It is the knowledge and care we provide which makes all the difference.

Dr Liz : Bachelor of Veterinary Science ( Uni of Sydney) (BVSc)
Chartered Member of the Australian Veterinary Association (CMAVA)
Registered and Licenced Veterinary Surgeon with the Veterinary Practitioners Board (NSW)
Superintendent of an AVA Certified Practice.

We are proud members of the Veterinary Information Network

 

Basic Dentistry - Dental Grade 2 - 4 
Not sure what your pet's dental grade is?  Neither do we until your pet is examined under a General Anaesthetic. However, a rough guide can be determined during a conscious oral examination.
We perform dentistry procedures not only to prevent, but to treat existing mouth disease. This can only be done through a thorough, logical and consistent approach from all carers of your pet.
1.      On admission into hospital, your pet receives a full examination including blood tests, is given a sedating injection, and intravenous fluids are started, before being given a full General Anaesthetic.
2.       Your pet’s mouth is fully examined under anaesthetic. A plaque test is done, and your pet’s mouth is “dental charted”

Both the photograph and the radiograph are from the same dog. The Dental examination indicated a problem, which the radiograph indicated the severity of it.
3.      Radiographs may be taken of your pet’s mouth. Local anaesthetic and an antibiotic injection is also administered at this time.


Your pet’s anaesthetic monitoring is assisted by our Advisor monitor (Blood pressure, pulse oximetry, endTidal C02, core body temperature, ECG – similar to a human operating theatre).
 
4.      Based on the dental chart and the radiographs, a “dental plan” is formulated for your pet. At this point, the local anaesthetic has taken effect.
 
5.      Extractions (any oral surgery) are done only with your permission, or if it is viewed to be in the best interest of your pet. Post-extraction radiographs may be taken.
 
6.      Your pet’s teeth are cleaned using quality hand instruments, a P5 ultrasonic low heat scaler, polished with a low speed handpiece and dentrifice, and then finished with a orange flavoured fluoride treatment.
7.      Aftercare notes are formulated for you, and an individual home care dental plan is recommended.  
 
Pre-anaesthetic blood profile – we analyse six biochemical enzymes (ALP, ALT (liver), urea, creatinine (kidney/muscle), glucose, TP (protein – hydration), and PCV (blood count).
 
 
Our extraction techniques are designed to minimise soft tissue trauma, reduce complications, and ensure that the entire tooth comes out (no roots are left behind).
 
And, as a member of the Australian Veterinary Dental Society, we follow the Australian Veterinary Dental Guidelines in Dentistry and Treatment of Periodontal disease (2007), which are the minimum standard of dental care that vets should provide.
 


 
When you ask your vet about dental care or about getting your pet’s teeth cleaned under anaesthesia, why not ask the following questions?
·         Who is actually going to do the procedure on my pet? If extractions are needed, who will do this?
·         What are their qualifications?
·         Will you probe and chart each and every tooth?
·         Will you take dental radiographs of any areas that need it?
At Russell Vale vets, the answers to these questions are – I, Dr Liz, perform every dental procedure, including extractions (oral surgery). Dental charting is done every time, and dental radiographs are vital to check the health of your pet’s mouth. My qualifications are that I am a Registered veterinarian operating out of a licenced, accredited veterinary hospital with the Veterinary Practitioner’s Board of NSW. I am a Chartered Member of the Australian Veterinary Association, and my hospital is a Certified and Accredited Practice with the AVA. I have attended many basic and advanced post graduate “wet labs” in veterinary dentistry, and have over 19 years experience in veterinary dentistry.
In December 2008, we had our dentistry skills assessed, and we are pleased to have been told that “the level of dental care you are providing your patients is significantly above average for general practice in Australia, especially as you have embraced dental radiology which I believe is the single most under-utilised diagnostic tool in veterinary dental practice” Dr Christine Hawke – Sydney Pet Dentistry.
In cases which are challenging, I do not hesitate to confer with veterinary dentists either locally (such as Sydney Pet Dentistry or through the Australian Veterinary Dental Society, or overseas (through my affiliation with Veterinary Information Network (VIN).

Now, what dental grade is your pet?
Dr Liz
July 2009
Phone 02 42 845 988