Dentistry
The Dentistry domain tests periodontal assessment, dental charting, equipment use, extraction nursing, and client education. You need to recognize normal dental anatomy and distinguish plaque, calculus, gingivitis, and attachment loss.
Core rules
- Chart every tooth by number and surface; record mobility, furcation exposure, probing depth, and missing teeth.
- Periodontal disease staging uses attachment loss: stage 1 gingivitis only; stage 2 less than 25% attachment loss; stage 3 25–50%; stage 4 more than 50% with furcation involvement.
- Dental scaling removes calculus above and below the gumline; polishing smooths the enamel, then irrigate and dry.
- Use a periodontal probe gently; sharp scalers and ultrasonic tips generate heat, so use copious lavage and light strokes.
- Dental radiographs are required before extraction to assess roots, bone loss, and retained roots.
Worked example
A 6-year-old dog has a mobile mandibular first molar with 40% attachment loss and furcation exposure. Stage 3–4 periodontitis is recorded; the tooth is extracted, the alveolus debrided, and the site closed. Postoperative analgesia and soft food are instructed.
Traps
Polishing before scaling, charting only visual calculus, using excessive ultrasonic power, and extracting a tooth without radiographs. Also, missing client instruction on brushing and recheck intervals.