How Veterinary Dentistry Became a Specialty (Part 1) | A 50-Year Journey with Dr. Eisner
This episode explores the history of veterinary dentistry and how the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) and the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians (AVDT) became recognized specialties.
What did veterinary dentistry look like 50 years ago… and how did it evolve into the advanced specialty we practice today?
In Part 1 of this two-part series, Dr. Edward Eisner takes us on a firsthand journey through the transformation of veterinary dentistry in the United States. From a time when dentistry was often overlooked… to the formation of organized leadership, education, and specialty recognition — this episode captures the pivotal moments that shaped the field.
Dr. Eisner shares the inside story of how the American Veterinary Dental Society was formed, and how the specialty ultimately gained recognition through the American Veterinary Dental College under the American Veterinary Medical Association and its American Board of Veterinary Specialties.
We also explore his 40-year relationship with Peter Emily, a human dentist whose mentorship and collaboration helped elevate veterinary dentistry worldwide.
And in a defining moment for the veterinary team, Dr. Eisner discusses his role in helping establish the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians — alongside 12 pioneering technicians — creating the pathway for the Veterinary Technician Specialty in Dentistry, recognized through the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America and the Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties.
This episode is more than history — it’s the story of how a specialty was built.
👉 In Part 2, Dr. Eisner shares what he’s working on today, the passion projects that continue to drive him, and his vision for where veterinary dentistry is headed over the next 50 years.
KEY TOPICS COVERED
veterinary dentistry history, AVDC, American Veterinary Dental College, veterinary dental specialty, AVDT, Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians, NAVTA, veterinary technician specialty dentistry, veterinary dental education, animal dentistry evolution, dental care for pets, veterinary oral health, periodontal disease in dogs and cats, veterinary CE dentistry
WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR
• Veterinarians interested in dentistry
• Veterinary technicians and VTS (Dentistry) candidates
• Practice owners looking to elevate dental standards
• Students exploring veterinary specialties
• Anyone passionate about improving oral health in animals
WHY THIS MATTERS
Understanding the history of veterinary dentistry helps clinicians:
• Improve diagnostic and treatment decisions
• Appreciate the evolution of standards of care
• Advocate for better dentistry in general practice
• Elevate patient outcomes through education and awareness
Show Resources:
https://avdc.org/
https://www.avdt.us/
https://veterinarydentistry.org/
https://peteremilyfoundation.org/ [https://peteremilyfoundation.org/]
Zoo and Wild Animal Dentistry
Peter P. Emily DDS,, Edward R. Eisner AB, DVM,
First published:19 March 2021
Print ISBN:9781119545811 |Online ISBN:9781119545804 |DOI:10.1002/9781119545804
© 2021 John Wiley & Sons, Inc
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781119545804
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