Dentistry - BVNA

BVNA Veterinary Nurse Certificate in Dentistry

This is the most comprehensive dentistry course for Veterinary Nurses currently available, covering in detail all aspects of general dentistry in small animal practice.

The course runs over a calendar year with a mix of contact teaching and directed learning.

It is designed specifically for the qualified, listed/registered veterinary nurse but is also open to veterinary surgeons. Other people wishing to attend the course will be considered but will not be eligible to obtain the certificate.

The contact teaching is in 3 two-day modules held on a Friday and Saturday. The modules consist of a mix of lectures, tutorials, demonstrations, displays and informal discussion. There is a full day of practical (hands-on) teaching in module two.

Module three contains a practice run for part of the final exam - the steeplechase component.

There is also a self learning aspect with set coursework and a reading list. A dental case diary and 4 case studies are to be complied and submitted during the year and will be part of the final assessment. Full instruction will be given during the contact teaching.

Tutors are John Robinson BDS, Dentist to the veterinary profession and Lisa Milella BVSc MRCVS, Principal of a dedicated veterinary dental practice.

During this course it is strongly recommended that students visit places of excellence for example - referral centres or hospitals to gain further experience.

All applicants should be aware that there will be a considerable amount of time and commitment required to achieve completion of the course.

Applications are invited for the period of 1st March to 31st December and should be submitted to the BVNA during this time.

Aims and Objectives

Obtaining the certificate will:

Provide the qualified veterinary nurse with an understanding of the importance of dental health in small animals
Enable the candidate to play a greater role in providing effective dental care for small animals and improve the level of dental care offered by their practice

The candidate will gain:

an understanding of which dental problems occur in their patients and how these problems occur
an understanding of the aims of the treatments and how they should be tailored to the individual to maximise effectiveness. This means greater improvement to the dental health of the individual animal and also to the pet population as a whole
improved job satisfaction when involved in providing dental care