The organization of all materials, instruments, and surgical kits, as well as all cleaning, sterilizing, and sharpening procedures, should ideally be under the control of the nurses or technicians. This will insure that clean, sharp, and autoclaved instruments are delivered on time, necessary materials appear almost immediately, and spare burs, probes, brushes, and photostimulable phosphor (PSP) radiographic plates are available in seconds, not minutes.
Figure 1.13 Hazardous materials have to be stored in dedicated containers and described.
One important consideration in communication with the pet owner pertains to their presence in the dental room: is this desirable, optional, or not allowed? Some specialists prefer presenting the patient under anesthesia and demonstrating any conditions directly in their mouth, as well as reviewing the radiographs in person (Figure 1.15). Alternatively (and this is this author's preference), all details may be discussed and presented in consulting room. Pictures and radiographs can be displayed on a computer screen, and the dental chart and medical records should also be available (Figure 1.16). This is an easy process when the IT infrastructure is well organized and efficient. For those owners who want to see how the operating area is organized, a PowerPoint presentation can be prepared and displayed in the consulting or waiting room. Safe anesthesia requirements, prophylactic procedures, and standards of hygiene and practice might also be displayed (Figure 1.17).
Figure 1.14 An adjustable table is helpful when working on with larger patients. (a) Placement is easier when the position is low. (b) The height can then be adjusted to “operating” level.
Figure 1.15 Veterinary dentist demonstrating the pathology to the pet owner.
Figure 1.16 Discussion in the consulting room is easier when a high‐quality screen and medical database are available.
Figure 1.17 Presentation displayed in the waiting room explaining the safety of anesthesia.
1.8 How to Choose the Proper Equipment
There are two options when investing in modern techniques: purchase the machines and then learn how to use them or learn how to use them first and then purchase them. In this author's experience, the better option is to first get the skills, and then select the most suitable technology or specific brand for their use. Ideally, the supplier will offer the required education and future service, which continues with cooperation in regard to regular upgrades of equipment. Therefore, the best thing before making a final decision is to participate in courses where one can try several different machines and manufacturers before committing to a purchase. The intention of organizers is often to provide the widest review of available instrumentation and equipment. Following two or three days of use, it is easier to understand if some particular equipment is worth the investment.
Here are some helpful hints in deciding about equipment:
1 Better equipment is more expensive, but much more reliable, effective, and long‐lasting.
2 Better equipment usually provides a wider range of possibilities and enables a higher quality of clinical results.
3 Technical support from the supplier is invaluable. Professional representatives should advise and select the optimal equipment and its configuration to match the facility, skills, and expectations of the practitioner. During use, the practice should have continuous backup when problems occur, with prompt response, service, and substitution. From the author’s experience, the best advice is always received from those representatives who are responsible for the service of the equipment they have sold.
4 Approximately 95% of dental procedures require a professional dental cleaning. Be sure that your equipment fully covers everything necessary to perform this critical procedure.
5 Participation in a practical workshop providing a selection of different units and types of equipment is very beneficial. Apart from the previously mentioned advantages, some teachers offer their students distance follow‐up in terms of advice in consultations and other suggestions.
Table 1.1 Suggested business plan for the equipment of the dental part of a practice.
| Requirements service level | Radiology | Dental equipment | Instruments and materials | Knowledge | Case log |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hygienic and diagnostic | X‐ray machine, dental oral films | Scaler and polisher | Diagnostic kit Basic surgical kit | Basic educational dental modules offered by the European Veterinary Dental Society (EVDS), American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), or dental specialists Books and other educational resources | Participation in oral health campaigns Two or three patients a week |
| Daily dentistry | X‐ray machine, dental oral films, or a digital system | Air‐driven dental unit with scaler and polisher | Extended surgical periodontal diagnostic kits, as well as materials corresponding to offered dental services | Selection of ESAVS or EVDS/AVDS courses Books and other educational resources | Common contact with dental patients and dental problems 20% of the week dedicated to dentistry |
| Enthusiast of dentistry | Dental X‐ray, phosphoric plates, or sensors in all dental sizes | National specialization requirements | National specialization requirements | Complete ESAVS courses National specialization requirements Books and other educational resources | 40% of the week dedicated to dentistry |
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Dental
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