Board Certified Veterinary Dentists are veterinarians who have completed a doctorate in veterinary medicine and surgery (a 4 year medical degree) after years of college (often 4 years) and then complete a formal training program (a residency) in veterinary dentistry under the direct supervision of a Diplomate Residency Director. Before they are called a veterinary dental specialist they must complete all AVDC training requirements and pass the AVDC examination.

A Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) is a veterinarian who has been certified by AVDC as having demonstrated specialist knowledge and expertise in veterinary dentistry. AVDC is recognized as the specialist certification organization in veterinary dentistry in North America by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties. AVDC diplomates are veterinary dental specialists.

Only veterinarians who have passed the program by the AVDC are allowed to call themselves Board Certified Veterinary Dentists^TM.

Dr. Visser discusses the importance of choosing a veterinary dentist.

At Arizona Veterinary Dental Specialists, we are all pet owners, and very much understand it can feel uncomfortable to put your dog or cat under anesthesia, especially if they are older. Watch as Dr. Visser explains our anesthesia expertise, protocols and the great care we take with each animal under our care.

Reasons NOT to use anesthesia free pet dental cleanings for your dogs or cats:

1. A thorough exam and cleaning can’t be done on a dog or cat that is awake. Anesthesia allows us to properly care for your pet’s teeth safely, adequately and without pain.
2. Most oral disease happens below your pet’s gum line and dental x-rays are the only way to identify painful problems such as fractured teeth, periodontal disease or other problems. Dental x-rays can’t be performed on an awake pet.
3. Cleaning and scaling below the gum line is important because it’s where periodontal disease is most active. This can’t be done without anesthesia.
4. Anesthesia free dental cleanings require a pet to be restrained while having their teeth scraped, which is both stressful and likely painful for them..
5. There are significantly increasing numbers of pets who, after a number of years of anesthesia free dental cleanings, have developed severe periodontal disease resulting in multiple extractions or need for extensive treatment.

For more information and to learn the facts about anesthesia free pet dental cleaning offers we encourage you to visit www.avdc.org/AFD, a site specifically for pet owners and their questions about their pet's dental health. 

At Arizona Veterinary Dental Specialists we are strongly against anesthesia free dental cleanings and are commited to educating the public about the risks to their pets. A proper pet dental cleaning should always be performed by a veterinarian and involve safe anesthesia and dental radiographs. Learn about professional pet dental cleanings available at Arizona Veterinary Dental Specialists.