BUILDING A THRIVING DENTAL PRACTICE MARY L. BERG, BS, RLATG, RVT, VTS (DENTISTRY)
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The veterinary technicians are essential members of the dental team. A successful dental practice must have a veterinary technician whose focus is dentistry. This individual can concentrate on emphasizing home care, client education, and follow up visits. The technician’s examination, communication, and therapy skills are vital for a successful practice. This individual’s responsibilities should include: performing dental cleanings, oral radiographs, charting, assisting in oral surgeries, giving post-operative instructions, maintenance of equipment as well as keeping the dental operatory well stocked. They should also keep staff education up to date on oral hygiene products. In clinics that board pets for clients, they should train their kennel staff to examine the pet’s teeth before the clients leave. They should show the owner the degree of oral disease and ask if they would like to have the pet’s teeth cleaned while boarding. If they do not bring a toothbrush, offer to loan one to them while the pet is boarding and incorporate daily brushing into the practice’s boarding services. This simple procedure helps emphasize the importance of oral care to the client. The veterinarian should be the team leader. They must believe that dentistry will help the pet live longer, healthier lives. The veterinarian should be comfortable recommending dental procedures to clients. They should also schedule dental education training and be supportive of continuing education opportunities for themselves and staff. Veterinary technicians should be responsible for client education. Start this education process with your
When presenting treatment plans, it is essential to sit with the pet owner and explain each part of the procedure and why it is vital to the wellbeing of the pet. Keep the cost at the bottom of the plan covered to allow the client to focus on the procedure, not the price. It is best to explain that it is difficult to determine the true extent of the oral disease until each tooth can be evaluated under anesthesia, and radiographs have been evaluated before a treatment plan is formulated, and the fees calculated. If the client has concerns due to cost, explain that periodontal disease is a progressive disease, and without treatment, it will get worse. Also, clinics should encourage clients to purchase pet insurance early in the pet’s life or offer a third-party payment plan to help alleviate the sticker shock of any dental or emergency procedure. (continued)
clients at the first or second puppy or kitten visit. Talk with them about the importance of good oral care by expressing the fact that the mouth is a mirror to the body. Give handouts explaining the relationship between oral disease and systemic health. Pictures are worth a thousand words. Use photos to give the client an impression of what can happen with the lack of oral care. Letting the client be involved in the treatment plan will help them understand the procedure. After the oral exam, review the findings with them. In dentistry, the treatment must be done while the animal is under anesthesia for a thorough oral exam. However, the review of the charts and radiographs after the procedure will be appreciated by the client. It can give them a sense of being involved. Be sure to explain the problem in terms that are appropriate to ensure that your client understands.
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