Technician Resources
AVDC® supports the objectives and development of the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians. If you are a veterinary technician, and would like information on the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians, contact the AVDT.
The Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians is one of over 15 specialty titles available for technicians. The AVDT received their full accreditation in 2007.
Technician Resources
Journal of
Veterinary
Dentistry
Veterinary Dental Hand Instrument Sharpening
Commonly Asked Questions
How can Technicians contribute to the oral health of animals?
The duties of a veterinary technician can include client education, explaining dental pathology and available treatments, charting, performing dental cleaning (sub-gingival and supra-gingival), polishing, application of rinses, foams, or gels, intraoral radiographs, performing advanced imaging like CT and CBCT scans, performing nerve blocks, assisting with dental procedures, post-operative patient care and support, explaining discharge instructions to owner, and follow-up communication to increase owner compliance. The Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians and the AVMA recommend only a licensed veterinary performs dental extractions. Diagnosing dental disease, prescribing treatment options and medications, and performing oral surgery are duties for the veterinarian.
When are dental X-rays recommended?
Dental radiographs are recommended for first time patients who have never had dental radiographs to evaluate for any subclinical pathology, but also in cases of fractured teeth, discolored teeth, missing teeth, teeth with periodontal pockets, loose or mobile teeth, areas of swelling, every tooth prior to extraction, every tooth post-extraction, and resorptive lesions to name a few.
My veterinarian takes radiographs but sometimes we having trouble knowing what we are looking at. How can we get help?
AVDC® veterinary dental specialists are trained in interpreting dental radiographs and digital images, and are willing to review dental radiographs on request from general veterinary practitioners. You can select our links to find a specialist near you.
The Veterinary Dental Forum also provides CE in radiographic positioning and interpretation to help you improve your skills.
We are looking to expand our dental services where should we start?
Starting with a firm foundation is important. Maintaining good dental charts is the beginning and using a periodontal probe to document pockets is a great way to see how your annual prophylaxis is having an impact. Check here for examples of dental charts. Adding local blocks to reduce pain for patients and intra-oral radiographs will greatly increase the care and comfort you can provide. Getting the whole team discussing dental care with every patient will increase your patients’ overall health. Wanting to learn more? Attend the Veterinary Dental Forum and subscribe to the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry.