Centers for Oral Care
Veterinary Dentistry
2nd Opinion
Animal Dentistry
Solutions
No. 7---08Nov2016
A BLOG by DH DeForge, VMD
Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry
1-800-838-3368
Evidence-Based Health Care
Collaborative Multidisciplinary Care
Veterinary
dentistry is moving in the same director as human dentistry. Alan H. Gluskin, DDS, Fellow the
International College of Dentists and the American College of Dentists states:
“It is important for each clinician to recognize the limits of his or her skill
and expertise in order to protect patients and provide quality of care.”
Veterinary
Medicine, Surgery, and Oral Care information technology are exploding. This
disallows the general practitioner’s ability to provide all services to treat
all patient problems.
Companion
animal dentistry is at the forefront of collaborative multidisciplinary care. Innovations in dental instrumentation;
magnification; and digital imaging have helped advance the standards of all
veterinary oral care. Because of this,
it is increasingly important for the general practitioner and veterinary
dentist to collaborate in patient management with the final goals of quality of
life without oral pain being their combined mission.
Veterinary
Dentists are the extra hand that the generalist needs in complex oral problems. Through the usage of oral x-ray digital
diagnostics; pulpal and periodontal diagnostic testing; a differential
diagnosis listing; a final diagnosis; and a clear treatment plan and prognosis, the client is able to make an informed
decision on the oral care of the pet that they love.
It
all comes down to information and education.
The X-ray below is a problem in pedodontics. Pedodontics refers to Pediatric
dentistry. It is generally defined as
the dental care of animals from birth to about 18 months of age in companion
animals. At 18 months of age, the
permanent dentition has matured and adult dental issues begin. This x-ray is an excellent example of the need
for collaborative-multidisciplinary care between generalist and animal dentist. Is the problem causing the pain endodontic;
periodontal in nature; or a combination of both? The veterinary dentist has the knowledge to
define; diagnose; and set up a treatment plan.
We
have reached a time in this New Millennium that promotes high quality oral care
for our companions and not just historical exodontia [removal of all and any
teeth with pathology]!
That
is quite exciting. Now is the time for
generalist and dentist to participate in comprehensive patient oral care with
an emphasis on saving valuable dentition needed for prehension, mastication,
and preparation of food for swallowing. Quality care and cost are the two defining
factors that pet advocates struggle with each day. Team care with the generalist and dentist
working in tandem [often and with] can conquer both of these obstacles with a
more expedient less costly outcome.
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