Unit of Study VTEC1003 Surgical Theatre and Dental Care for Veterinary Technologists (2025)

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Unit Snapshot

Unit type

UG Coursework Unit
Credit points

12
Faculty & College

Faculty of Science and Engineering
Placement

No

Pre-requisites

VTEC1001 - Anatomy and Physiology for Veterinary Technologists

Unit description

This unit provides students with knowledge and skills in surgical theatre operations, patient preparation, equipment, and aseptic techniques for surgery. They will also gain knowledge and skills in preventative dental care of companion animals.

Unit content

Dental equipment, maintenance & preparation
Foundations of oral health
Routine dental procedures and prophylaxis
Principles of infection control and aseptic techniques
Preparation and maintenance of the surgical environment
Aseptic patient preparation for surgical procedures

Availabilities

Location	Domestic	International
Lismore	Term4	Term4

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

apply knowledge of surgical theatre processes to plan the selection, preparation and set-up of surgical equipment and theatre for commonly performed veterinary surgeries.

apply knowledge of sterility and aseptic techniques to ensure infection control in surgical equipment and theatre zone

demonstrate proficiency in the assessment, positioning, and aseptic preparation of patients for surgery

illustrate through proficient communication to clients the importance of oral health and employ dental prophylactic treatments in a safe and ethical manner.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching method

Practical 3 hours (Weekly)

Tutorial 1 hour (3 per week)

Assessment
Practical	40%
Portfolio	40%
Quiz	20%

Prescribed learning resources

Prescribed Texts

Prescribed text information is not currently available.

Prescribed Resources/Equipment

Prescribed resources/equipment information is not currently available.

Prescribed Learning Resources may change in future Teaching Periods.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.

Fee paying courses
For postgraduate or undergraduate full-fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees.

Find out more for domestic fees