Dental Hygiene for Doggy: Dentists and Vets Unite

By Kelly Richardson
Career Colleges Columnist

It's tough to argue against the importance of animals in the lives of humans. From companionship to protection, pets are treated in much the same way as children. And to emphasize this relationship, a new trend of dental hygiene for dogs is taking the nation by storm. Here’s a closer look at this phenomenon.

Nowhere in dental hygiene school does it cover oral treatments for dogs. But as owners are more cognizant of the health of their pets, dental care is being thrown into the mix.

According to Jan Bellows, a veterinary dentist who operates All Pets Dental in Weston, Florida, "I usually tell people that if they aren’t going to take care of their pets' teeth, the decreased life span is at least two years." With this type of professional backing, it's tough to deny the benefits that proper dental hygiene will have on the quality of life of your pooch. Here are some of the ways owners are using old school techniques to take better care of their pets.

Dental Hygiene Techniques for Dogs

Periodontal Disease. A new line of dog treats, rinses, sprays and gels will decrease the chances that plaque and tarter buildup will prematurely damage your dog's teeth.
Toothbrushes. The "chew it yourself" toothbrush is the newest tool that allows your dog to brush his own teeth by gnawing on this toy-like object, scraping off damaging bacteria.
Regular Checkups. Trips to the veterinary dentist is just as important as purchasing these new oral health tools.

Whether you work on canines or humans, dental hygiene school is a great option for those wishing to get into this field of the medical profession. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports strong employment options for graduates of dental hygiene schools.

The Dental Hygiene Career Profile

Basic Training. Most states will certify a dental hygiene professional upon completion of a two-year school degree.
Job Outlook. Employment of dental hygienists is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2014.
Salary Projections. Median hourly earnings of dental hygienists were $28.05 in May 2004.

The best part about the dental hygiene profession is that you're not limited to human patients. The animal kingdom offers just as many opportunities for career advancement.

About the Author
Kelly Richardson covers the local education and technology scenes in major cities across the country. His articles appear in a variety of respected educational journals, periodicals, and e-zines.

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