A board-certified veterinary dentist and oral surgeon is a veterinarian who has completed advanced specialty training and passed rigorous examinations through the American Veterinary Dental College. This training goes beyond general practice and focuses specifically on diagnosing and treating complex dental and oral conditions in animals. These specialists are equipped to manage advanced periodontal disease, perform complex extractions and oral surgery, treat tooth resorption and fractures, and utilize dental imaging such as full-mouth radiographs and CT when needed. For both pet owners and general practitioners, this means access to a higher level of expertise for cases that require more precise diagnosis, advanced surgical care, and comprehensive oral health management.

A Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) is the gold standard dental procedure in veterinary medicine. It is a complete evaluation and treatment of a pet’s oral health performed under general anesthesia, allowing for a thorough and accurate assessment both above and below the gumline. During a COHAT, the teeth and gums are carefully examined, measured, and charted, and full-mouth dental X-rays are taken to identify disease that cannot be seen visually. The procedure also includes professional cleaning, scaling, and polishing, along with targeted treatment such as extractions, periodontal therapy, or other surgical interventions if disease is present. For pet owners and referring veterinarians, a COHAT ensures that oral disease is properly diagnosed and definitively treated in a single, comprehensive procedure, improving comfort, preventing progression of disease, and supporting overall health.

Referral to a board-certified veterinary dentist and oral surgeon (e.g., a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College) is recommended when cases require advanced diagnostics, surgical expertise, or when there is uncertainty in diagnosis or treatment planning.

Common indications for referral include:

• Advanced periodontal disease (deep pockets, furcation exposure, significant bone loss)

• Tooth resorption (especially feline, or when treatment approach is unclear)

• Fractured teeth with pulp exposure or strategic importance (canines, carnassials)

• Oral masses or suspected neoplasia requiring biopsy, staging, or surgical planning

• Jaw fractures or maxillofacial trauma

• Retained roots or failed extractions

• Cases requiring advanced imaging (full-mouth radiographs, CT/CBCT)

• Persistent oral pain or inflammation without a clear diagnosis (e.g., stomatitis)

• When extraction vs. endodontic vs. periodontal therapy is uncertain

Practical guideline:
If the case feels complex, carries higher surgical risk, or you are unsure of the optimal treatment approach, early referral improves outcomes, minimizes complications, and ensures definitive care.

In short: refer when the case goes beyond routine dental care or when specialized expertise will improve diagnosis, treatment precision, and patient safety.

These courses are designed for veterinary professionals seeking to strengthen their understanding of dental and oral disease, improve clinical decision-making, and elevate the standard of care they provide. The primary audience includes general practice veterinarians, recent graduates, and veterinary students who want practical, case-based guidance they can apply immediately in practice. They are also valuable for experienced clinicians looking to refine their approach to diagnostics, treatment planning, and interpretation of dental radiographs. Each course is structured to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application, with a focus on clarity, efficiency, and clinical relevance. Courses are RACE-approved, and participants will be awarded continuing education (CE) credit upon successful completion.

Submitting a case consultation is simple and designed to be efficient for busy clinicians. Navigate to the Case Inquiry page on the website and complete the consultation form by providing your practice information, patient signalment, clinical history, and a description of the case. You will have the option to upload relevant diagnostics, including dental radiographs, images, or supporting documents. Once the form is complete, submit payment to finalize the request. After submission, you will receive a confirmation, and a detailed review with recommendations will be provided following evaluation of the case materials.

Dental X-ray submissions are completed through VetRocket, a specialized platform designed for secure image sharing and expert interpretation. To submit a case, upload your patient’s dental radiographs directly to VetRocket and select the appropriate consultation or specialty group. Once submitted, the case is routed for review, and you will receive expert interpretation and clinical recommendations based on the imaging provided.

This system is designed for on-call, real-time support, allowing you to submit cases as they arise in practice and receive timely guidance to assist with diagnosis and treatment planning. VetRocket functions as a centralized imaging and communication platform, ensuring efficient case handling, organized record-keeping, and direct access to specialist input when you need it most.