Course Overview

The Level 3 Award in Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral Hygiene is designed for people working professionally with dogs, looking to expand their knowledge and practical skills to allow them to incorporate preventative canine dental care and oral hygiene within their role.

You will learn about safe methods and techniques to keep the mouth healthy and prevent deterioration that can result in significant health and welfare issues. Preventative canine dental care and oral hygiene is not intended to be used as a substitute for essential regular assessment and treatment by a veterinary professional.  The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 stipulates who is legally permitted to offer treatment to animals, including dental treatment. During this course you will learn what you are allowed to do, and where your limitations lie, so that you can clean canine teeth and advise owners on oral hygiene and dental care in line with legal and ethical requirements, knowing when to refer to a veterinary surgeon when needed.

You will undertake online learning sessions as well as one practical day at either our Huntingdon or Leeds centre.

Key Facts

Location: Online plus one practical day at Huntingdon or Leeds

Duration: 12-14 weeks.

Attendance: You will undertake eight x three hour online lessons on a Tuesday, as well as one practical day at either our Huntingdon or Leeds centre. You will also need to attend either our Huntingdon or Leeds centre for assessment; this can be arranged to take place on the same day as your practical training.

Next start dates: Please contact us for details.

Course Content

Online learning will be complemented by a practical training day giving you the opportunity to gain confidence in implementing your canine dental and oral hygiene knowledge. Over the course of the qualification you will cover:

  • Application of Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral Hygiene
  • Professional Practice
  • Canine Oral Anatomy and Physiology
  • Canine Oral Health

Assessment

You will be assessed via the following:

Portfolio of Evidence – You will compile a portfolio of evidence through your course which demonstrates your knowledge, understanding and skills.

Multiple-Choice Online Assessment – You will complete a synoptic online multiple-choice question assessment.

Practical Evidence – Following the successful completion of the other assessments, you will undertake a practical assessment set by VetSkill.

Entry Requirements

You should be over 16 years of age, hold a Level 2 animal-related qualification and be actively working in the animal care industry. Applications from those not holding a level 2 qualification but with significant industry experience (over 12 months) are welcome to apply and will be considered on an individual basis.

Learners who undertake this qualification typically work in a role such as:

  • Dog Grooming Assistant
  • Dog Groomer
  • Dog Walker
  • Canine Hydrotherapist
  • Dog Day Care Provider
  • Kennel Assistant
Course Fees

Course Fees

£635

Current and past dog grooming students who are studying with or who previously studied with The College of Animal Welfare may be eligible for discount of £100 off the course fees.

Awarding Body Fees*: £88

* Awarding Body Fees are payable by all students or employers and recharged at cost and may be subject to change.

CAW Loans2Learn Scheme
The CAW Loans2Learn scheme is a personal loan that can help you to spread the cost of your course into manageable payments. The loan can be used to fully or partially cover your course fees (but does not cover any awarding body fees, such as enrolment and examination fees). More information can be found here.

Please note that the course fees must be settled before the beginning of the course. 

Sources of financial help can be found on our student finance page. Please note the Pay As You Learn Scheme is not available for this programme. Before making any financial decision it is recommended that you seek advice from an independent source, for example the Money Advice Service.

These are current figures and may be subject to change. The differences in course fees reflect the level of funding that is available as a result of government policies and priorities. These may be as a result of age, employment status, previous education achievements, or location for example, and are outside the control of The College of Animal Welfare.

What Next?

Completion of this qualification will give you the knowledge and confidence to clean canine teeth and advise owners on oral hygiene and dental care in line with legal and ethical requirements.

You may look at incorporating preventative canine dental care and oral hygiene into your job/business, feeling confident that you know what you are allowed to do, that you are making a positive difference in the welfare of your clients’ dogs and that you know when to refer to a veterinary surgeon as needed.