Pawsitive Veterinary Dentistry “The podcast for veterinary dental teams—hosted by Benita Altier, LVT, VTS (Dentistry).”

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In this special 20th anniversary episode, six of the founding technicians of the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians (AVDT) look back on how a small group built the first veterinary technician specialty in dentistry. They talk about the late nights writing bylaws and the constitution, the nerve-wracking first VTS (Dentistry) exam in 2006, the growing pains, the laughs along the way, and where they see the profession heading in the next 20 years and beyond.

Featuring:
Mary Berg, RVT, VTS (Dentistry) Treasurer
Jeanne Perrone, CVT, VTS (Dentistry), first AVDT president
Vickie Byard, CVT, VTS (Dentistry)
Sue Elder CVT, VTS (Dentistry)
Tommy Koenig RVT, VTS (Dentistry)
Gerianne Holzman CVT, VTS (Dentistry) Retired

Hosted by Benita Altier, LVT, VTS (Dentistry) Immediate Past-President

Key topics: AVDT history, veterinary technician specialist (VTS) in dentistry, veterinary dental technicians, NAVTA credentialing, Veterinary Dental Forum, first AVDT exam, veterinary dentistry education, veterinary technician specialty organizations.

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Listen on all podcast apps:
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Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians: https://www.avdt.us/
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If you're a credentialed veterinary technician or considering the path to becoming a VTS in dentistry, this path exists because of the people in this episode. Please like, watch, subscribe, and share this episode with your veterinary friends and let them know the AVDT is celebrating 20 years in 2026.

Keep doing Pawsitive Dentistry!

#AVDT #VeterinaryDentistry #VeterinaryTechnician #VTSDentistry #VeterinaryDentalTechnicians #VeterinaryTechnicianSpecialty #VetTech #VeterinaryPodcast #PawsitiveVeterinaryDentistry #DentalForum

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Your dental unit's water line might be the dirtiest thing in your operatory — and most practices have no idea. In this episode of Pawsitive Veterinary Dentistry, host Benita Altier, LVT, VTS (Dentistry) talks with Dr. Ana Nemec, veterinary faculty at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, about asepsis, dental unit water contamination, instrument sterilization, and ergonomics in veterinary dental practice — drawing on her 2026 European Veterinary Dental Congress (Porto, Portugal) lecture and her published research.

Referenced research: Šparaš L, Nemec A, Biasizzo M. "Microbial contamination levels in water derived from dental units used in small animal dentistry." Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Vol. 12, 2025. [DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1639712 link]

Keywords: veterinary dentistry, dental unit waterline contamination, veterinary dental asepsis, dental instrument sterilization, dental unit disinfection protocol, ergonomics in veterinary dentistry, antimicrobial stewardship in dentistry, infection control veterinary dental practice

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#VeterinaryDentistry #VetDentistry #PawsitiveVeterinaryDentistry #DentalAsepsis #InfectionControl #VeterinaryCE #VetDentalRadiology #GeneralPracticeDentistry

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Regional nerve blocks are one of the most effective pain control tools in veterinary dentistry — but the technique is only half the story. Dr. Chris Snyder, President of the American Veterinary Dental College and Hospital Director at UW–Madison, joins Pawsitive Veterinary Dentistry to break down infraorbital and inferior alveolar nerve blocks, what his research on bupivacaine and buprenorphine revealed about analgesic duration, and how to lead a dental team that actually uses these tools consistently. Whether you're a GP without advanced imaging or a practice owner trying to build a stronger dental service, this episode covers the clinical technique and the team leadership that makes it stick.

Guest resources & full publication list: https://www.vetmed.wisc.edu/people/christopher-snyder/

#VeterinaryDentistry #RegionalAnesthesia #NerveBlock #AVDC #VetMed #VeterinaryLeadership #DogDentalCare #CatDentalCare

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Cleft palate surgery in puppies and kittens is one of the most complex procedures in veterinary dentistry — and success depends on far more than the surgery itself. In this episode, Dr. Kendall Taney, DAVDC, Fellow OMFS, walks through real case examples covering the full journey of cleft palate repair in young patients.

We cover how to prepare young, fragile patients — getting them healthy and large enough to safely undergo surgery — and how imaging, including cone beam CT and dental radiology, guides surgical planning. Dr. Taney also breaks down the surgical approach itself, along with post-operative care: pain management protocols and the anesthetized follow-up exam that confirms a successful repair.

Whether you're a general practice veterinarian, vet tech, or dental team member, this episode gives you practical, real-world guidance on managing complex cleft palate cases in both puppies and kittens — from first exam to full recovery.

