28 Aug 5 Things to Look for in a Veterinary Dental CE Course
The first dental continuing education course I took was in 2005. I was a new practice owner with very little previous dental training. It is an understatement to say that the 2-day course was career-changing.
Continuing education is a vital part of every veterinarian’s professional journey, and when it comes to dentistry, hands-on learning and expert instruction can make all the difference. Whether you’re just beginning to incorporate dentistry into your practice or looking to sharpen advanced techniques, not all veterinary dental CE courses are created equal.
Unfortunately, many veterinary college graduates have not received adequate dental training when they enter the veterinary workforce. However, veterinary dental CE opportunities are now plentiful across the country. Most national conferences have a dental curriculum and may even offer lab opportunities. Even better, more privately owned veterinary dental specialty clinics now offer veterinary dental CE classes with laboratory sessions as part of the classes.
Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery in Colorado Springs has been providing veterinary dental CE courses since 2003. For 22 years we have hosted thousands of veterinarians and veterinary technicians at our teaching facility in Colorado. Our students come to us from around the country and frequently from foreign countries.
To ensure you’re investing your time and resources wisely, here are five key things to look for in a veterinary dental CE course—and how our program delivers on every point.
1. Board-Certified Instructors
What to Look For:
Courses should be led by board-certified veterinary dentists with years of clinical and teaching experience. These dental specialists are members of the American Veterinary Dental College and offer an unmatched level of expertise.
Why It Matters:
Veterinary dental CE courses taught by specialists ensure that what you’re learning is current, evidence-based, and aligned with the highest standards of care.
How We Deliver:
Our CE programs are developed and led by board-certified veterinary dentists who actively practice and teach. You’ll gain access to expert knowledge and the opportunity to ask real-world questions in real time.
2. Hands-On Training Opportunities
What to Look For:
Live, hands-on labs should be a core component. Lecture-only courses can provide theory, but dentistry is a practical skill that must be developed through guided practice.
Why It Matters:
Confidence in dental procedures comes from repetition and real-time feedback. Without hands-on opportunities, it’s difficult to apply new skills safely and effectively. Dental procedures can be lengthy. Growing in speed and efficiency in surgical skills is critical for all veterinarians.
How We Deliver:
Our veterinary dental CE courses feature intensive, hands-on wet labs using high-quality models and cadaver specimens, so you can practice techniques in a realistic, supervised environment. We provide specific instrument kits for each of our classes that attendees take back to their practices.
3. Curriculum That Covers Fundamental and Advanced Procedures
What to Look For:
A good CE course should meet you where you are—whether you’re learning to take full-mouth radiographs or wanting to master surgical extractions and periodontal therapies.
Why It Matters:
You want to build a skill set that’s both broad and deep. Starting with the fundamentals ensures proper technique, while advanced modules help you level up when you’re ready.
How We Deliver:
We offer a structured learning path from basic dental anatomy, charting, and radiography to more involved extractions and treatment planning.
4. Small Class Sizes and Individualized Instruction
What to Look For:
Avoid overcrowded courses where instructors can’t give each participant attention. Smaller groups mean more personalized feedback and a better learning experience. We pride ourselves on a high instructor:student ratio unlike larger national conferences that simply cannot provide the level of personal instruction that our smaller class sizes do.
Why It Matters:
Individualized guidance ensures that you can ask questions, get hands-on help, and leave the course with true competence—not just a certificate.
How We Deliver:
Our dental CE courses maintain limited enrollment to ensure one-on-one mentorship. We limit our class sizes at Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery so that we never dilute the personal attention our attendees receive.
5. Practical Takeaways You Can Use in Your Clinic Tomorrow
Our classes are usually on Thursdays and Fridays. We like to call this our “Use It On Monday” goal.
What to Look For:
You want courses that go beyond theory and teach skills that improve patient care and efficiency.
Why It Matters:
The best veterinary dental CE courses help you return to practice with practical tools—from how to perform surgical extractions to client communication strategies.
How We Deliver:
Our programs are designed with clinical application in mind. Every module is focused on skills and systems you can use immediately to enhance your dental services and boost practice revenue. These are truly “Use It On Monday” skills.
Take Your Next Step in Veterinary Dentistry
When choosing between veterinary dental CE courses, look beyond the brochure. Consider who is teaching, how you’re learning, and whether the course aligns with your goals. With expert faculty, immersive hands-on training, and a curriculum that builds both skill and confidence, our CE program is designed to elevate your practice.
Ready to expand your capabilities and improve patient outcomes?
Join a veterinary dental CE course that checks all the right boxes—and then some.
If you are in the Colorado Springs area, Animal Dental Care and Oral Surgery offers veterinary dental CE courses that provide the skills, support, and confidence you need to grow your practice.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (08/28/2025) Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels