Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for VT 212 archive revision 202601

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Effective Term:
Winter 2026

Course Number:
VT 212
Course Title:
Veterinary Dentistry Fundamentals
Credit Hours:
2
Lecture Hours:
0
Lecture/Lab Hours:
40
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Presents the knowledge needed to perform basic dental procedures within the scope of practice of a Certified Veterinary Technician. Lecture topics cover oral examination; dental cleaning, scaling and polishing; dental instrumentation; and common dental diseases and procedures. Lab activities include practice of a complete oral health assessment/treatment and dental radiography.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

  1. Work within the legal boundaries of veterinary dental practice in accordance with state veterinary practice acts. 

  2. Apply knowledge of animal tooth anatomy, canine/feline dentition formulas, and the Triadan system of dental charting:

    1. In performance of a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT);

    2. To identify dental abnormalities.

  3. Identify commonly used veterinary dental equipment and utilize them correctly during a COHAT, including but not limited to:

    1. Hand instruments;

    2. Ultrasonic scaling units;

    3. Power unit handpieces

  4. Perform routine cleaning, disinfection, and maintenance of dental instruments, equipment and facilities.

  5. Apply radiological principles and correctly utilize dental radiography equipment to produce diagnostic-quality intra-oral images.

  6. Apply knowledge of common veterinary dental diseases and disorders to:

    1. Perform veterinary dental procedures within the scope of practice of a certified veterinary technician;

    2. Communicate to clients the importance of veterinary dental care and home dental care.

  7. Accurately relay COHAT findings, follow up and/or home care recommendations utilizing clear and effective written and/or oral communication.

Course Activities and Design

  1. Individual reading assignments
  2. Activities related to identification of dental instrumentation and their use
  3. Classroom discussions
  4. Collaborative group work
  5. Case studies
  6. Videos

Outcome Assessment Strategies

  1. Written and practical examinations.
  2. Quizzes
  3. Homework assignments

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  1. Understanding the legal framework in which certified veterinary technicians can perform diagnostic and therapeutic dental procedures
  2. Develop a thorough understanding of all concepts related to a COHAT, including:
    1. dental and oral anatomy
    2. dental charting
    3. dental scaling and polishing
    4. dental radiography
    5. proper application of dental nerve blocks
    6. identification, use and maintenance of dental instrumentation and equipment
    7. home care and client communication
  3. Develop basic knowledge of common dental and oral diseases in small animal patients