Banfield Charitable Trust Grant Nets New Dental Equipment and Improved Pet Oral Health

The United Coalition for Animals Non-profit Spay Neuter Clinic (UCAN) and sophomore Veterinary Technology students from the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College recently worked in conjunction to provide dental exams and cleanings for pets.

Periodontal disease affects over 70% of cats and 80% of dogs, but can be prevented with routine dental care at home. The animals were selected, based on need, from the UCAN's Pets In Need (PIN) program.

The "dental days" took place on April 27th, May 4th, 11th and 25th at the Veterinary Technology building on the UC Blue Ash campus. The twenty-six pets received physical exams and had pre-operative blood work completed before being cleared to undergo the anesthesia necessary for a dental procedure.

The dental days allowed the students to practice many aspects of veterinary dentistry. They did dental exams, cleaned teeth, and took dental radiographs all under instructor supervision. Many of these animals had never received dental care in their lives and needed multiple extractions, which were performed by the veterinarians. Without the support of PIN and UCAN most of these pets would be unable to receive basic veterinary care, much less dental treatment.

The students also participate in the healthcare of these animals during wellness visits at UCAN on Tuesdays throughout the school year.

This year's dental days were sponsored, in part, through an equipment grant from the Banfield Charitable Trust. The generous grant allowed the UCBA Vet Tech Program to purchase two new dental machines as well as multiple hand instruments.

Also volunteering her precious time to help with these dental labs was Dr. Beatrice Woodall, who owns the Banfield Charter Practice in Mason. She was instrumental in helping UCBA obtain the Banfield grant and her vast knowledge of dentistry was invaluable during the labs.

The faculty, staff and students of the UCBA Vet Tech program would like to sincerely thank Dr. Woodall, the Banfield Charitable Trust and, of course, the dental patients and their owners!