How to Be Veterinary Dentist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 14, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The importance of veterinary dentistry cannot be overstated. Poor dental health in pets can lead to a wide range of health issues, including damage to the heart, liver and kidneys. This can cause pain and discomfort, which in turn can lead to depression, a decrease in appetite, and difficulties eating.

Without proper dental care from a qualified veterinary dentist, this damage can become severe and irreversible. Through regular check-ups and cleanings, a veterinarian dentist can detect, diagnose, and treat dental issues before they have a chance to cause greater harm. Good dental health is a vital component of overall wellbeing for pets, and should not be overlooked.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming a veterinary dentist is to obtain a bachelors degree in veterinary medicine and dentistry or a related field. Many veterinary schools offer specializations in veterinary dentistry, so it is important to research the programs available in order to find the best fit for you.
Become Certified. After obtaining a bachelors degree in veterinary medicine and dentistry, it is necessary to become certified as a veterinary dentist. Certification is typically offered through the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) and requires passing both a written and clinical exam.
Obtain Licensure. Once certified, the next step is to obtain licensure in the state in which you will be practicing. Each state has its own specific requirements for licensure, so it is important to research the requirements for the state in which you plan to practice.
Complete Residency Program. Some states require completion of a residency program in order to become licensed. This program typically takes two to three years to complete and includes both clinical and didactic instruction.
Maintain Certification. In order to maintain certification, it is necessary to complete continuing education courses on a regular basis. Many states require that veterinary dentists maintain their certification by completing a certain number of hours of continuing education each year.

Having a reliable and capable veterinary dentist is important for the health of an animal. Poor dental care can lead to infections, tooth decay, and gum disease, which can cause pain, difficulty eating, and other health complications. bacteria from dental infections can spread to other organs and cause systemic diseases.

To ensure that your pet receives the best possible dental care, it is important to find a vet with experience and training in veterinary dentistry. It is also important to choose a vet who is up-to-date on the latest advancements in the field and has access to the most advanced equipment. By finding a qualified and experienced veterinary dentist, you can ensure that your pet's teeth will receive the best possible care and attention.

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Job Description

Diagnose and treat dental disorders in animals.
Perform dental procedures such as cleaning, scaling, root canals, extractions, and crowns.
Take radiographs to diagnose and treat oral and dental disease.
Explain oral health issues to pet owners and provide preventive care advice.
Monitor and record anesthetic protocols for dental procedures.
Administer anesthesia to animals prior to dental procedures.
Maintain accurate medical records and submit necessary documentation to the owner and referring veterinarian.
Work with other veterinary professionals to provide comprehensive care for animals.
Perform laboratory tests to diagnose dental disease and monitor treatment.
Consult with other healthcare professionals to determine appropriate treatment plans for animals.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of veterinary anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of dental diseases and their treatments
Knowledge of oral surgery techniques
Knowledge of pharmacology
Knowledge of dental radiography
Ability to perform dental procedures including extractions, root canals, crowns and other treatments
Ability to interpret dental x-rays
Ability to take detailed patient histories
Ability to explain dental treatments to pet owners
Ability to monitor patient progress during treatment
Knowledge of dental equipment and instrumentation
Ability to sterilize dental instruments
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Excellent bedside manner
Strong communication skills

Veterinary dentistry is an essential skill for any veterinarian to have, as it can have a significant impact on the overall health of their patients. Poor dental care can lead to pain and discomfort, as well as a range of other serious health issues such as infection, tooth loss, and even organ damage. In addition, poor dental hygiene can also cause bad breath, which can be very unpleasant for owners.

