VetSkill Level 3 Award in Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral Hygiene

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

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.

Our online, distance learning courses can be started at any time. You will work through your online course materials at a time that is convenient to you and be supported by a personal tutor.

You should be working in the animal care industry, and preferably hold a Level 2 animal-related qualification. 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

Please note: As our courses include online learning components, students are required to have access to a PC or laptop with a reliable internet connection.

Course Fees
£635

Awarding Body Fees - £96
All students or employers are required to pay the following awarding body fees in addition to the course fees. Please note that these are recharged at cost and may be subject to change.

CAW Loans2Learn
Course fees must be paid in full before the course begins. If you are unable to do so, we offer a personal loan scheme (Loans2Learn) that can help you to spread the cost into manageable monthly payments over a period of up to five years, subject to eligibility. It can be used to fully, or partially, cover your course fee (but does not cover any awarding body fees, such as enrolment and examination fees which are payable on top). More information can be found here.

The current rate of interest for a CAW Loans2Learn is 9%. Click on the calculator icon to calculate your monthly repayment options based on different repayment term lengths.

Example repayment - a Loans2Learn loan for the full course fee of £635 over 12 months would equate to monthly repayments of approximately £56 per month (please note this is an indicative price based on current fees and interest rates).

General Advice
Sources of financial help can be found on our student finance page. Before making any financial decision it is recommended that you seek advice from an independent source, for example the Money Advice Service.

If you have not achieved your qualification by the planned end date detailed in your individual learning plan, continued support and course access is available by paying monthly direct debit payments, or applying for a supplementary or increased loan, until certification is achieved.

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.

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.

No. This course focuses on preventative canine dental care and oral hygiene only. It does not qualify you to diagnose dental disease or perform veterinary dental treatments, which are restricted under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.

You will develop skills in canine oral assessment, safe tooth-cleaning techniques, recognising signs of dental disease, advising owners on oral hygiene routines, and understanding when referral to a veterinary professional is necessary.

Yes. The practical training and assessment element is an essential part of achieving the qualification.

No, as a private further education college fees are applicable to all students. We do, however, have a Loans2Learn scheme that can help you to spread the costs of study into manageable monthly payments.