Veterinary dentistry & oral surgery referral FAQs

Veterinary surgeons are required to complete continuing professional development throughout their careers, and many choose to undertake additional postgraduate training to develop expertise in specific areas of veterinary medicine.

You may come across terms such as Certificate Holder, Advanced Practitioner, or Specialist. These titles reflect different levels of postgraduate education, clinical experience, and professional recognition. While all are highly qualified veterinary surgeons, they have undertaken varying degrees of additional training beyond their primary veterinary degree.

The sections below explain what each of these qualifications means and how they contribute to delivering the highest standards of patient care.

A Certificate Holder is a veterinary surgeon who has undertaken additional postgraduate study in a specific area of veterinary medicine or surgery after qualifying as a vet. These qualifications involve structured learning, assessment and the application of advanced knowledge in clinical practice. A Certificate demonstrates a commitment to developing expertise beyond the veterinary degree and to providing a high standard of patient care.

RCVS Advanced Practitioner

An Advanced Practitioner has undertaken further postgraduate training and assessment recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). They have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in a particular discipline and are committed to ongoing professional development. More information can be found here: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/veterinary-professionals/learning-and-development/training-and-development-for-veterinary-surgeons/advanced-practitioner-status

RCVS Specialist

An RCVS Specialist is a veterinary surgeon who has completed extensive postgraduate training, often including a residency programme, achieved a recognised diploma, and has been accepted onto the RCVS Specialist List. Specialists are recognised as experts in their field and receive referrals of complex or unusual cases. More information can be found here: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/veterinary-professionals/learning-and-development/training-and-development-for-veterinary/specialist-status

European Veterinary Specialist (EBVS® European Specialist)

An EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist has successfully completed an approved residency programme, passed rigorous examinations leading to a European Diploma (such as the European Veterinary Dental College (EVDC)), and is recognised by the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS®). They are internationally recognised experts in their discipline and are required to maintain their specialist status through continuing education, clinical practice and peer review. More information can be found here https://www.evdc.org/ and here https://www.ebvs.eu/

At OralVet Referrals
All of our clinicians hold qualifications that reflect different levels of postgraduate training and expertise, ensuring your pet benefits from the highest recognised levels of veterinary care in dentistry and oral surgery.

Your vet has referred your pet because they require advanced dental assessment or treatment. Referral ensures your pet benefits from expertise, specialised equipment, and a team experienced in managing complex or painful dental conditions. Alternatively, you may have specifically requested that your pet be treated by a vet with post-graduate qualifications and expertise in dentistry and oral surgery.

Yes. All patients are seen by referral from a registered veterinary surgeon. Vets can fill in our referral form here.

Pet owners are welcome to contact us for general information, but appointments require referral from their usual veterinary practice.

Yes. Ongoing care is normally managed by the referring practice unless otherwise agreed.

Treatment plans and outcomes are communicated to both the referring veterinary surgeon and the pet owner.

Untreated dental disease can cause chronic pain, infection, tooth loss, and difficulty eating. Oral bacteria can also spread to other parts of the body, potentially affecting organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. However, dogs and cats rarely show signs of dental pain. They do not stop eating even with severe toothache.

We use calm, gentle handling and tailored care to minimise stress at every stage of the visit.

Pets need to be anaesthetised for dental treatment to ensure the procedure is safe, thorough and pain-free. A general anaesthetic allows the veterinary team to fully examine the mouth and teeth, take dental X-rays, clean below the gum-line and treat painful or infected teeth- procedures that are not possible or humane in an awake animal.

Modern veterinary anaesthesia is very safe with risks carefully minimised through pre-anaesthetic assessment, tailored drug choices and continuous monitoring throughout the procedure. Every patient is individually assessed to identify and manage any underlying health concerns.

For more complex or higher-risk patients, access to veterinary anaesthetists ensures an additional level of expertise. These vets work alongside the dentistry team to plan and manage an aesthesia, providing advanced monitoring and support to maintain the highest standards of safety and care.

Pre-anaesthetic checks may include a physical examination, blood tests, and review of your pet’s medical history. These help identify any underlying issues and allow us to plan the safest possible anaesthetic.

