In this episode of the WSAVA Podcast, interviewer Izzie Tsai speaks with two experienced clinicians about why accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective dental care, and how much disease can be missed when diagnostics are underused.

First, Ana Nemec discusses the role of dental radiography in everyday practice. She explains why visual examination alone can underestimate pathology, and reflects on the importance of image quality, technique, and appropriate case selection when incorporating radiographs into clinical decision-making.

In the second conversation, Jan Bellows focuses on early detection and routine oral examination. He explores why dental disease is frequently overlooked, the value of consistently examining the oral cavity, and how simple diagnostic tools can improve communication and patient outcomes.

Together, these conversations reinforce a clear message: careful examination and appropriate imaging are central to responsible, evidence-based dental care.

Resources & Links

• WSAVA Global Dental Committee
• WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines
• WSAVA Educational Resources
• Evaluation of extraction sites for evidence of retained tooth roots and periapical pathology
  
  

Contributors

• Ana Nemec, DVM, PhD, Dipl. AVDC, Dipl. EVDC, Assist. prof. – Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
• Jan Bellows, DVM, DIPL, AVDC, ABVP (Canine & Feline Practice)
• Izzie Yi-Chin Tsai, DVM, MVM – Facebook | Blog | Instagram

This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

In this episode of the WSAVA Podcast, the focus turns to the vital role of veterinary nurses and technicians in strengthening dental care in everyday practice. Two conversations explore how the wider veterinary team can improve outcomes through better instrumentation, workflow, client communication, and home care support.

First, Maggie Burley speaks with Mary Berg about building a practical dental toolkit and using instruments safely and effectively. Mary highlights core tools for periodontal assessment and cleaning, including probing, subgingival instrumentation, and the importance of visibility. She also discusses sterilisation, sharpening, and instrument care, emphasising that consistent standards and good ergonomics support both patient safety and long-term team performance.

In the second conversation, Marcela Perez-de-Tudela is joined by Stephanie Johnson to discuss how technicians can help clients succeed with dental home care. Stephanie shares step-by-step strategies for introducing toothbrushing, keeping experiences positive, and recognising early warning signs that warrant veterinary assessment. She also discusses how to guide owners toward validated dental products and why regular oral exams, imaging, and tailored plans remain important even when home care is excellent.

Together, these conversations highlight how strong dental programmes are built by the whole team, combining practical skills in-clinic with effective support for owners at home.

Resources & Links

• WSAVA Global Dental Committee
• WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines
• WSAVA Educational Resources
• Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)

Contributors

• Mary L Berg, BS, LATG, RVT, VTS (Dent) – LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
• Maggie Burley, RVN, Dip VN (Dental), VTS (Dentistry), TAE - LinkedIn | Instagram
• Stephanie Johnson, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia), (Dentistry) – TikTok
• Marcela Perez-de-Tudela MV, MSc - LinkedIn | Instagram

Click here for the full transcript

This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

In this episode of the WSAVA Podcast, interviewer Cedric Tutt explores dental care at both ends of a patient’s life, from early intervention in puppies to the challenges and opportunities of dentistry in senior pets.

First, John Lewis discusses paediatric dental problems that benefit from early action, including fractured deciduous teeth and persistent deciduous teeth. He explains why fractured deciduous teeth can matter even when puppies appear comfortable, and why infection risk and impact on developing adult teeth should not be underestimated.

Later in the episode, Heidi Lobprise turns to dentistry in older cats and dogs. She discusses why age alone should not rule out dental treatment, and how careful assessment, monitoring, and planning can reduce anaesthetic risk while improving quality of life. She also explores common senior presentations, including severe periodontal disease, chronic oral inflammation, and conditions such as “rubber jaw,” as well as the importance of home care across the lifespan.

Together, these conversations highlight how dental decision-making changes with age, and why proactive care can make a meaningful difference in both young and senior patients.

Resources & Links

• WSAVA Global Dental Committee
• WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines
• WSAVA Educational Resources
• A removable orthodontic device for the treatment of lingually displaced mandibular canine teeth in young dogs (Verhaert, 1999)

Contributors

• John Lewis, VMD, DAVDC, FF-OMFS – LinkedIn
• Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC – LinkedIn
• Cedric LC Tutt, Diplomate EVDC – LinkedIn | ResearchGate

Click here for the full transcript

This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.