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

The ICTQual Level 3 Award in Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral Hygiene is a specialised qualification designed for individuals working professionally with dogs, including groomers, veterinary support staff, canine hydrotherapists, daycare providers, and pet service professionals. This award equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills to incorporate preventative dental care and oral hygiene into their daily practice, ensuring improved welfare and long‑term health outcomes for companion animals.

The programme focuses on safe, non‑invasive techniques that help maintain oral health and prevent deterioration, such as plaque control, hygiene routines, and early identification of dental issues. Learners are taught to recognise signs of oral disease, understand the impact of poor dental health on overall wellbeing, and apply preventative measures that support veterinary care. Importantly, the qualification emphasises the boundaries of professional practice, ensuring learners understand the legal and ethical framework under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, which restricts dental treatment to qualified veterinary professionals.

By completing this award, learners gain confidence in promoting preventive healthcare strategies, educating dog owners about oral hygiene routines, and integrating dental awareness into grooming or welfare services. The qualification also enhances employability, enabling professionals to offer added value to clients and organisations by addressing one of the most common yet preventable health issues in dogs.

This award is ideal for those passionate about canine welfare and committed to raising standards of care in the pet industry. It provides a practical, career‑focused pathway to strengthen professional practice while making a meaningful difference to the lives of dogs and their owners.

Course overview

Level 3 Award in Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral Hygiene 

To enrol in ICTQual Level 3 Award in Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral Hygiene , learner must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Learners must usually be 16 years or older at the time of enrolment.The award is open to both school leavers and adult learners already in the pet care sector.
  • Educational Background: This qualification is intended for those already working with dogs in a professional or voluntary capacity.Suitable roles include dog groomers, veterinary support staff, canine hydrotherapists, dog daycare providers, kennel staff, and pet service professionals
  • Professional Experience: While formal academic qualifications are not always required, learners should have basic knowledge of canine care and welfare.Completion of a Level 2 or Level 3 animal care or first aid qualification may be recommended by some centres.
  • English Proficiency: As the programme is delivered in English, learners must demonstrate competence in written and spoken English.International learners may need to provide evidence of proficiency through recognised assessments (e.g., IELTS or equivalent), depending on centre requirements.
  • Additional Requirements: Learners must understand that this award focuses on preventative care and hygiene only.Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, only qualified veterinary surgeons may carry out dental treatments. This qualification trains learners to support welfare and hygiene, not to perform veterinary dentistry.

This qualification, the ICTQual Level 3 Award in Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral Hygiene , consists of 3 mandatory units.

  1. Principles of Canine Oral Anatomy and Dental Health
  2. Preventative Canine Dental Care Techniques and Hygiene Practices
  3. Professional Standards, Welfare, and Legal Framework in Canine Dental Care

Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual Level 3 Award in Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral Hygiene  :

Principles of Canine Oral Anatomy and Dental Health

  • Identify the structure and function of canine teeth, gums, and oral cavity.
  • Distinguish between different types of teeth (incisors, canines, premolars, molars) and their roles.
  • Explain the stages of dental development from puppyhood to adulthood.
  • Recognise common dental and oral health issues such as plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.
  • Understand the relationship between oral health and overall canine wellbeing.
  • Describe how diet, age, and breed influence oral health.
  • Apply correct terminology when discussing canine oral anatomy with professionals and owners.
  • Assess the impact of poor oral hygiene on long‑term canine health outcomes.

Preventative Canine Dental Care Techniques and Hygiene Practices

  • Demonstrate safe, non‑invasive methods of plaque control and oral hygiene.
  • Apply appropriate brushing techniques and select suitable canine dental products.
  • Recognise early signs of oral disease and advise owners on preventive measures.
  • Incorporate oral hygiene routines into grooming or welfare services.
  • Educate owners on the importance of regular dental care and monitoring.
  • Maintain hygiene standards when handling canine oral care tools and equipment.
  • Adapt preventive techniques to suit different breeds, ages, and temperaments.
  • Record and report observations of oral health concerns to veterinary professionals.

Professional Standards, Welfare, and Legal Framework in Canine Dental Care

  • Understand the boundaries of professional practice under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.
  • Recognise which dental procedures are legally restricted to veterinary surgeons.
  • Apply ethical principles when delivering preventative oral hygiene services.
  • Promote welfare by ensuring all practices are humane, safe, and stress‑free for dogs.
  • Communicate clearly with owners about the scope and limitations of preventative care.
  • Maintain accurate records of oral hygiene practices and observations.
  • Uphold professional standards in client service, confidentiality, and animal welfare.
  • Reflect on personal responsibility and continuous professional development in canine dental care.

The ICTQual Level 3 Award in Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral Hygiene is designed as a practical, career‑focused qualification. It equips learners with the skills to deliver safe, preventative oral hygiene practices, educate dog owners, and integrate dental awareness into everyday pet care services. Graduates can use this award to enhance their current roles or branch into new opportunities across grooming, welfare, and client support.

  • Work as a dog groomer with added expertise in oral hygiene, offering preventative dental care advice alongside grooming services.
  • Provide specialist oral hygiene support in grooming salons or mobile services, helping owners maintain their dogs’ dental health.
  • Contribute to animal welfare organisations, rescue centres, and charities, supporting oral hygiene routines that improve the wellbeing and adoptability of dogs.
  • Educate pet owners on preventive dental care practices, including brushing routines, plaque control, and early signs of oral disease.
  • Collaborate with veterinary practices or pet healthcare providers, complementing veterinary services by promoting hygiene and welfare awareness.
  • Take on client advisory roles, building trust and reputation by offering guidance on canine oral health as part of wider pet care.
  • Enhance employability by adding a specialist skill set that differentiates graduates in the competitive pet care and grooming industry.
  • Progress into leadership or mentoring roles within grooming or pet care businesses, sharing expertise in preventative dental care with colleagues or trainees.
  • Continue professional development through short courses, CPD workshops, or advanced certifications in canine welfare, grooming, or preventive healthcare.

FAQs

The award is intended for individuals aged 16 or above who are already working with dogs in a professional or voluntary capacity. Suitable candidates include dog groomers, kennel staff, veterinary support workers, and pet service providers. No advanced academic background is required, but learners should have basic knowledge of canine care and welfare. Confidence in handling dogs of different breeds and temperaments is essential.

Graduates can enhance their current roles by offering preventative dental care advice alongside grooming or welfare services. They may work in grooming salons, mobile services, or welfare organisations, adding value through oral hygiene expertise. Opportunities also exist in client education, advising owners on daily routines to maintain canine dental health. Over time, learners can progress into leadership, mentoring, or specialist advisory roles within the pet care industry.

The ICTQual Level 3 Award in Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral Hygiene  is a 3 days training programme designed to be completed in full-time study over this period, with a focus on both theoretical learning and practical application.

ICTQual Level 3 Award in Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral Hygiene  is offered in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination of both. Participants can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences. But final decision is made by ATC.

Yes, ICTQual Level 3 Award in Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral Hygiene , includes assessments consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These assessments evaluate participants’ understanding of the course material and their ability to apply concepts in practical situations. A minimum score of 75% is required to pass the assessments.cal situations. It is mandatory to pass assessments with a minimum score of 75%.