Learn Veterinary Dentistry
Veterinary Dentistry Continuing Education for Technicians and Assistants
Welcome to Learn Veterinary Dentistry!
At Learn Veterinary Dentistry, we are dedicated to empowering veterinary professionals through specialized training in veterinary dentistry. With over a decade of experience in veterinary dentistry, including extensive training alongside a board-certified veterinary dentist, I recognized a significant disparity in knowledge between general practices and specialty practices. I truly believe that pet owners inherently want the best for their companions. However, without access to accurate information regarding treatment options and recommendations, they may never learn of the superior choices available to them.
This realization inspired me to create a platform dedicated to bridging this gap. At Learn Veterinary Dentistry, our mission is to empower veterinary technicians and assistants with the knowledge and skills needed to provide exceptional dental care and the confidence to help owners make the best decision for their pet.
My comprehensive courses, such as “The Technicians Role in Veterinary Dentistry,” “Dental Radiographs in Dogs and Cats,” and “Scaling, Polishing, and Instrument Sharpening,” are designed to provide essential knowledge and practical skills to elevate your practice. We believe that a strong foundation in veterinary dentistry is vital to providing the best care for our patients.
As an advocate for lifelong learning, I collaborate with experts, including a board-certified anesthesiologist, to bring you the latest insights and techniques in veterinary dentistry. Whether you are seeking to sharpen your skills or enhance your understanding of dental pathology and anatomy, we have the resources to support you.
Based in Arkansas with my husband and our two dogs, Bled and Rooster, I travel the country—from California to South Carolina—partnering with a large veterinary group to deliver specialized training to veterinary specialty practices. My goal is to share knowledge and foster a community of dedicated professionals who are passionate about improving dental care for pets.
Join us at Learn Veterinary Dentistry, where your journey in veterinary dentistry begins, and let’s make a positive impact together!
I think there are several aspects that will help technicians get the most out of CE and I have tried to incorporate as many as possible into each of my 8-hour classes. I have incorporated: small interactive classes, syllabus focusing on specific topics in veterinary dentistry that are tailored to the technicians roll, plenty of breaks, plenty of time in a laboratory setting to get hands-on experience and make it fun. When people are entertained, they pay attention and when they are paying attention, they might learn something!
Why Should You Take Veterinary Dentistry CE Courses?
Investing in continuing education for veterinarians and technicians is essential for the success of our practices. By enhancing efficiency, improving quality of care, creating trust with clients, and bolstering revenue, we build a foundation for a thriving workplace. If practices continue to evolve and support their staff to grow mentally it will increase individual value and increase staff retention. Education is not just a line item in the budget; it’s an investment in the potential of our team and the well-being of our patients.
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Both of my courses are designed to provide as much knowledge as possible in a way that will not only benefit the technicians but will also elevate patient care. I incorporate hands on learning during %50 of each class. The lab portion gives each tech hours of hands-on experience that is just not realistic in a clinic setting when a patient is under anesthesia. This allows techs to troubleshoot each radiograph angle, tube potion and film position while finding the style that works best for them. They get to do this under my direct guidance, but they also have the freedom to choose the best way for them. I help teach them what is and is not a diagnostic radiograph with ample time to retake radiographs until they feel comfortable. I teach hands-on instrument sharpening, which is crucial for instrument maintenance. If the instruments are not sharp the technicians will be less efficient and working with chronically dull instruments can cause hand, shoulder, and back pain! I teach proper scaling and polishing and hand scaling technique. These are all things that can be brought back to each clinic and improve efficiency, decrease potential for complication and produce an overall superior dental cleaning. I provide training on regional nerve blocks, recognizing that not all technicians will perform them. However, for those who do, proper instruction is essential. Well-trained technicians can reduce the risk of complications and enhance the effectiveness of the blocks, ensuring that patients remain pain-free during and after the procedure.
I think there are several aspects that will help technicians get the most out of CE and I have tried to incorporate as many as possible into each of my 8-hour classes. I have incorporated: small interactive classes, syllabus focusing on specific topics in veterinary dentistry that are tailored to the technicians roll, plenty of breaks, plenty of time in a laboratory setting to get hands-on experience and make it fun. When people are entertained, they pay attention and when they are paying attention, they might learn something!
Course Offerings
Course Overview: Introduction to Veterinary Dentistry, Anesthesia, and Radiology for Technicians
Target Audience: Ideal for veterinary paraprofessionals who are newer to the field of veterinary dentistry or anesthesia or those looking to stay current with the latest developments and best practices in these ever-evolving areas.