Topics covered: early detection • patient preparation • anesthesia risk management • cone beam CT imaging • dental radiology • surgical timing • cleft palate repair technique • pain management • anesthetized follow-up exam

Show Resources:
https://www.kittencarelab.org/eepie-mouses-story

https://www.kittencarelab.org/recipe-for-eepie-bites

 https://www.facebook.com/groups/651982131915440/about/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/568900853174932/about/

 https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/253/11/javma.253.11.1445.xml

https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/ajvr/78/8/ajvr.78.8.926.xml

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1532-950X.2014.12129.x

Where to find Dr. Kendall Taney:

Center for Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery
 9057 Gaither Road
 Gaithersburg, MD 20877
 (301) 990-9460
www.centerforveterinarydentistry.com

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#VeterinaryDentistry #CleftPalate #VetSurgery #OMFS #DAVDC #VeterinaryMedicine #VetTech #SmallAnimalSurgery #ConeBeamCT #DentalRadiology #PainManagement #PuppyHealth #KittenHealth #AnimalSurgery

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In this special tribute episode, Dr. Heidi Lobprise, DAVDC, shares the remarkable legacy of her mentor and co-author, Dr. Robert Bruce Wiggs — one of the founding figures of veterinary dentistry in North America.

Dr. Lobprise recounts how she became Dr. Wiggs' dental resident, the cases they worked together, and their landmark collaboration on the 1997 textbook Veterinary Dentistry: Principles and Practice — one of the first comprehensive references in the field.

You'll hear the story behind the Wiggs Winged Elevator, a specialized dental extraction instrument invented by Dr. Wiggs that is now widely used in veterinary practices around the world. From its design to its clinical application, this instrument stands as a lasting tribute to his ingenuity.

This episode is essential listening for any veterinary professional who wants to understand where veterinary dentistry came from — and the people who built it.

🎙️ Guest: Dr. Heidi Lobprise, DAVDC
📚 Topics covered: History of veterinary dentistry, Wiggs Winged Elevator, veterinary dental extractions, mentorship in veterinary medicine, landmark veterinary textbooks

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Oral masses in dogs are common. Ignoring them is not an option.

Dr. Stephanie Goldschmidt — Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist, Fellow of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, and professor at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine — joins us for a comprehensive, clinically practical conversation on canine oral cancer.

We cover the full picture: biopsy, imaging, staging, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, prognosis, palliative care, and when referral is the right call. Dr. Goldschmidt also addresses why even a mass that looks alarming may have treatment options — and why the ones that look benign should never be dismissed.

This episode is essential listening for primary care veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and anyone whose patients include dogs. Packed with clinical pearls you can apply immediately.

Topics covered: canine oral tumors, oral cancer diagnosis in dogs, veterinary dentistry, biopsy techniques, oral mass staging, surgery options, when to refer in veterinary medicine, palliative care for pets, and veterinary oncology.

Referenced Research

https://www.youtube.com/@PawsitiveDentalEducation

https://pawsitivedental.com/podcast/

https://www.tiktok.com/@pawsitive.dental

https://www.instagram.com/pawsitivedental/

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What should you do when a young dog fractures a tooth that is still developing? Is extraction always the best option—or can these teeth actually be saved?

In this episode of the Pawsitive Veterinary Dentistry Podcast, host Benita Altier, LVT, VTS (Dentistry) sits down with Dr. Sandra Manfra Marretta to discuss one of the most important and misunderstood topics in veterinary dentistry: the management of immature permanent teeth with crown fractures in dogs.

Dr. Manfra Marretta is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, a Charter Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College, and an AVDC and ACVS Founding Fellow in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Drawing from decades of experience in veterinary oral surgery and her published review paper on this topic, she shares practical insights that every veterinary professional can apply in practice.

In this episode, we discuss:
🦷 Why immature permanent teeth are different
🦷 Vital pulp therapy and treatment options
🦷 Decision-making for fractured teeth in young dogs
🦷 Common mistakes clinicians still make today
🦷 When teeth can be saved—and when they cannot
🦷 Client communication strategies
🦷 Practical tips for veterinary teams in general practice

Whether you are a veterinarian, veterinary technician, student, or someone passionate about veterinary dentistry, this episode delivers valuable clinical insight into improving long-term outcomes for young patients with traumatic dental injuries.

Research Article

https://sage.cnpereading.com/doi/10.1177/08987564211046325

🎙️ Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to or watch podcasts.

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Chronic Feline Gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is one of the most painful and frustrating oral diseases encountered in feline patients. Cats with FCGS often suffer from severe oral inflammation, difficulty eating, weight loss, and chronic pain — leaving veterinary teams and cat caregivers searching for answers.

For many patients, full-mouth or near full-mouth extractions remain the gold standard treatment. But is surgery always the answer? And why do some cats continue to struggle even after extractions?

