Dental disinterest of new associates

Q. It seems like recent veterinary school graduates aren't interested in dentistry. Why this lack of interest among my associates, and how do I overcome it?

"I agree that new associates for the most part are not excited about dentistry," says Dr. Scott Linick, FAVD, owner of Plainfield Animal Hospital in South Plainfield, N.J. "This is partly because of a lack of dental education in veterinary schools." At most universities, he says, dentistry is either a minor part of the curriculum or it's offered strictly on an elective basis. This underemphasis is compounded by the fact that many private practices offer only basic dentistry and don't keep up with the latest techniques and equipment.

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Take dental radiography for example. "Without dental radiography equipment, it's impossible to practice high-quality dentistry," Dr. Linick says. Associates and new graduates want to practice the most advanced medicine possible and use the latest equipment available. Therefore it's imperative that you as a practice owner invest in good dental equipment and dental CE courses. If you do, associates will gain new appreciation for how important dental care is to the overall health of their patients—as well as the practice.