This 8-hour, RACE-approved course includes 4 hours of lecture and 4 hours of lab work, where participants will learn common abbreviation, dental instruments, techniques for taking radiographs in dogs and cats, anesthesia plans and monitoring anesthesia. You’ll gain a better understanding of common dental pathology and the appropriate way to chart them, understanding the basics in taking dental radiographs, safety protocols, anesthetic medications, and appropriate monitoring techniques.
Learning Objectives:
– Use abbreviations that corelate to the appropriate anatomy and pathology
– Recognize the difference in dental instruments
– Understand when to use each specific instrument
– Understand tube position, sensor position and angle to achieve dental rads.
– Appropriately assist in pre-operative protocols for patients
– Troubleshoot anesthetic complications
– Demonstrate proper positioning techniques for diagnostic dental radiographs
– Identify key anatomical landmarks and pathologies
– Apply radiographic safety protocols
Scholarships are available upon request with approval!
Course Overview: Veterinary Dentistry for Technicians and Assistants
Target Audience: This course is perfect for veterinary technicians and assistants eager to expand their knowledge and skills in detailed aspects of veterinary dentistry.
Join us for an engaging 8-hour, RACE-approved continuing education course that combines 4 hours of informative lecture with 4 hours of hands-on lab experience. As a participant, you’ll explore the essential roles of veterinary technicians in dental practice, dive into anatomy and common pathology, scaling/polishing and hone in your dental radiograph skills. Participants will then have 4 hours to put to use everything that was discussed during the lecture. Half the group will clean teeth using hand scalers, curettes, and ultrasonic scalers. Simultaneously the other half of the group will practice dental radiographs on canine and feline cadavers, switching halfway through the lab.
Learning Objectives:
– Identify and describe key responsibilities of veterinary technicians in dental care.
– Perform effective scaling and polishing on canine and feline teeth.
– Demonstrate proper instrument care and sharpening techniques.
– Explain dental disease and its impact on pet health.
– Recognize normal anatomy vs. Common pathology
– Demonstrate effective client education techniques.
– Implement preventive dental practices within your practice.
– Effectively place regional nerve blocks.
– Demonstrate proper positioning techniques for diagnostic dental radiographs in a timely fashion.
Scholarship opportunities are available upon request and approval!
Upcoming Courses in Fort Collins
Veterinary Dentistry for Technicians and Assistants
April 16th, 2025
Veterinary Dentistry for Technicians and Assistant will include 4 hours of lecture. During this time, we will cover, the technician’s role in veterinary dentistry, oral anatomy and common pathology, proper technique for dental cleaning and dental radiograph on the canine and feline patient.
Meet Your Instructor
Lauren Beck- LVT, VTS (Dentistry)
Based in Arkansas, I am a dedicated veterinary technician with a passion for animal well-being that has lasted a lifetime. I have been a licensed veterinary technician since 2009, and I further specialized in veterinary dentistry in 2021, becoming a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Dentistry.
My career as a veterinary technician began in general practice in 2020, and I was introduced to Dr. Woodward DVM, AVDC, Board Certified Veterinary DentistTM shortly after starting. Dr. Woodward was practicing two days a month in our general practice, taking on all the specialty dentistry cases. I became his technician for that location and after witnessing the impact and value veterinary dentistry had on our patients, I embarked on the course to specialize.
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Dr. Woodward and I then started a veterinary dentistry specialty clinic partnering with the Animal Dental Care group in Bozeman, MT. After helping establish both the Bozeman and Missoula veterinary dentistry clinics, I felt it was time for me to embrace a new adventure alongside my husband, whose job brought us to Arkansas.
As part of my commitment to professional growth and education, I travel to various clinics across the United States to conduct continuing education (CE) for my colleagues in the veterinary field. I am truly passionate about helping others understand the value of veterinary dentistry and its impact on the overall health of animals.
Outside of work, I enjoy exploring new places, whether it’s a weekend getaway with my husband, Travis and our two dogs, Bled and Roo, or a week-long adventure in another country. I cherish outdoor activities such as snowboarding/skiing, fishing, hunting, and camping—activities I loved while growing up in Montana. Now, I enjoy spending my free time outdoors in Arkansas, whether that involves relaxing by the river while attempting a new style of fishing or taking long walks with my dogs in the beautiful Bayou.
