Dentistry

This course aims to refresh and enhance your foundational knowledge and skills in dentistry, which is a vital component of companion animal care. It covers essential topics, including dental anatomy, Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT), diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, dental radiography, locoregional anaesthesia, and exodontia.

By completing this module, you will gain confidence in managing dental cases independently and performing routine procedures. Client education will also become more straightforward, fostering improved trust and compliance. You will acquire the necessary tools to deliver high-quality care while staying up-to-date with best practices in veterinary dentistry, allowing you to effectively meet your patients’ needs and enjoy your dental caseload.

Why should you do a dental course?

  • Update clinical knowledge
  • Sharpen practical skills
  • Enhance diagnostic accuracy
  • Improve treatment outcomes
  • Strengthen client communication
  • Reduce complication risks
  • Support long-term patient health

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 exodontia

Learning objectives

  • Understand dental anatomy and developmental stages of companion animal teeth, including variations between cats and dogs 
  • Demonstrate proficiency in conducting a thorough COHAT, including patient assessment, charting, and the development of a treatment plan.
  • Identify periodontal disease and understand the principles of its management, including scaling and polishing, instrument maintenance, and homecare regimens.
  • Learn effective methods for positioning, capturing, and interpreting dental radiographs to diagnose dental conditions in companion animals.
  • Gain knowledge and skills in administering locoregional anaesthesia techniques for pain management during dental procedures.
  • Understand the principles, indications, and techniques for performing tooth extractions, including the management of complications and post-operative care.

Contributors

Crystal Loh BSc DVM MANCVS DAVDC