Small Animal Dentistry Research Articles

Attitudes, Experience, and Self-Confidence of Veterinary and Veterinary Nursing Students in Small Animal Dentistry: A Survey Study.

Dental issues are extremely common in dogs and cats, underscoring the importance of veterinary professionals' knowledge in dentistry. Nevertheless, dental problems are currently often underdiagnosed and, consequently, undertreated. This study investigated the attitudes, experiences, and self-confidence of veterinary (V) and veterinary nursing (VN) students in their final two years of study in small animal dentistry. An online questionnaire was distributed, and responses were received from 61% of V students (n=94) and 41% of VN students (n=72). The majority of both V students (61%) and VN students (69%) expressed a desire for more education in small animal dentistry. Furthermore, a minority of V students (20%) and VN students (22%) felt adequately prepared for their first day in practice after graduation. Less than half of the students (V 44% and VN 38%) had participated in a practical dental procedure outside training sessions. Self-confidence in small animal dentistry procedures was rated on a 0-10 scale. V students exhibited the highest confidence in teeth polishing (6.1) and removing tartar with ultrasonic scalers (6.0), while VN students were most confident in recognizing common oral/dental problems (6.0) and discussing dental issues with pet owners (5.3). Extra practical training significantly increased confidence in several dental procedures (p<.005). Despite positive attitudes, a notable proportion of V and VN students feel unprepared for their first day in practice, potentially stemming from insufficient training. Addressing these gaps through clear guidelines for Day One Competence and enhanced practical training is crucial, ultimately benefiting the well-being of small animals.

Antibiotic Use in Dental Care of Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits in Sweden.

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the largest threats to global health. In society as well as in healthcare facilities, antimicrobial resistance is rapidly increasing with the main reason being overuse and misuse of antibiotics combined with inadequate infection prevention. For humans, dental care accounts for about 10% of all antibiotic prescriptions, making it an important target for antibiotic stewardship interventions. Corresponding figures for veterinary care are currently lacking but dental disease is frequently diagnosed in small animals. An important first step in the work towards prudent use of antibiotics is to understand antibiotic prescription habits and through that estimate the adherence to veterinary antibiotic guidelines as well as the need for education, training, and improved policies. The aim of this article is to present the results of a multicentre point prevalence survey sent to Swedish IVC Evidensia practices during autumn 2021 to recognize the use of antibiotics associated with dental treatments in dogs, cats, and rabbits. During the study period, 4.4% of the dental patients in Swedish IVC Evidensia small animal veterinary practices received antibiotics. The most used antibiotics prescribed were ampicillin, amoxicillin, and clindamycin indicating an overall high level of compliance to veterinary dental guidelines. This article demonstrates that Swedish veterinarians use antibiotics prudently in small animal dentistry and the results may be used as a future global benchmark.

The Evaluation of a High-Fidelity Simulation Model and Video Instruction Used to Teach Canine Dental Skills to Pre-Clinical Veterinary Students.

In recent years, there has been an increased focus on the teaching of small-animal dentistry to veterinary students in order to address the recognized gap between dental skill training and the expectations of employers regarding the competencies of new graduates in this field. In this study, third-year veterinary students were trained in three canine dental core skills using either a high-fidelity model (Group A) or video instruction (Group B). An objective structured clinical examination was used to assess skill acquisition and questionnaires were distributed in order to assess student confidence and perceptions related to small-animal dentistry practice and related skills before and after the training. All results were compared between the two groups. Group A outperformed Group B in skill acquisition (p < 0.001) and there was greater improvement in skill confidence for Group A than Group B (p < 0.001). There was no statistical difference in perceptions related to small-animal dentistry between the two groups after the training (p ≥ 0.1). Group A rated their training experience more highly than Group B (p < 0.001). Although dental skill acquisition shows greater improvement when training is provided by models rather than video instruction, a blended approach to teaching dental skills is likely to be the best approach to optimizing dental skill acquisition.

Levels of Evidence in Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery Literature Over 40 Years.

