The WSAVA Podcast

In the final episode of the WSAVA Podcast season produced with the WSAVA Dental Committee, interviewer Jon Tam speaks with two experts about advanced treatment strategies for managing complex dental disease in companion animals.
First, Kevin Ng discusses periodontal and endodontic disease, focusing on why these conditions are so common and often underdiagnosed. He explores how dental disease progresses, the factors that influence whether teeth can be saved, and the role of thorough assessment and imaging in guiding treatment decisions. Kevin also reflects on how clinicians balance tooth preservation with extraction, taking into account patient health, owner expectations, and long-term outcomes.
In the second conversation, Cedric Tutt examines prosthodontics and dental implants in veterinary patients. He outlines where restorative procedures such as crowns may be appropriate, and discusses the ethical and practical considerations surrounding dental implants. Cedric emphasises the importance of careful case selection, advanced diagnostics, and aligning treatment choices with animal welfare.
Together, these conversations close the series by exploring how advanced dental procedures fit into modern veterinary practice, highlighting the need to balance technical possibilities with responsible, patient-centred care.
Resources & Links
WSAVA Global Dental Committee
WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines  
WSAVA Educational Resources  
Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) 

Contributors
Kevin Ng, BSc BVMS MANZCVS DAVDC DEVDC – LinkedIn
Cedric LC Tutt, Diplomate EVDC – LinkedIn | ResearchGate
Jonathan Tam, BVSc(Massey), MANZCVS (Small Animal Dentistry & Oral Surgery) - Instagram | Instagram
Click here for the full transcript

This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

In this episode of the WSAVA Podcast, interviewer Izzie Tsai speaks with two experienced clinicians about why accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective dental care, and how much disease can be missed when diagnostics are underused.
First, Ana Nemec discusses the role of dental radiography in everyday practice. She explains why visual examination alone can underestimate pathology, and reflects on the importance of image quality, technique, and appropriate case selection when incorporating radiographs into clinical decision-making.
In the second conversation, Jan Bellows focuses on early detection and routine oral examination. He explores why dental disease is frequently overlooked, the value of consistently examining the oral cavity, and how simple diagnostic tools can improve communication and patient outcomes.
Together, these conversations reinforce a clear message: careful examination and appropriate imaging are central to responsible, evidence-based dental care.
Resources & Links
WSAVA Global Dental Committee
WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines  
WSAVA Educational Resources  
Evaluation of extraction sites for evidence of retained tooth roots and periapical pathology

Contributors
Ana Nemec, DVM, PhD, Dipl. AVDC, Dipl. EVDC, Assist. prof. – Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
Jan Bellows, DVM, DIPL, AVDC, ABVP (Canine & Feline Practice) 
Izzie Yi-Chin Tsai, DVM, MVM – Facebook | Blog | Instagram

This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

In this episode of the WSAVA Podcast, the focus turns to the vital role of veterinary nurses and technicians in strengthening dental care in everyday practice. Two conversations explore how the wider veterinary team can improve outcomes through better instrumentation, workflow, client communication, and home care support. 
First, Maggie Burley speaks with Mary Berg about building a practical dental toolkit and using instruments safely and effectively. Mary highlights core tools for periodontal assessment and cleaning, including probing, subgingival instrumentation, and the importance of visibility. She also discusses sterilisation, sharpening, and instrument care, emphasising that consistent standards and good ergonomics support both patient safety and long-term team performance. 
In the second conversation, Marcela Perez-de-Tudela is joined by Stephanie Johnson to discuss how technicians can help clients succeed with dental home care. Stephanie shares step-by-step strategies for introducing toothbrushing, keeping experiences positive, and recognising early warning signs that warrant veterinary assessment. She also discusses how to guide owners toward validated dental products and why regular oral exams, imaging, and tailored plans remain important even when home care is excellent. 
Together, these conversations highlight how strong dental programmes are built by the whole team, combining practical skills in-clinic with effective support for owners at home. 
Resources & Links
WSAVA Global Dental Committee
WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines  
WSAVA Educational Resources  
Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) 

Contributors
Mary L Berg, BS, LATG, RVT, VTS (Dent) – LinkedIn | Instagram | Website 
Maggie Burley, RVN, Dip VN (Dental), VTS (Dentistry), TAE - LinkedIn | Instagram
Stephanie Johnson, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia), (Dentistry) – TikTok
Marcela Perez-de-Tudela MV, MSc - LinkedIn | Instagram 
Click here for the full transcript

This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

In this episode of the WSAVA Podcast, interviewer Cedric Tutt explores dental care at both ends of a patient’s life, from early intervention in puppies to the challenges and opportunities of dentistry in senior pets.
First, John Lewis discusses paediatric dental problems that benefit from early action, including fractured deciduous teeth and persistent deciduous teeth. He explains why fractured deciduous teeth can matter even when puppies appear comfortable, and why infection risk and impact on developing adult teeth should not be underestimated. 
Later in the episode, Heidi Lobprise turns to dentistry in older cats and dogs. She discusses why age alone should not rule out dental treatment, and how careful assessment, monitoring, and planning can reduce anaesthetic risk while improving quality of life. She also explores common senior presentations, including severe periodontal disease, chronic oral inflammation, and conditions such as “rubber jaw,” as well as the importance of home care across the lifespan.
Together, these conversations highlight how dental decision-making changes with age, and why proactive care can make a meaningful difference in both young and senior patients.
Resources & Links
WSAVA Global Dental Committee
WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines  
WSAVA Educational Resources  
A removable orthodontic device for the treatment of lingually displaced mandibular canine teeth in young dogs (Verhaert, 1999) 

Contributors
John Lewis, VMD, DAVDC, FF-OMFS  – LinkedIn 
Heidi Lobprise, DVM, DAVDC – LinkedIn
Cedric LC Tutt, Diplomate EVDC – LinkedIn | ResearchGate
Click here for the full transcript

This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

In this episode of the WSAVA Podcast, interviewer Gottfried Morgenegg-Wegmüller speaks with two experts about what safe, effective dentistry really requires, and why pain management cannot be an afterthought.

First, Dr Brook A. Niemiec unpacks why “anaesthesia-free dentistry” is not dentistry at all. He explains what gets missed when you cannot probe, scale subgingivally, or take diagnostic dental radiographs, and why cosmetic cleaning can create a false sense of security while disease, pain, and infection continue beneath the gumline. 
In the second conversation, Dr Eva Eberspächer-Schweda focuses on practical approaches to safe anaesthesia and analgesia in dental patients. She explores how preparation, monitoring, and thoughtful pain control support better outcomes, and how teams can speak with confidence about risk, welfare, and the benefits of appropriate dental care.
Together, these conversations reinforce a simple principle: good dentistry depends on good anaesthesia. With the right protocols and communication, veterinary teams can protect patient welfare while delivering the care that dental disease demands.
Resources & Links
WSAVA Global Dental Committee
WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines  
WSAVA Educational Resources  
Evaluating the validity and reliability of a visual dental scale for detection of periodontal disease in non-anesthetized dogs 
Anesthesia-free dentistry does not provide any demonstrable medical benefit for the control of periodontal disease in dogs 

Contributors
Dr Brook A. Niemiec DVM, DAVDC, DEVDC – Website | Instagram  | VDS Pets
PD Dr. Eva Eberspächer-Schweda, FTA, Dipl. ACVAA – LinkedIn | Website | Instagram
Gottfried Morgenegg-Wegmüller – Website
Click here for the full transcript

This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.