Читать книгу The Veterinary Dental Patient: A Multidisciplinary Approach - Группа авторов - Страница 63

The veterinary care assistant plays a huge role in dentistry within the practice. Their work can be divided into three areas: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative.

Figure 4.2 The kennel assistant, a first‐line dental team member.

Figure 4.3 (a) This patient came to boarding with a fractured 304. (b) An uncomplicated crown fracture in 404 was identified on evaluation.

Preoperatively, the veterinary care assistant should be trained to ensure that the dental suite is cleaned, fully stocked, organized, and set up and ready for each patient. They should inform the veterinary nurse or practice manager when an instrument needs sharpening or replacement. In addition, they should pay attention to when ultrasonic tips or burs require replacement, as well as any supplies that need to be ordered. Finally, they should organize and pack the dental kits to optimize use for the veterinarian (Figure 4.4).

Figure 4.4 Veterinary care assistant packing a dental kit.

Figure 4.5 Four‐handed dentistry: examination and charting.

Intraoperatively, the veterinary care assistant serves as the technician/nurse's assistant in dental procedures by recording findings on the dental chart, helping with patient positioning, and assisting with pre‐ and postoperative dental photos and X‐rays. Four‐handed dentistry, in which two people work together to record findings on the dental chart and operate the dental software during X‐ray can decrease the procedure time and ensure a thorough dental examination and cleaning (Niemiec 2010) (Figure 4.5). The assistant should also transcribe findings into the practice management software, upload photos and X‐rays, and help with the preparation of the discharge paperwork.

Postoperatively, the veterinary care assistant should ensure that the patient is cleaned and ready for discharge prior to release. The patient should be dry, their hair should be brushed, and any remnants of blood should be removed prior to their being presented to their owner. Taking a few extra minutes to perform these tasks can ensure the client feels that this was a pleasant and important procedure. The veterinary care assistant should also perform maintenance on the dental equipment, including cleaning and autoclaving the instruments, assessing the sharpness of the instruments, cleaning and preforming routine maintenance on the dental unit by releasing the pressure of the compressor, lubricating the handpieces, and preparing the operatory for the next patient (Figure 4.6).