Dentistry is one of the most important aspects of veterinary healthcare alongside vaccination and medical care. A high proportion of dogs and cats over the age of 3 years are affected by periodontal disease; routine veterinary dentistry treatment is not only prophylactic but also treats an existing disease by stopping or slowing down the progression of periodontal disease. In other cases painful conditions can be alleviated which may have not been noticed by the owner and may have been mistaken for a “normal” aging process. It is no longer acceptable to ignore these problems or to treat them as minor or secondary problems to be dealt with at the same time as other surgical procedures. There is an enormous amount of undiagnosed dental disease affecting our pets yet owners and the veterinary profession alike are missing problems or not diagnosing disease that can affect the welfare and wellbeing of our pets. Dental procedures seen should contribute 25% of the daily operating list in every small animal practice given just how common dental disease is. Unfortunately less than 5% of clients realize that their pet has a dental problem so it leaves the onus on us to educate clients and diagnose problems correctly when presented.

Veterinary oral healthcare needs to be a team effort and neither the veterinary surgeon nor the veterinary nurse alone can take on the role of providing all the dental treatment and oral hygiene care that the pet will need.

Periodontal disease is by far the most common disease affecting our pets, and also man. Periodontal disease, however, is only one aspect of veterinary dentistry – fractured teeth, feline odonoclastic resorptive lesions, caries (tooth decay) and malocclusion problems are just some of the other common dental disease conditions affecting our pets.

The mouth is also the fourth most common site for tumours and should be regularly checked by the owner and vet. Oral health is also fundamental to the general well-being of animals, as many conditions influence the health of other distant organs. The dental cavity is readily accessible and easily examined at every opportunity, flip the lip, and see what lies beneath.

Dental treatment can be a potentially profitable business if properly approached, with essential equipment (dental x-ray machines and high speed air drills) often recouping costs within a short time. Investing in good quality equipment and training not only makes the job easier, but also enjoyable, whilst providing optimum care for the patient.

Lisa Milella
Lisa Milella - President BVDA

70% of cats and dogs over the age of 3 years suffer from periodontal disease. Dental health is fundamental to the overall well-being of cats and dogs but there is an enormous amount of undiagnosed dental disease.

Pfizer Animal Health is committed to supporting veterinary professionals in the provision of high calibre dental services for animals, and this support is provided through the Dental Leadership Course.

The Dental Leadership Course

The dental leadership course is an educational programme produced by Pfizer Animal Health with the kind assistance of Norman Johnston. The course aims to provide the fundamentals for the treatment of dental disease. It covers topics such as anatomy, preventative treatment, periodontal disease, the dental workplace, equipment, radiography, economics and marketing veterinary dentistry. By completing the course you will join a select group of professionals who have enhanced their dentistry skills.

The course contributes 10 hours continuing professional development of the 35 hours recommended by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. There are multiple choice questions at the end of all chapters to test your knowledge. Once you have successfully completed the course, you graduate as a Dental Leader and receive a certificate signed by Norman Johnston and Colin Baxter, President BVDA, in recognition of your newly acquired knowledge.

The Dental Leadership Course offered by the Pfizer Academy is now exclusively available online as a learning resource for study and qualifying tests.

Click here to register.

There are 2 course books available:

• The Dental Leadership Course for Veterinary Surgeons
• The Dental Leadership Course for Veterinary Nurses

If you would like to be nominated as the Dental Leader for your practice and wish to complete the course, please telephone your local Pfizer Territory Manager.