Name: Tom Rampton
Dr. David is the owner operator of Hallam Veterinary Clinic and Dental Care For Pets. He has been at the practice since 2003. He obtained his BVSc in 1989 from the University of Queensland, and then completed his specialist training in veterinary dentistry with Dr. Bob Wiggs in Dallas, Texas through the American Veterinary Dental College. David is the only qualified veterinary dental specialist in Australia and is passionate about all things dental, especially endodontics and orthodontics. In November, 2018, David became the first international (non-American) person to become the President of the American Veterinary Dental College, a massive achievement for veterinary dentists outside of the USA.
BEFORE WE GET STUCK INTO THE INTERVIEW, HERE ARE SOME INTERESTING UPDATES FROM DAVID.
Dental disease is common in the general pet population and often goes undetected until there is a major problem, which may be picked up at an annual vaccination or health check, or by the owner if there are obvious clinical signs. There has been an interest in dentistry since the inception of the Dental Society's over 30 years ago, but until recently, there has not been a major focus on dental education. Many Universities are now putting dentistry into their curriculum, many companies are producing excellent client friendly products to combat dental disease, and individuals are providing webinars, courses and wet labs for practitioners to upgrade or enhance their dental skills. In order to provide the general public and the pet population the dental service they need, the veterinarian, technician/nurse needs to be aware that dentistry can be a large part of their day-to-day practice and there are excellent learning opportunities available.
The Interview
WHAT ARE THE TOP 5 REFERRED DENTAL CONDITIONS YOU SEE IN DOGS?
- Gingivitis (Halitosis)
- Periodontitis (Periodontal disease)
- Complicated tooth fractures exposing the pulp
- Malocclusions – bite abnormalities
- Oral tumours
WHAT ARE THE TOP REFERRED DENTAL CONDITIONS YOU SEE IN CATS?
- Gingivitis
- Tooth resorptions
- Periodontitis (Periodontal disease)
- Gingivo-stomatitis
- Complicated tooth fractures
ARE THERE ANY CONDITIONS THAT ARE ON THE RISE?
Canine skeletal malocclusions or jaw length discrepancies. The normal bite for the dog is called a scissor bite. This is defined by equal jaw lengths of the maxilla and mandible and appropriate positioning of the teeth, which includes the mandibular canine tooth being positioned between the maxillary 3rd incisor and canine within a diastema.
Persistent deciduous teeth in puppies lead to incorrect eruption of the permanent teeth, often seen as a closed diastema and lingually displaced mandibular canine teeth. This results in trauma to the hard palate and surrounding teeth.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING VETERINARY DENTISTS?
Continuous education is important - listening to webinars, attending practical wetlabs or dental focused conferences, purchasing the appropriate and correct instruments to do the procedure and taking dental radiographs on each case.
WHAT DO YOU THINK WE CAN DO AS AN INDUSTRY TO IMPROVE DENTAL AWARENESS AND DISEASE PREVENTION?
- Educate the general public by using social media and the Australian Veterinary Association.
- Educate our DVM students by providing dental lectures and workshops so when they get into practice they have the appropriate knowledge, which is lacking currently.
- Utilise the knowledge base of the veterinary technician/nurse in each clinic and make each day a 'dental day' rather than have 'Pet Dental Month' which focuses on 1 month out of a whole year.
- Educate clientele through dental focus wellness programs and technician/nurse operated homecare programs.
WHAT ARE THE TOP 5 EXAMPLES OF CLIENT CONFUSION DO YOU SEE IN PRACTICE?
- Anaesthesia free dentistry does not equal good veterinary dental care
- Halitosis 'dog breath' is not normal.
- The role of the general veterinarian and the specialist, and how they can work together to improve and maintain the pet's oral health.
- Dogs and cats still eat even when the oral condition is very painful.
- Understanding that treatment of early disease prevents major issues in the future.
WHEN BRIEFING CLIENTS ON WHAT TO EXPECT WITH DENTISTRY, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TOP TIPS?
- General anaesthesia is required
- Radiographs are a necessity
- Homecare is required for maintenance of a healthy oral cavity
- Regular dental checks aid with early detection of disease
WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS ON GETTING CLIENTS TO FOLLOW YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS?
- Start homecare as a puppy or kitten
- Provide the client with written and visual handouts to explain their pet's condition and your recommendation
- Ensure the client keeps the revisits and follow-ups with constant contact with the trained technicians/nurses
- Have a technician/nurse with specific dental focus run a dental program in the clinic
Top VetCheck Dental Templates
We've put together the top 10 dental resources from the VetCheck library to help you educate your customers on treatment options, home care, prognoses and more.
8.What is involved in a dental prophylaxis
