Key Points:

1. Talk to owners about preventative care and early detection.
2. Efficiently manage your dental record taking with tools like Scribenote.
3. Provide owners with resources, demonstrations, and product recommendations for at home care.

The Importance of Pet Dental Health

‍February was Pet Dental Health Month, but it's important to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining oral health for our furry companions year round! According to the AVMA, dental disease is one of the most common health issues in pets, affecting 80% of dogs and 70% of cats by age three. Veterinary professionals play a vital role in educating pet owners on the importance of early detection and prevention.

Tips for Veterinarians and Clinic Staff

As a veterinary professional, there are several steps you can take to enhance awareness, educate your clients, and promote better dental practices:

1. Talk to Clients About Preventive Care
   Encourage your clients to start dental care early in their pets' lives. For older pets, recommend annual dental exams and regular cleanings to avoid more serious issues. Teach owners how to safely brush their pets’ teeth and recommend approved oral care products. 
2. Visual Aids and Demonstrations
   Use dental models or charts to show healthy versus diseased teeth, helping clients understand how issues like tartar build-up can lead to more serious conditions. Demonstrations during visits can help ensure proper technique and emphasize the importance of regular brushing.

Efficiently Document COHATs and Dental Charts

As you're working hard to educate your clients and prioritize dental health, it's important to ensure your team is set up for success with efficiency tools like Scribenote.

Using Scribenote's Medical Record Template, complete your COHAT (Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment) and document your communications with the client. Then, use Scribenote's Dental Record Template while probing and noting your dental findings.

Here's how it our Dental Record works:

1. Select the "Dental Record" Template

In Scribenote, select the "Dental Record" template from the dropdown and simply begin recording as you're probing each tooth. Scribenote will automatically identify if the patient is feline or canine based on the teeth mentioned, so you can focus on the examination.

2. Start Recording Your Findings‍

Verbally describe each tooth as you examine it:

• “102 is mildly mobile, with mild tartar and gingivitis.”
• “406 through 410 are normal.”
• "The distal root of 206 and 207 is resorbing, 208 the palatal root is loose with a grade five pocket surrounding it and pus present."

Scribenote will automatically populate the dental chart as you go. It’s that simple!

3. Review, Edit & Export‍

Once you've finished your exam, Scribenote will process the data and generate a visual dental chart. You can easily review and edit the findings, making sure everything is accurate. 

‍

Resources for Pet Owners

As part of your role in promoting pet dental health, it’s essential to provide pet owners with resources that will help them care for their pets’ teeth between vet visits. Here are a few useful resources and tips to pass along:

1. VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) Accepted Products
   The VOHC provides a list of dental products that meet the VOHC’s standards for effective plaque and tartar control in animals when used as directed.
2. At Home Care & Educational Handouts
   Provide clients with instructions for at home preventative care and use educational handouts or brochures that explain the symptoms of dental disease, the importance of dental checkups, and the benefits of regular brushing.

Raising Awareness and Taking Action

Through awareness, early intervention, and consistent at-home dental care, we can help our patients live longer, healthier lives free from the pain and complications of dental disease.

Sink your teeth into a more streamlined dental record-keeping process with Scribenote - your ultimate tool for efficient veterinary care. 🦷 🐾

‍