Regular dental examinations and professional cleaning are essential to ensure the best possible oral health for animals. A veterinarian with specialized training in the field of veterinary dentistry is able to diagnose and treat a variety of dental conditions, as well as provide preventive care such as brushing and scaling. With the right knowledge, a skilled veterinary dentist can make a huge difference in the lives of both animals and their owners.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in Veterinary Dentistry?
How do you handle difficult situations when dealing with pet owners?
What techniques do you use to ensure the comfort and safety of animals during dental procedures?
What type of preventative dental care do you recommend?
Are you familiar with the latest technology and equipment used in Veterinary Dentistry?
How do you handle stressful situations in a busy working environment?
What do you think is the most important aspect of Veterinary Dentistry?
How would you handle a situation where a pet owner was not happy with the dental care provided?
Describe a complex dental case that you successfully handled.
Do you have any experience in teaching or mentoring Veterinary Dental students?

Common Tools in Industry

Dental Scaler. A dental scaler is a tool used by veterinarians to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of a pet's teeth. (eg: Ultrasonic scalers)
Dental Curette. A dental curette is a tool used by veterinarians to remove calculus and debris from a pet's teeth. (eg: Periodontal curettes)
Cuspidor. A cuspidor is a tool used by veterinarians to provide a water source for dental procedures. (eg: Wall-mounted cuspidors)
X-Ray Machine. An X-ray machine is a tool used by veterinarians to produce X-ray images of a pet's teeth and jawbones. (eg: Digital radiography systems)
Dental Polishing Paste. Dental polishing paste is a tool used by veterinarians to polish the surfaces of a pet's teeth after scaling and curetting. (eg: Prophy paste)
Dental Handpiece. A dental handpiece is a tool used by veterinarians to perform ultrasonic scaling and polishing procedures. (eg: Air-driven dental handpieces)
Dental Diode Laser. A dental diode laser is a tool used by veterinarians to treat periodontal disease and perform soft tissue surgeries. (eg: Erbium diode laser systems)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Veterinary Dental College
American Veterinary Medical Association
Academy of Veterinary Dentistry
Veterinary Dental Society
American Animal Hospital Association
Veterinary Oral Health Council
International Veterinary Dental Society
International Academy of Veterinary Dentistry
American College of Veterinary Dentistry
World Veterinary Dental Association

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Common Important Terms

Orthodontics. A branch of dentistry that specializes in diagnosing and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.
Periodontics. A branch of dentistry that specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums, bones and soft tissues that support the teeth.
Endodontics. A branch of dentistry that specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the dental pulp and the root canal system.
Prosthodontics. A branch of dentistry that specializes in the restoration and replacement of missing or damaged teeth.
Oral Surgery. A branch of dentistry that specializes in surgical procedures involving the mouth, teeth, and jaw.
Maxillofacial Surgery. A branch of dentistry that specializes in surgical procedures involving the face, jaws, and neck.
Pediatric Dentistry. A branch of dentistry that specializes in the care of children's teeth and dental needs.
Oral Pathology. A branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and abnormalities of the mouth, teeth, and jaws.
Dental Radiology. A branch of dentistry that specializes in the use of radiographs to diagnose and treat dental conditions.
Dental Hygiene. A branch of dentistry that specializes in the prevention and control of oral disease by promoting good oral hygiene practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Veterinary Dentist do?

Veterinary dentists specialize in treating, diagnosing, and preventing dental and oral diseases in animals. They provide services such as dental exams, x-rays, extractions, and oral surgery.

How long does it take to become a Veterinary Dentist?

Becoming a veterinary dentist requires 8 years of schooling; 4 years of undergraduate studies and 4 years of veterinary school.

How much do Veterinary Dentists earn?

The average salary for a veterinary dentist is $83,000 per year.

What type of animals do Veterinary Dentists treat?

Veterinary dentists typically treat cats, dogs, horses, and other large animals such as cows and goats.

What qualifications are required to be a Veterinary Dentist?

To become a veterinary dentist, one must have a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and complete an accredited residency program in veterinary dentistry.

Web Resources

Veterinary Dentistry | Cat & Dog Dentist | UW Veterinary Care uwveterinarycare.wisc.edu
What Is Animal Dentistry? | Ross Vet veterinary.rossu.edu
Penn Vet | Dentistry & Oral Surgery www.vet.upenn.edu