In this episode of the Pawsitive Veterinary Dentistry Podcast, host Benita Altier, LVT, VTS (Dentistry) is joined by Dr. Maria Soltero Rivera to discuss the evolving science behind feline chronic gingivostomatitis and what current research reveals about this complex disease.

Together they explore:

• What FCGS actually is and why it develops
• The immune-mediated nature of the disease
• The possible role of chronic viral infection and the oral microbiome
• Why full-mouth extractions are often recommended
• What veterinary teams should expect after surgery
• How to communicate extraction recommendations to cat owners
• Treatment options for refractory cases
• Emerging therapies including mesenchymal stromal cell therapy
• The future of personalized treatment approaches for FCGS patients

This episode provides practical clinical insight for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, students, and anyone involved in the care of feline dental patients.

If you’ve ever struggled with an FCGS case — or helped guide a client through the difficult decision of full-mouth extractions — this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Show Resources:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1098612X231186834?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%

www.avdc.org 

www.avdt.us

#VeterinaryDentistry #VetMed #VeterinaryTechnician #FelineMedicine #CatDentistry #FCGS #VeterinaryPodcast www.avdc.org www.avdt.us

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This episode explores the history of veterinary dentistry and how the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) and the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians (AVDT) became recognized specialties.

What did veterinary dentistry look like 50 years ago… and how did it evolve into the advanced specialty we practice today?

In Part 1 of this two-part series, Dr. Edward Eisner takes us on a firsthand journey through the transformation of veterinary dentistry in the United States. From a time when dentistry was often overlooked… to the formation of organized leadership, education, and specialty recognition — this episode captures the pivotal moments that shaped the field.

Dr. Eisner shares the inside story of how the American Veterinary Dental Society was formed, and how the specialty ultimately gained recognition through the American Veterinary Dental College under the American Veterinary Medical Association and its American Board of Veterinary Specialties.

We also explore his 40-year relationship with Peter Emily, a human dentist whose mentorship and collaboration helped elevate veterinary dentistry worldwide.

And in a defining moment for the veterinary team, Dr. Eisner discusses his role in helping establish the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians — alongside 12 pioneering technicians — creating the pathway for the Veterinary Technician Specialty in Dentistry, recognized through the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America and the Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties.

This episode is more than history — it’s the story of how a specialty was built.

👉 In Part 2, Dr. Eisner shares what he’s working on today, the passion projects that continue to drive him, and his vision for where veterinary dentistry is headed over the next 50 years.

KEY TOPICS COVERED

veterinary dentistry history, AVDC, American Veterinary Dental College, veterinary dental specialty, AVDT, Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians, NAVTA, veterinary technician specialty dentistry, veterinary dental education, animal dentistry evolution, dental care for pets, veterinary oral health, periodontal disease in dogs and cats, veterinary CE dentistry

WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR

• Veterinarians interested in dentistry
• Veterinary technicians and VTS (Dentistry) candidates
• Practice owners looking to elevate dental standards
• Students exploring veterinary specialties
• Anyone passionate about improving oral health in animals

WHY THIS MATTERS

Understanding the history of veterinary dentistry helps clinicians:
• Improve diagnostic and treatment decisions
• Appreciate the evolution of standards of care
• Advocate for better dentistry in general practice
• Elevate patient outcomes through education and awareness

Show Resources:

https://avdc.org/

https://www.avdt.us/

https://veterinarydentistry.org/

https://peteremilyfoundation.org/

Zoo and Wild Animal Dentistry

Peter P. Emily DDS,, Edward R. Eisner AB, DVM,

First published:19 March 2021

Print ISBN:9781119545811 |Online ISBN:9781119545804 |DOI:10.1002/9781119545804

© 2021 John Wiley & Sons, Inc

 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781119545804

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In this episode, host Benita Altier explores how successful veterinary dental care requires coordinated teamwork across the entire practice with Dr. Kris Bannon, a board-certified dental specialist and former president of the American Veterinary Dental Society. From front desk receptionists screening for oral-nasal fistulas to technicians managing critical anesthesia monitoring, every team member plays a vital role—and the two-technician-per-patient model is non-negotiable for patient safety. Dr. Bannon emphasizes the importance of strong diagnostic training for general practitioners, appropriate referral relationships with specialists, and management support for sustainable dental programs.
Guest: Dr. Kris Bannon, DVM, DAVDC, Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry  #veterinarydentistry #podcast #dvm #veterinarian 
#veterinaryadvice #veterinarytechnician #veterinaryteam #veterinaryassistant 
#veterinarymedicine 

Organizations & Resources:

Dr. Kris Bannon DVM, FAVD, DAVDC
https://vetdentistrynm.com/

Find Pawsitive Dentistry: Benita Altier LVT, VTS (Dentistry)
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