Attitudes, Experience, and Self-Confidence of Veterinary and Veterinary Nursing Students in Small Animal Dentistry: A Survey Study

Dental issues are extremely common in dogs and cats, underscoring the importance of veterinary professionals' knowledge in dentistry. Nevertheless, dental problems are currently often underdiagnosed and, consequently, undertreated. This study investigated the attitudes, experiences, and self-confidence of veterinary (V) and veterinary nursing (VN) students in their final 2 years of study in small animal dentistry. An online questionnaire was distributed, and responses were received from 61% of V students (<i>n</i> = 94) and 41% of VN students (<i>n</i> = 72). The majority of both V students (61%) and VN students (69%) expressed a desire for more education in small animal dentistry. Furthermore, a minority of V students (20%) and VN students (22%) felt adequately prepared for their first day in practice after graduation. Less than half of the students (V 44% and VN 38%) had participated in a practical dental procedure outside training sessions. Self-confidence in small animal dentistry procedures was rated on a 0-10 scale. V students exhibited the highest confidence in teeth polishing (6.1) and removing tartar with ultrasonic scalers (6.0), while VN students were most confident in recognizing common oral/dental problems (6.0) and discussing dental issues with pet owners (5.3). Extra practical training significantly increased confidence in several dental procedures (<i>p</i> < .005). Despite positive attitudes, a notable proportion of V and VN students feel unprepared for their first day in practice, potentially stemming from insufficient training. Addressing these gaps through clear guidelines for Day One Competence and enhanced practical training is crucial, ultimately benefiting the well-being of small animals.