Canine and Feline Dentistry: Principles and Practice

Dentistry represents a significant portion of the companion animal caseload. This course combines online theory with a practical workshop led by specialists and using ethically sourced cadavers. Strengthen your diagnostic accuracy, refine your procedural techniques, and gain a deeper understanding of intraoral pathology. Build your confidence in performing routine dental procedures, improve clinical outcomes and efficiency, and minimise complications, all while staying up-to-date with best practices in veterinary dentistry.

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Description


Dates and location

Online: Approx. 10 hours self-directed study
Workshop: Thursday 26 & Friday 27 February 2026
Location: KahuVet Education Centre, Wiri, Auckland

Format

A 2-day practical wetlab that directly complements the learnings from the CAVR online course, which is a pre-requisite for attendance. Limited to 18. Download the workshop schedule.

Online topics

  • Review of dental anatomy and development
  • Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT)
  • Periodontal disease - diagnosis and treatment options
  • Overview of dental radiology, locoregional anaesthesia and extractions

Workshop topics

Cats

  • Extraction decisions and feline specific inflammatory conditions
  • Feline extractions and complications
  • Extraction techniques
  • Crown amputation
  • Root retrieval
  • Local nerve blocks
  • Radiograph techniques in cats
Dogs
  • Canine extraction decisions and options to save teeth
  • Flap design and the fundamentals of oral surgery in dogs
  • Extraction techniques – simple and surgical extractions including of canines and carnassial teeth
  • Local nerve blocks
  • Radiograph techniques in dogs.

With dedicated days to canine and feline dentistry separately, participants will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in species-relevant dentistry and oral surgery knowledge. All levels and experiences encouraged to attend.

Learning outcomes

The course will engage attendees and cement fundamental concepts in everyday dentistry, allowing participants to gain confidence in foundation skills including:

  • Confidently perform an oral exam.
  • Identify, plan, and perform effective and safe regional nerve blocks
  • Recognise common dental and oral pathologies, and indications for endodontics or extraction
  • Obtain and interpret radiographs showing common dental conditions.
  • Be familiar with the clinical signs and pathogenesis of tooth resorption as well as treatment options.

With dedicated days to canine and feline dentistry separately, participants will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in species-relevant dentistry and oral surgery knowledge. All levels and experiences encouraged to attend.

Tutors

Angus Fechney BVSc DAVDC

Angus currently runs a small animal dental referral business based in Palmerston North. In 2014 he finished a six-year stint coordinating primary clinical companion animal service and final year undergraduate teaching within the Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. After completing a residency program, he passed his American Board exams in Small Animal Dentistry in 2022 and is now a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College. He currently teaches dentistry to the senior vet students at Massey as well as providing referral dental services visiting several clinics around central New Zealand. He is also fortunate enough to provide a dental referral service for all the varied animals, big and small, of Wellington Zoo. Angus has several years of experience teaching veterinary colleagues in a practical setting and is passionate about all things dental.

Crystal Loh BSc DVM MANCVS DAVDC

Crystal graduated from the University of Guelph, Ontario Veterinary College in 2007. Following this she completed a one-year internship at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville College of Veterinary Medicine. Crystal moved to NZ in 2008 working predominantly with dairy cattle for four years before transitioning to companion animal practice where she developed a keen interest in dentistry. In 2016 Crystal acquired membership with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists by examination in the Small Animal Dentistry & Oral Surgery chapter. She then operated a Hamilton dental referral service for two years before embarking on a three-year residency in veterinary dentistry. In 2022 Crystal became a fully board-certified veterinary dentist with the American Veterinary Dental College. Crystal is one of three board certified veterinary dentists in NZ, and one of two who holds board certification with the American Veterinary Dental College, the highest qualification in the field, as well as membership with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. Crystal is passionate about teaching and upskilling other veterinarians so that they can provide a high standard of care to their patients. Crystal has lectured across Australia, NZ, and the USA. She has authored work for the NZVA, serves on two committees within the AVDC, and is a current examiner for the ANZCVS Membership exams.

Cost

NZVA member: $2610 | Non-member: $3260 | Additional online material*: $220

Prices are in NZD and include 15% GST. *If not already completed.

Contact

Shannon Leader
Events Manager
shannon.leader@vets.org.nz

Sponsors

This course is made possible by the support of iM3.