Dentistry and Oral Surgery for Veterinarians
Feline and Canine Dental Extraction Bootcamp: From Basics to Mastery for General Veterinary Practitioners
April 25-26, 2026
This comprehensive course is designed for general veterinary practitioners who want to enhance their knowledge and skills in performing dental extractions in canine and feline patients. The two-day program combines engaging lectures, case-based discussions, and extensive hands-on laboratory sessions, allowing participants to practice extraction techniques under expert guidance.
Veterinarian participants will leave with a strong understanding of oral anatomy, practical strategies for managing complications using surgical closed (simple) and open (complicated) techniques, and protocols for post-operative care. Participants will earn 14 hours of continuing education, approved by the NCVMB, accepted in 41 states.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, veterinarians will:
- Confidently diagnose oral conditions requiring dental extractions.
- Understand the key differences between canine and feline dental anatomy.
- Use appropriate tools and techniques to perform closed and open dental extractions of single and multi-rooted teeth.
- Manage potential complications during and after dental procedures.
- Develop a thorough approach to pain management, client communication, and post-operative care.
Course Requirements
- Open to veterinarians.
- Participants should wear scrubs.
- Personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, masks, eyewear) will be provided.
Feline and Canine Dental Extraction Bootcamp: From Basics to Mastery for General Veterinary Practitioners – Course Aganda
Day 1: Laying the Foundations
Day 1: Agenda, (+ to view).
- Module 1: Introduction to Small Animal Dentistry | Lecture (1 hour) 8:00- 8:55 AM
- Importance of dental care in dogs and cats.
- Common oral conditions necessitating extractions: periodontal disease, tooth fractures, feline resorptive lesions, etc.
- Recognizing when extraction is the best option.
- Module 2: Canine and Feline Oral Anatomy | Lecture and Case Studies (1 hour) 9:00 -9:55 AM
- Key anatomical structures relevant to extractions.
- Differences between canine and feline dentition and oral pathology.
- Radiographic anatomy and interpretation tips.
- Break – 15 minutes
- Module 3: Pain Management and Post-Operative Care | Lecture and Case Studies (1 hour) 10:15 – 11:10 AM
- Pain control protocols: Regional nerve blocks, post-operatory pain medications.
- Antibiotic use and wound care.
- Client education and discharge instructions.
- Module 4: Extraction Tools and Equipment | Lecture and Demo (1 hour) 11:15-12:10 PM
- Overview of essential tools: elevators, luxators, high-speed drills, etc.
- Proper handling of dental instruments/equipment.
- Demo: Using instruments effectively.
- Lunch – 12:10- 1:30 PM
- Module 5: Techniques for Simple Extractions | Demonstration and Hands-On Practice (3 hours) 1:30 – 4:30 PM
- Closed dental extractions – handling complications
- Regional nerve blocks
- Step-by-step guide for simple extractions (e.g., incisors, first premolar teeth).
- Hands-on practice with anatomic specimens.
- Ergonomics during dental extractions/procedures
- Individualized feedback from instructors.
Day 2: Advanced Techniques/Open Extractions
Day 2: Agenda, (+ to view).
- Module 6: Surgical Extraction Technique (Canine and multi-rooted teeth) | Lecture (1 hour) 8:00-9:00 AM
- Creating mucoperiosteal flaps, bone removal, and sectioning multi-rooted teeth.
- Surgical techniques for oronasal communication repair.
- Addressing common complications: root fractures, hemorrhage, and soft tissue trauma.
- Break – 15 minutes
- Module 7: Hands-On Laboratory: Open (Surgical) Extractions | Lab (3 hours) 9:15 AM – 12:15 PM
- Practical exercises on cadaver heads:
- Creating flaps and performing surgical extractions of single and multi-rooted teeth.
- Removing fractured root tips.
- Suturing techniques.
- Individualized feedback from instructors.
- Lunch 12:15 – 1:30 PM
- Module 8: Special Considerations for Cats | Lecture (1h) and Hands-On Lab (2 hours) 1:30 – 4:30
- Unique challenges in feline dentistry: resorptive lesions.
- Techniques for feline extractions (dental extraction vs crown amputation).
- Creating flaps.
- Hands-on practice with feline cadaver heads.
- Individualized feedback from instructors.
- Break – 15 minutes
- Module 11: Review and Open Discussion | Interactive Session (30 minutes) 4:30 PM
- Q&A with instructors.
- Course wrap-up and feedback session.
Registration:
Veterinarians 2-day course is $3,500
- 6 hours of lectures and interactive discussions.
- 8 hours of hands-on laboratory sessions with cadavers.
- Dental instruments – D4100 (sets) – 13 pc. Extraction Set – Stubby Handle Lge S/S Case (Vets only)
- Breakfast & lunch
- 14 hours CE credit
- Electronic notes