which may require
referral to a veterinarian or other
appropriate equine service provider and
consult as required
Document inspection findings using
standard industry charting and terminology
and report inspection results and
implications of findings to the owner or
116108356


Page 2 of 7
Diploma in Equine Dentistry
Key job function
Tasks
Skills required
carer.
4.
Perform advanced or staged corrective
equine dental treatment using manual
and/or powered instruments

explain inspections results and impact
of findings to horse owner or carer

prepare treatment plan and maintain
equine records using appropriate
terminology.
information provided

dental disorders including common
dental disorders, consequences of bite
dysfunction and abnormalities, major
dental disorders

oral disorders including trauma, bone
disease, periodontal disease and other
oral diseases

systemic disorders including gastrointestinal and other potential
associated systemic diseases

clinical signs and effects of categories
of sedative drugs used in the horse

terminology used to describe dental
conditions, treatment and oral features

charting systems used to record equine
dental information.
Identify and evaluate the quality of the
range of powered instruments used, and
suitability for equine dentistry

comply with relevant legalisation,
regulations, codes of practice and
guidelines

normal and abnormal features of
equine dental and oral structures
including physiology and effect of diet
Prepare for treatment and organise
sedation, if required, in accordance with
relevant legislation and regulations

comply with instrument safe work
practice standards before, during and
after use

anatomy and physiology of the equine
head and oral structures
Apply appropriate techniques to modify
dental structure to achieve optimal
function, efficiency, occlusion and comfort
of the horse


maintain the highest standards of
hygiene and infection control at all
times (biosecurity)
equine behaviour and indicators of
horse distress

techniques used to address incisor
pathology to allow the fitting of
speculum, fit speculum and handle and
restrain horses for dental treatment

principles of animal welfare

parameters of treatment which may
require referral
Provide areas to allow for bit comfort if
required.
Explain procedures and post-treatment
care to owners or cares and others as
required.
Update dental and other relevant records.
116108356
and infection control at all times
(biosecurity)
Knowledge required

in conjunction with attending
veterinarians identify appropriate
medications for chemical restraint and
sedation, discuss appropriate dose
rates and monitor horse vital signs for
impact of sedatives during and after
treatment of dental conditions
Page 3 of 7
Diploma in Equine Dentistry
Key job function
Tasks
Skills required
Knowledge required

operate instruments with due
consideration to the potential hazards
associated with using instruments on
horses


assess the comfort of the horse in
relation to the application of the bit
techniques and methods used to
modify tooth structure to restore oral
function and promote horse comfort
using manual and/or powered
instruments

evaluate dental treatment to confirm
comfort and oral functional status has
been achieved
clinical signs and effects of the
categories of sedative drugs used in
the horse

post dental treatment monitoring and
care of the horse

anatomy and physiology of the equine
head and oral structures

normal and abnormal features of
equine dental and oral structures
including physiology and effect of diet

clinical signs and effects of categories
of sedative drugs used in the horse

charting systems used to record

equine behaviour and indicators of
horse distress

parameters of treatment which may
require referral

principles of animal welfare

techniques and methods used to
extract equine teeth

techniques used to fit speculum and
handle and restrain horses for dental

5.
Perform intra-oral extraction of equine
teeth
Identify teeth that require extraction from
dental chart and prepared treatment plan
Prepare for treatment and organise
sedation in accordance with relevant
legislation and regulations

clean, disinfect work area, instruments
and equipment

inform owner or carer about scope of
the treatment provided and posttreatment care requirements.

comply with relevant legalisation,
regulations, codes of practice and
guidelines

operate instruments with due
consideration to the potential hazards
associated with using instruments on
horses
Remove teeth or tooth fragments where
indicated
Provide post-extraction care and
monitoring
116108356

Explain procedures and post treatment
care and monitoring requirements to carers
and others as required

Update treatment records and dental
charts

maintain the highest standards of
hygiene and infection control at all
times (biosecurity)
evaluate alternatives to intra-oral
tooth extraction
in conjunction with attending
veterinarians identify appropriate
medications for chemical restraint and
sedation, discuss appropriate dose
rates and monitor horse vital signs for
impact of sedatives during and after
treatment of dental conditions
Page 4 of 7
Diploma in Equine Dentistry
Key job function
Tasks
Skills required

6.
In conjunction with veterinarian
contribute to the case management
and treatment of complex equine
dental disease, injury or abnormality
Prepare for management of dental and
dental related disease, injury or
abnormality
Prioritise complex dental issues and select
dental treatment strategy and discuss
treatment and post-treatment with owner
or carer and others as required
Contribute to the techniques and processes
involved in appropriate treatment of
periodontic and endodontic disease, injury
or abnormality based on observations,
diagnostic test results and collaboration
with other practitioners
Plan appropriate contingency
arrangements should problems arise as
cases progress
Progressively monitor the health of the
horse periodontal status and teeth viability
post-periodontal or endodontic disease or
injury treatment.
treatment

types of bleeding and haemostatic
control.

clean, disinfect work area, instruments
and equipment

advise owner or carer about outcome
of extraction and the post-extraction
care and wound management
requirements.

