by Diane Carle, DVM, DAVDC
Veterinary dentistry is continually progressing, with new products, techniques, and research shaping how we diagnose and treat oral diseases. This Masterclass series provides an evidence-based, practical update on topics that matter most to general practitioners. From evaluating the ever-expanding array of dental products, to learning tooth-saving procedures, to tackling complex conditions such as stomatitis, tooth resorption, and periodontal disease, participants will gain actionable insights they can apply in general practice. We will also discuss advanced procedures available through specialists. The course will also highlight innovations from human dentistry that may influence the future of care for dogs and cats.
Session 1: Navigating the Sea of Veterinary Dental Products
The veterinary marketplace is flooded with dental products, from toothpastes and rinses to chews, diets, and professional-use materials. This lecture will cut through the marketing noise to provide an evidence-based assessment of available products. Attendees will learn which products are supported by research, how to evaluate new claims, and what truly works to promote oral health in dogs and cats.
Session 2: New Developments in Human Dentistry: Relevance for Veterinary Dentistry
Human dentistry is at the forefront of innovation, with advances in biomaterials, regenerative techniques, imaging, and minimally invasive approaches. This lecture explores cutting-edge developments in human dental medicine and discusses how they may be translated into veterinary practice. Attendees will come away with a vision of where veterinary dentistry is headed and which tools may soon be available to enhance patient care.
Session 3: Tooth-saving Procedures
Extraction is not always the only option. Modern veterinary dentistry offers a range of techniques that can preserve function and comfort by saving teeth. This lecture will cover tried and true methods like vital pulp therapy, root canal treatment, and advanced periodontal therapy as well as promising advances in tooth-saving procedures. Emphasis will be on case selection, indications, and expected outcomes, helping clinicians make informed decisions that maximize patient welfare and client satisfaction.
Session 4: Understanding and Treating Stomatitis in Dogs and Cats
Stomatitis remains one of the most painful and frustrating conditions in veterinary dentistry. This session reviews current understanding of its pathogenesis, diagnostic work-up, and treatment options, including medical management, surgical approaches, and emerging therapies. The lecture will discuss strategies for improving patient comfort and improve long-term outcomes.
Session 5: Understanding Tooth Resorption in Dogs and Cats
Tooth resorption is a common but poorly understood dental disease in companion animals. This lecture will review current knowledge on the causes and classification of tooth resorption, as well as diagnostic imaging strategies.
Session 6: Understanding and Treating Periodontal Disease in Dogs and Cats
Periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed disease in small animal practice, yet many general practitioners don’t have a comprehensive understanding of the disease. This lecture will focus on the etiology of periodontal disease, as well as periodontal disease prevention, complimenting Session 1 where periodontal prevention products are discussed and Session 3 where tooth-saving treatments are discussed.
Dr. Diane Carle is a board-certified veterinary dentist and owner of Animal Dentistry Specialists of Seattle in Renton, Washington. She earned her undergraduate degree from Swarthmore College and her DVM from Tufts University, followed by a three-year residency in dentistry and oral surgery in Massachusetts.
Dr. Carle provides comprehensive oral care, including cleanings, imaging, surgery (extractions, biopsies, mass excisions), treatment of oral disease, trauma repair, orthodontics, and restorative procedures like root canals and advanced periodontal therapy.
Passionate about transforming her patients’ comfort and health, Dr. Carle focuses on compassionate, evidence-based care that relieves pain, preserves function, and improves quality of life—often in just one procedure.
6 hours available. The WSVMA is an approved source of Continuing Education in the State of Washington.
Included in your registration are scientific proceedings, coffee/tea, snacks, and lunch.
Scientific proceedings will be handed out at check-in on the day of the event.
Cancellations:
Cancellations received by January 5 will have $10 deducted for processing fees. There will be no refunds for no-shows who have not notified the WSVMA after January 5.
Permissions:
Registration and attendance at, or participation in this event or other WSVMA meetings and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant for WSVMA’s use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee’s contact information on attendee lists. Attendees acknowledge that their email may be shared with conference exhibitors for marketing purposes.
By taking part in this event you also grant the WSVMA full rights to use the images resulting from photography and/or video filming, and any reproductions or adaptations of the images for membership recruitment, publicity or other purposes. This might include (but is not limited to), the right to use them in WSVMA’s printed and online publicity, social media, news releases and marketing materials.
The WSVMA is committed to providing a safe and healthy facility for its and attendees. We will be following the most stringent policy required at the time the event is held and will also be following whichever rules may be put in place by the facility itself, the city of Bellevue, and/or the State of Washington. Accordingly, any of the current terms of service may be changed. Covid requirements can change rapidly, and we will endeavor to keep attendees, sponsors and exhibitors up to date to the best of our ability.
Questions surrounding this policy can be directed to the WSVMA office at [email protected] or by calling (425) 396-3191.