Your pet is continuously monitored by trained veterinary professionals using specialised equipment to assess heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, carbon dioxide and oxygen levels, and temperature.

Anaesthesia is carefully tailored to each pet. Before the procedure, we review blood
tests, medical history, and any existing conditions. During anaesthesia, your pet is
continuously monitored for heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and
temperature to keep them as safe as possible. Although no anaesthetic is completely risk-free, we aim to minimise the risk as much as possible. We also have access to veterinary anaesthetists who can be called in to assist with patients who are at a higher anaesthetic risk.

Age alone is not a disease. Many senior pets safely undergo anaesthesia every day.
In fact, untreated dental disease can place more strain on the heart, kidneys, and
immune system than anaesthesia itself. Protocols are adjusted to suit older or
medically complex pets.

Your pet will undergo a full oral examination under anaesthesia, including dental X-rays. A dental chart is completed after the detailed oral examination, which will document all the problems that have been identified in your pet’s mouth. You will then receive a phone call to confirm what treatment will be carried out. The teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and polished, and any necessary treatments—such as extractions or periodontal therapy—will then be performed.

Yes. Most dental disease occurs below the gumline and cannot be seen during a visual examination. Dental X-rays allow accurate diagnosis and ensure only teeth that truly need treatment are addressed.

Only teeth that are painful, infected, or beyond saving are removed. Our priority is always to preserve healthy teeth while eliminating pain and infection. Some teeth can be saved by performing advanced procedures such as root canal therapy.

The length of the procedure varies depending on the complexity of the dental disease. We will give you an estimated timeframe in advance. 

Whilst your pet is with us there are plenty of things to see and do in the local area. Why not take the opportunity to explore! We’ve put together this list of recommendations to get you started.

No. Anaesthesia prevents pain during the procedure, and comprehensive pain relief is provided during and after treatment to keep your pet comfortable.

Yes. Pets adapt extremely well to missing teeth and can eat comfortably once painful or infected teeth have been treated. In fact, many pets eat better after extractions because the source of pain has been eliminated. Some pets may need softer foods during the healing period, but most dogs and cats can return to their normal diet soon afterwards. Dogs and cats do not chew food in the same way humans do, and they can maintain an excellent quality of life, even after multiple or full-mouth extractions.

Yes! Whilst your pet is with us there are plenty of things to see and do in the local area. Why not take the opportunity to explore! We’ve put together this list of recommendations to get you started.

We will provide clear, tailored aftercare instructions. This may include rest, medication, and short-term dietary adjustments.

This depends on the treatment performed. Pets can eat the same day, but softer foods may be advised, depending on the treatment.

Pain management is a top priority. Multiple forms of pain relief are used during and
after the procedure. Most pets are comfortable within a short time and often feel
better quickly once diseased teeth are treated.

It might come as a surprise but antibiotics are often not required for the treatment of
dental and oral diseases. However, we are able to prescribe antibiotics where
clinically indicated.

You should contact us if you have any concerns, or if you notice swelling, bleeding, loss of appetite, or changes in behaviour.

One of our team will usually be in touch the day after procedure to have a catch up with you and ensure you are happy with your pet’s recovery.

Yes. A comprehensive referral report is shared with your vet on the day of treatment. You are welcome to have a copy of this report too.

Yes. You will receive a detailed estimate prior to treatment.

Many pet insurance policies cover dental procedures related to injury or disease.
Cover varies between providers, so it’s best to check your policy. We are happy to
assist with documentation.

Waiting times vary depending on case urgency. Referral cases are prioritised appropriately.

If possible! Tooth brushing is the most effective way to prevent dental disease. We can advise on techniques and products.

Some dental chews and diets can help reduce plaque and tartar, but they should be used alongside - not instead of -brushing.

Follow-up recommendations depend on your pet’s condition and treatment. We will advise you on ongoing care and monitoring.

Our goal is to relieve pain, treat disease thoroughly, improve your pet’s comfort and
quality of life, and support you with clear communication every step of the way.