Oral health is an essential yet sometimes overlooked part of animal welfare. The RCVS Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) Module 4 – Dentistry ensures practices deliver high-quality, safe, and effective dental care to their patients. This module sets clear expectations for equipment, hygiene, record keeping, and team competence across all accreditation levels.

 

Core Standards

 

Practices must have a selection of diagnostic and treatment equipment suitable for the species they treat. From hand scalers and periodontal probes to appropriate PPE and strict maintenance records, every detail supports consistency and safety in dental procedures. Regular training in the use and care of dental instruments is also vital to ensure high standards of hygiene and patient care.

 

General Practice

 

For General Practice accreditation, clinics must demonstrate capability to perform routine oral surgical and hygiene procedures, including extractions. Sterilisation between patients is non-negotiable, and clear protocols should minimise aerosol contamination. Detailed dental records – ideally using dental charts – form part of every patient’s history.

 

Veterinary Hospital

 

Hospital-level accreditation takes dentistry a step further, requiring a dedicated dental radiography machine and strict separation from sterile surgical areas. Best practice includes using extraction fans or negative-pressure dental rooms to manage aerosols and maintain infection control.

 

Award Points

 

Dentistry contributes towards the In-patient Service Award, rewarding practices that go beyond compliance. Points are gained through activities such as dental CPD, postgraduate qualifications, the use of dental radiography, magnification, and clear client education resources on preventative oral health. Practices are also encouraged to audit their dental work and maintain a clear ethics policy.

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Key features:

 

• Correct diagnostic and treatment tools for all species

• Effective infection control and sterilisation protocols

• Detailed dental record keeping and charting

• Dedicated dental facilities and radiography (for hospitals)

• Ongoing team training and CPD

• Clear client education on preventative oral care​​​

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To evidence compliance with the Dentistry standards, practices will need to maintain the following documentation:

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Core Standards

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• Internal maintenance and service records for all dental instruments and equipment

• Maintenance protocols (cleaning, disinfection, sterilisation, sharpening)

• Training or induction records for the use and maintenance of dental instruments

 

General Practice

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• Dental charts or patient records including diagnosis, therapy, and treatment notes

 

Veterinary Hospital

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• Dental radiography records demonstrating regular and effective use

 

Award Points

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• Proof of dental CPD undertaken and shared with the team

• Proof of postgraduate qualification in dentistry (if applicable)

• Copies of dental charts used in all dental procedures

• Client education materials (leaflets, posters, website, nurse clinic resources)

• Written dental ethics policy (including referral and cosmetic procedure guidance)

• Clinical audit reports of dental work and outcomes

 

Recommended Supporting Evidence

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• PPE availability records

• Cleaning/sterilisation logs between patients

• Photos of dental area and ventilation setup

• Waste fluid management documentation​​