This externship is designed to provide fourth-year veterinary students with structured exposure to a small animal veterinary dental and oral surgery specialty practice operating within an AVDC-aligned, referral-based model. The experience emphasizes the principles of comprehensive oral health care, advanced diagnostic evaluation, and evidence-based treatment planning for dogs and cats with complex dental and maxillofacial disease.
Externs will observe and, when appropriate, assist with clinical activities including complete oral examinations under anesthesia, dental radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), periodontal assessment and therapy, surgical and non-surgical extractions, management of endodontic disease, oral trauma, oral masses, and other conditions commonly managed in specialty dental practice. Attention is given to anesthesia planning, analgesia, surgical principles, and post-operative care consistent with current AVDC standards.
Students will also gain insight into specialty-level case management, including referral communication, record-keeping, client consultation, informed consent, and collaboration with primary care veterinarians. The externship highlights the role of the veterinary dental specialist within the broader veterinary community and the importance of maintaining high standards of care, documentation, and continuing education.
In addition to clinical exposure, externs will be introduced to the operational and business aspects of a veterinary dental specialty practice, including workflow design, equipment utilization, team training, and practice sustainability.
The overall goal of this elective is to enhance students’ foundational understanding of veterinary dentistry, support clinical competency relevant to general practice, and provide meaningful exposure to veterinary dentistry and oral surgery as a potential specialty career pathway consistent with AVDC principles.
The externship site is a dedicated small animal veterinary dental and oral surgery specialty practice focused exclusively on advanced dental and maxillofacial care for dogs and cats. The clinic operates within a referral-based model and is staffed by AVDC-certified and/or board-eligible veterinary dentists, experienced veterinary technicians with advanced dental training, and support staff familiar with specialty workflows and client communication.
The practice is fully equipped with modern dental and surgical technology, including high-quality dental radiography systems, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), advanced dental units, ultrasonic scaling and polishing equipment, surgical instrumentation for periodontal and oral surgery procedures, and comprehensive anesthesia monitoring and analgesia resources consistent with specialty standards of care.
Externs have access to a wide range of educational materials, including written protocols, anesthesia and analgesia guidelines, dental charting resources, procedural checklists, and case documentation examples aligned with AVDC principles. Clincal cases are discussed in real time, with opportunities for case-based teaching, review of diagnostic images, and discussion of treatment planning and outcomes.
In addition to clinical observation and participation, students may have scheduled opportunities to practice dental procedures on cadaver heads under direct supervision. These sessions are designed to reinforce anatomical knowledge, instrumentation handling, extraction techniques, and surgical principles in a low-pressure, educational setting that supports skill development and confidence building.
Students are encouraged to engage with the clinical team, ask questions, and participate in structured and informal teaching moments throughout the externship. The learning environment emphasizes patient safety, evidence-based decision-making, clear communication, and professional development within a high-functioning specialty practice.
Externship students are expected to participate in the practice during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Students should plan to be present for the full clinical day unless otherwise approved in advance.
The externship is primarily observational, with hands-on participation limited to activities appropriate to the student’s training level and under direct supervision. Students are expected to actively shadow clinicians and technical staff, observe procedures and consultations, and engage in case discussions, treatment planning, and review of diagnostic imaging.
Students may be asked to assist in a supportive role, such as patient restraint, preparation, dental charting observation, instrument handling, or post-operative care, as appropriate and permitted. Professional behavior, punctuality, and adherence to clinic protocols and safety standards are required at all times.
Dress Code: Students are expected to wear clean, professional attire while in the clinic. Acceptable attire includes clean scrubs or business casual clothing appropriate for a specialty medical environment. Closed-toe shoes are required. A visible name tag identifying the student as a veterinary extern is required at all times while on clinic premises.
Externs are encouraged to ask questions, demonstrate initiative in learning, and maintain respectful communication with clinicians, staff, clients, and referring veterinarians. Confidentiality and professionalism are expected in accordance with veterinary ethical standards.
The goal of these responsibilities is to ensure a productive educational experience while supporting a safe, efficient, and respectful specialty practice environment.
3134 W. Carefree Hwy.
Suite A-1
Phoenix, AZ 85086
United States