July 2019 by Sandra Manfra-Marretta, DVM, DACVS, DAVDC, Professor Emerita, Small Animal Surgery and Dentistry, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine

Audience: Veterinary Team

Video Length: 56:22

This workshop will focus on the practical aspects of dentistry in shelter pets. The initial and most important step of dental care is a good oral exam. We'll review the proper use of basic dental instrumentation including a periodontal probe and dental explorer to help localize dental problems. We also demonstrate proper use of ultrasonic scalers and polishers so dental calculus can be efficiently and safely removed. Proper use of low speed and high-speed dental units will also be discussed so that teeth requiring extraction can be sectioned efficiently. We will also take a closer look at the need to take dental radiographs as well as options for improving dental care in shelter pets.

This presentation was recorded at the 2019 ASPCA Maddie's® Cornell Shelter Medicine Conference.

About Sandra Manfra Marretta, DVM

Dr. Sandra Manfra Marretta received her DVM degree from Cornell University in 1977. She completed an internship, surgical residency and clinical dentistry training at The Animal Medical Center. She obtained Diplomate status in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1985. She became a Charter Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College in 1988. She recently became a Professor Emerita in Small Animal Surgery and Dentistry at the University of Illinois after 23 years of service.

She is the author of over 250 publications including journal articles, chapters, abstracts and proceedings. She is the winner of numerous awards including the 2002 AAHA Veterinarian of the Year, The Animal Medical Center Alumna of the Year Award, The University of Illinois' Campus Award for Excellence in Graduate and Professional Teaching, and University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine's All-Round Excellence Award.