Veterinary dentistry and oral surgery are relatively new clinical disciplines that have rapidly evolved in the last few decades. Although clinical standards of care are supported by a growing body of literature, the extent to which peer-reviewed, evidence-based studies have contributed to advancing the practice of dentistry and oral surgery has not been assessed. The purpose of this study was to survey literature on the clinical practice of small animal dentistry and oral surgery published over the past 40 years to evaluate the levels of evidence over time, authorship affiliation, funding, and clinical subdisciplines within the field. A literature search was conducted in PubMed and the identified articles were screened for inclusion. A total of 1,083 articles were included for final analysis. Three reviewers independently assessed and assigned each article to one of nine predetermined study design categories. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were considered the highest level of evidence, whereas expert opinion and experimental (ex vivo, in vitro, or in silico) studies were deemed the lowest levels of evidence. For statistical analysis and interpretation, study type was dichotomized into high evidence designs from which causal inference and/or associations could be derived, and low evidence designs which were purely descriptive or non-clinical experiments. No statistically significant difference in the distribution of study type was seen over time, with the majority of research in the last 5 years being largely at high risk of bias and descriptive in nature: 80.6% of articles published between 2014 and 2019 were assigned to the low evidence design tier. The type of study was found to differ by author affiliation: high evidence study designs were found more often than expected when author affiliation was multi-institutional or industrial, whereas private practice authorship was underrepresented in the high evidence design tier. To meet the increasing demand for evidence-based studies on the practice of dentistry and oral surgery in dogs and cats, researchers are encouraged to consider study design when testing hypotheses to improve the quality of research.

Final year veterinary students' attitudes towards small animal dentistry: a questionnaire-based survey.

To investigate the attitudes of final year veterinary students towards small animal dentistry and to examine the teaching received in this subject, both at university and during extra-mural studies. A cross-sectional study of all UK final year veterinary students in 2012 was designed and used by a self-administered Internet-based questionnaire. Six of seven universities participated with 188 student responses. All students felt that it was important or very important for a small animal practitioner to have a broad understanding of dentistry, and that orodental problems were common or very common in small animals. Almost all (99 · 5%) students perceived small animal dentistry as an important or very important subject. Less than 40% of students felt that the teaching had prepared them for entering practice. Over 50% reported that they neither felt confident in discussing orodental problems with clients nor in performing a detailed examination of the oral cavity. Dental problems are perceived by students as frequently encountered in small animal practice. The veterinary surgeon should be adequately trained to detect, diagnose and treat dental disease in small animals and many students feel that their current teaching is inadequate.

Book Review: The Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Clinical Companion for Small Animal Dentistry, Second Edition

Book Review: The Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Clinical Companion for Small Animal Dentistry, Second Edition

Oral disease – often overlooked

Oral disease – often overlooked

Evaluation of a Dental Model for Training Veterinary Students

Periodontal disease has deleterious effects on an animal's health and potentially serious implications for its welfare. Consequently, veterinarians frequently perform routine periodontal treatment in small-animal practice. One would therefore assume that small-animal dentistry would constitute a core component of a veterinary curriculum. However, most practitioners received little or no formal training in dentistry during their veterinary degrees, and the amount of instruction students currently receive is variable, often with limited opportunities to practice. At the Royal Veterinary College, a prototype dental model was developed to address the lack of practical training; it was made using ceramic tiles, silicone sealant, and grout to emulate teeth, gingiva, and calculus, respectively. A study was conducted with third-year veterinary students to compare the outcomes of learning to perform a professional dental cleaning using a model (group A) or a video (group B). Performance was assessed using an objective structured clinical examination. Students in group A scored significantly better than those in group B (p<.001). All students also completed a questionnaire evaluating attitudes toward the use of a dental model in learning dentistry-related skills. All students identified a model as a potentially valuable learning tool to supplement existing teaching methods and facilitate the acquisition of small-animal dentistry skills. The dental model has the potential to equip students with useful, practical skills in a safe and risk-free environment.

Dental radiography

ABSTRACT:Dental radiography is a useful – and in some cases essential – diagnostic tool, still under-utilised in small animal dentistry. When one considers that most of the structure of the tooth lies below the gingival margin, within the bone, many structures are not visible and much pathology can remain undetected unless radiography is performed. Intra-oral film placement, utilising different techniques and specific dental film, allow individual teeth and the surrounding bone to be evaluated to check for subtle changes, without superimposition of the opposing jaw or dental arcade. Indications for taking intraoral radiographs are numerous.

Tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico na odontologia veterinária: descrição e padronização da técnica

Onze cães e quatro gatos, portadores de alterações buco-dentárias e atendidos no Centro Veterinário do Gama, em Brasília, DF, foram submetidos à tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico. Os exames foram realizados em um tomógrafo i-CAT, utilizando para aquisição das imagens, altura de seis centímetros, tempo de 40 segundos, 0,2 voxel, 120 kilovolts e 46,72 miliampéres por segundo. O melhor posicionamento dos animais para realização do exame foi definido neste estudo. Esse é um fator fundamental para a realização do exame, que necessitou um protocolo anestésico simples e seguro, em função do tempo mínimo necessário à obtenção das imagens. Várias alterações e enfermidades foram identificadas, com extrema acurácia, credenciando a tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico como um exame seguro, acessível e exeqüível e que pode ser incorporado à rotina odontológica das clínicas de pequenos animais.

Blackwells’ Five‐Minute Veterinary Consult: Clinical Companion Small Animal Dentistry ‐ By HB Lobprise

Australian Veterinary JournalVolume 86, Issue 10 p. 413-413 Blackwells’ Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Clinical Companion Small Animal Dentistry - By HB Lobprise David Clarke BVSc, Diplomate AVDC, Fellow AVD, MACVSc, David Clarke BVSc, Diplomate AVDC, Fellow AVD, MACVSc Registered Specialist Veterinary Dentistry Dental Care for Pets Hallam, Vic., 3803Search for more papers by this author David Clarke BVSc, Diplomate AVDC, Fellow AVD, MACVSc, David Clarke BVSc, Diplomate AVDC, Fellow AVD, MACVSc Registered Specialist Veterinary Dentistry Dental Care for Pets Hallam, Vic., 3803Search for more papers by this author First published: 24 September 2008 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2008.00307.x doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2008.00307.x Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume86, Issue10October 2008Pages 413-413 RelatedInformation

Small animal dentistry – a manual of techniques ‐ by Tutt C

Australian Veterinary JournalVolume 85, Issue 9 p. 385-385 Small animal dentistry – a manual of techniques - by Tutt C R Salter, R SalterSearch for more papers by this author R Salter, R SalterSearch for more papers by this author First published: 28 August 2007 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2007.00199.x Dr Rod Salter provides a referral veterinary dentistry and oral surgery service at Sandringham Veterinary Clinic, 262 Bluff Road, Sandringham, Victoria, in conjunction with Dr Stephen Coles. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2007.00199.x Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume85, Issue9September 2007Pages 385-385 RelatedInformation

Book Review: Small Animal Dentistry - A Manual of Techniques

Book Review: Small Animal Dentistry - A Manual of Techniques

A Manual of Small Animal Dentistry, 2nd edn.

Journal of Small Animal PracticeVolume 36, Issue 12 p. 557-557 A Manual of Small Animal Dentistry, 2nd edn. J. P. SAUVAGE, J. P. SAUVAGESearch for more papers by this author J. P. SAUVAGE, J. P. SAUVAGESearch for more papers by this author First published: December 1995 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.1995.tb02812.xAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume36, Issue12December 1995Pages 557-557 RelatedInformation

Handbook of Small Animal Dentistry, 2nd edn, P Emily and S Penman, Pergamon

Handbook of Small Animal Dentistry, 2nd edn, P Emily and S Penman, Pergamon

Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery

Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery

Manual of Small Animal Dentistry

Manual of Small Animal Dentistry

Handbook of Small Animal Dentistry

Journal of Small Animal PracticeVolume 32, Issue 5 p. 220-220 Handbook of Small Animal Dentistry W. Johnston, W. JohnstonSearch for more papers by this author W. Johnston, W. JohnstonSearch for more papers by this author First published: May 1991 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.1991.tb00551.xAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume32, Issue5May 1991Pages 220-220 RelatedInformation

Oral cavity medicine and surgery: Manual of Small Animal Dentistry Edited by C. E. Harvey and H. Simon Orr.

Oral cavity medicine and surgery: Manual of Small Animal Dentistry Edited by C. E. Harvey and H. Simon Orr.

BOOK REVIEWS

Necropsy Techniques: Food Animal Practice—The Veterinary Clinics of North America. John J. Andrews, Guest Editor. Current Therapy in Theriogenology. 2. Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Reproductive Diseases in Small and Large Animals. David A. Morrow. Small Animal Dentistry. Patricia Frost, Guest Editor. Diseases of the Cat: Medicine and Surgery, Volume I. J. Holzworth, editor. Current Therapy in Equine Medicine, 2nd Edition. N. Edward Robinson, Editor.