identify common and complex equine
dental conditions and diseases

anatomy and physiology of the equine
head and oral structures

identify health and unhealthy oral and
dental status


in conjunction with attending
veterinarians discuss and evaluate
appropriate treatment and who is to
conduct the treatment
normal and abnormal features of
equine dental and oral structures
including physiology and effect of diet

complex or uncommon equine dental
conditions, diseases and injuries and
treatment priorities

diagnostic tools used to investigate
horse health and dental conditions and
the type of information that can be
provided through equine diagnostic
tests

prioritise treatment options and plan
treatment strategies based on
provider's current level of competency
and the need to work collaboratively
with or refer to veterinarian or other
appropriate service provider


maintain the highest standards of
hygiene and infection control at all
times (biosecurity)
equine behaviour and indicators of
horse distress

contribute to the management of
periodontal and endodontic disease,
caries, injury or abnormality and
affected teeth
factors contributing to the
development of endodontic and
periodontal

iatrogenic and pre-existing pulp
exposure

pathology tests used to investigate
equine dental conditions and the types
of information provided

symptoms and stages of caries,

Update treatment records and dental
charts.

116108356
evaluate need for further treatment
care or referral
Knowledge required
advise owner or carer regarding
treatment outcomes and posttreatment management requirements
and follow-up appointments if
Page 5 of 7
Diploma in Equine Dentistry
Key job function
Tasks
Skills required
Knowledge required
required.
7.
Maintain professional expertise
Seek out traditional, alternative and
scientific information
Research and analyse information
Critically evaluate specific research and
present findings
Contribute to the development of
professional practices
Key functions

analyse and interpret data

maintain and handle data and
documents systematically

present information and data

problem solving skills to deal with
information which is contradictory,
ambiguous, inconsistent or inadequate

research skills to identify and access
information.
Tasks
1.
Identify injury and
repair processes in
horses
1a - identify injured tissue
and determine prognosis
for return to work following
repair based on physical
assessments, diagnostic
tools and tests
1b - evaluate tools and
techniques used to confirm
injury
1c - identify and explain tissue
repair processes and current
status of repair
1d - evaluate therapies,
materials and equipment used
to promote healing and repair
2.
Assess horse
performance in
relation to
biomechanics of
movement
2a- evaluate and determine
demands of contemporary
equine competition and
work on horse performance
2b - observe, identify and
evaluate gaits of the horse
and complete movement
assessments
2c -refer owners or carers for
specialist advice if the issue is
beyond the scope of the
provider's skill and knowledge
2d - document and report
movement assessments to
others and for personal
records
116108356
Page 6 of 7
endodontic and periodontal disease

techniques and procedures used to
manage caries, periodontal and
endodontic disease and injury in
horses

types of bleeding and haemostatic
control.

research processes and strategies to
identify new sources of information
Key functions
Tasks
3.
Conduct assessment
and plan for
advanced or staged
corrective equine
dental treatment,
intra-oral extractions
or referral
3a - Profile the history of
the horse, evaluate and
document current general
condition and behaviour
3b - Inspect and confirm
healthy oral and dental
presentation
3c - Identify conditions which
require advanced or staged
corrective work
3d - Recognise teeth requiring
intra-oral extraction and
recognise stages of
periodontal disease
3e - Recognise conditions
which may require referral to
a veterinarian or other
appropriate equine service
provider and consult as
required
4.
Perform advanced or
staged corrective
equine dental
treatment using
manual and/or
powered instruments
4a - Identify and evaluate
the quality of the range of
powered instruments used,
and suitability for equine
dentistry
4b - Prepare for treatment
and organise sedation, if
required, in accordance with
relevant legislation and
regulations
4c - Apply appropriate
techniques to modify dental
structure to achieve optimal
function, efficiency, occlusion
and comfort of the horse
4d - Provide areas to allow for
bit comfort if required.
4e- Explain procedures and
post-treatment care to
owners or cares and others as
required. Update dental and
other relevant records.
5.
Perform intra-oral
extraction of equine
teeth
5a - Identify teeth that
require extraction from
dental chart and prepared
treatment plan
5b - Remove teeth or tooth
fragments where indicated.
5c - Provide post-extraction
care and monitoring
5d - Explain procedures and
post treatment care and
monitoring requirements to
carers and others as required
5e - Update treatment records
and dental charts
6.
In conjunction with
veterinarian
contribute to the
case management
and treatment of
complex equine
dental disease, injury
or abnormality
6a - Prepare for
management of dental and
dental related disease,
injury or abnormality
6b - Prioritise complex dental
issues and select dental
treatment strategy and
discuss treatment and posttreatment with owner or carer
and others as required
6c - Contribute to the
techniques and processes
involved in appropriate
treatment of periodontic and
endodontic disease, injury or
abnormality based on
observations, diagnostic test
results and collaboration with
other practitioners
6d - Plan appropriate
contingency arrangements
should problems arise as cases
progress.
6e - Progressively monitor the
health of the horse
periodontal status and teeth
viability post-periodontal or
endodontic disease or injury
treatment.
7.
Maintain
professional
expertise
7a - Seek out traditional,
alternative and scientific
information
7b -Research and analyse
information
7c - Critically evaluate specific
research and present findings
7d- Contribute to the
development of professional
practices
116108356
Page 7 of 7
3f - Document inspection
findings using standard
industry charting and
terminology and report
inspection results and
implications of findings to the
owner or carer.
6f - Update treatment records
and dental charts.