Many veterinarians have not heard of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association; much less know they are members. However, the vast majority of veterinarians worldwide are members. The WSAVA is an association of associations, counting over 200,000 members and 100 associations. Therefore, you likely are a member of this excellent group and have access to all of the educational and promotional material on the website and any CE provided. The WSAVA will launch global dental guidelines next month. This work is a culmination of 2 years of writing and research. The committee includes not only Diplomates of the American and/or European Veterinary Dental Colleges from 5 continents but also specialists in anesthesia and analgesia as well as nutrition. Finally, there are two animal welfare advocates providing input.

This document is tiered by the socioeconomic position of various countries, to improve the minimum standards of care in a realistic fashion while still promoting best practice. The authors have strived to create a document that is not only available world-wide for free, but also written in a very accessible way.

The guideless document contains sections on oral pathology, anesthesia and pain management, and the universities role in improving oral and dental education. Further is a section on the importance of and how to perform a complete oral exam, which includes instructions on the use of a free on line charting system. Step by step instructions with full color images detail the basics of dental prophylaxis, dental radiology and extraction. Minimal equipment recommendations are made for the various areas as well as a thorough review on dental homecare. While non-anesthesia dentistry is discouraged throughout the text, it’s inappropriateness is the subject of its own section. Finally, the animal welfare impact of untreated dental disease is introduced.

This lecture will cover the many uses for this document in general practice, and how practitioners can make the best use of them. It is important to note that this document recommends “best practice” in the various areas and therefore is of most value to clinics who strive to provide the ideal care. By quoting the recommendations, these clinics can separate them from clinics who perform lower quality care.

The sections on oral pathology provide current diagnostic and treatment recommendations for common oral pathology. The text is supported by numerous full color pictures as well as dental radiographs. Since this is available on line for free, it can facilitate client communication. This will improve dental compliance, thus improving patient care and practice income.

The oral exam section provides instructions for a thorough oral exam while arming practitioners with a free basic on line charting system. This system also allows print outs which further improve client communication.

The techniques sections equate to “mini-textbooks” which due to their online availability, are always at hand for review. While current literature is available in tier 3 countries, for tier 1 and 2 they provide a critical resource.

The anesthesia & analgesia section contains instructions and recommendations for pre-anesthesia testing, drugs, and monitoring. This is the latest information and is a valuable resource for the practitioner. Further, this section details the most current level of safety, which should further increase compliance

The numerous mentions of the inappropriateness of NAD will greatly aid practices in decreasing this wholly ineffective practice. The arguments against this procedure are presented in not only the dental prophylaxis section, but also in the anesthesia and welfare areas. This combination, together with a listing of all the professional associations who oppose it will aid in client discussions.

Finally, but perhaps most importantly, is the section on the welfare aspect of untreated dental disease in small animal medicine. This well referenced section, penned by non-dentists, highlights the plight that our pets face on a daily basis when dealing with untreated dental conditions. By using the term “animal welfare concern” we can improve the acceptance of recommendations on a personal as well as association level. Together we can strive to improve oral care for pets worldwide.