Dental problems are highly prevalent in both dogs and cats, highlighting the need for veterinary professionals to have knowledge in dentistry. However, dental issues are still frequently under- diagnosed and, as a result, often undertreated. This study explored the perspectives, experiences, and confidence levels of veterinary and veterinary nursing students in their final two years of education regarding small animal dentistry. An online survey was conducted, with responses received from 61% of veterinary students and 41% of veterinary nursing students. Most veterinary students (6/10) and veterinary nursing students (7/10) expressed a desire for more education in small animal dentistry. Only a fifth of veterinary students and veterinary nursing students felt adequately prepared for their first day of practice post-graduation. Fewer than half of the students (about 4 in 10) had been involved in practical dental procedures outside of their formal training. Students rated their confidence in performing small animal dental procedures on a scale of 0–10. Veterinary students were most confident in teeth polishing (6.1) and tartar removal using ultrasonic scalers (6.0), while veterinary nursing students were most confident in identifying common dental problems (6.0) and discussing dental care with pet owners (5.3). Practical experience significantly boosted confidence in several procedures (p < .005). The conclusion is that despite having a positive outlook, many veterinary and veterinary nursing students still feel underprepared for clinical practice, likely due to insufficient hands-on training. Addressing these gaps through improved guidelines for Day One Competence and increased practical training is essential for improving the dental care of dogs and cats.

Published:
*Attitudes, Experience, and Self-Confidence of Veterinary and Veterinary Nursing Students in Small Animal Dentistry: A Survey Study. Mikkel Abildgaard, Maja Kron, Tilda Carlund, and Karolina Brunius Enlund. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education. accepted 1 April 2024. https://doi.org/10.3138/jvme-2023-0183