Comprehensive Canine Dentistry & Oral Surgery Wet-lab – Auckland Recap

On 1–2 October, our Comprehensive Canine Dentistry & Oral Surgery Wet-lab in Auckland brought together veterinarians with dental experience who were keen to refine their skills and take on more advanced cases. The workshop was led by Dr Angus Fechney and Dr Crystal Loh.

The programme opened with a discussion of structure and function in the canine oral cavity, building on attendees’ foundational knowledge of dental anatomy. From there, a mix of literature review and case-based lectures covered:

  • Performing a full oral health assessment and recognising common and canine-specific diseases
  • Full-mouth radiography, interpreting normal anatomy and common pathology, and troubleshooting unexpected images
  • Regional anaesthesia, including where and how to place dental nerve blocks and how to avoid complications
  • Periodontal assessment and therapy
  • Orthodontic case management
  • The fundamentals of endodontic disease

The hands-on sessions were the highlight of the two days. Attendees practised surgical extractions of all tooth types, designed appropriate periodontal flaps, and worked through oronasal fistula diagnosis and repair. Throughout, the discussion focused on careful case planning, how to minimise and prevent extraction complications, and when salvage procedures or periodontal therapy are a better option than extraction.

Attendees left with sharper clinical decision-making and greater confidence in managing advanced dental conditions in their own practices.

Thank you to Dr Fechney and Dr Loh for an engaging and highly practical two days, and to all the attendees for their enthusiasm and great case discussions.

Dr. Angus Fechney

BVSc, Diplomate AVDC. Board Certified Veterinary Dentist™. Companion Animal Dental Service. Registered Specialist in Veterinary Dentistry in NZ

Dr Angus Fechney currently runs a small animal dental referral business based in Palmerston North, New Zealand. In 2014 he finished a six-year stint coordinating primary clinical companion animal service and final year undergraduate teaching within the Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. After completing a residency program, he passed his American Board exams in Small Animal Dentistry in 2022. He currently teaches dentistry to the senior vet students at Massey as well as providing referral dental services visiting several clinics around central New Zealand.

Angus has several years of experience teaching veterinary colleagues in a practical setting and is passionate about all things dental

Dr. Crystal C. Loh

BSc Hons, DVM, MANZCVS (SA Dentistry & Oral Surgery), DAVDC. Board Certified Veterinary Dentist™(Diplomate of the AVDC) Registered Specialist in Veterinary Dentistry in NZ

Dr. Crystal Loh graduated in 2007 from the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, before completing a 1-year internship at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA, before moving to New Zealand where she practiced as a general practitioner for over 10 years. In 2016, Dr. Loh acquired memberships through the Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Dentistry & Oral Surgery.

Following this, she embarked on a full time dental residency, and in 2022, Dr. Loh successfully completed her written and practical board examinations, based in the USA, thus satisfying all the requirements to become accepted as a diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College. Dr. Loh has wide experience speaking and teaching, having lectured across New Zealand, Australia and the United States. Dr. Loh currently operates a mobile specialty dental referral service in the Waikato, working out of multiple locations. She loves providing support and education to referring veterinarians through case discussions and teaching, and thoroughly enjoys sharing her passion for veterinary dentistry.

Comprehensive Canine Dentistry & Oral Surgery Wet-lab NZ (Oct 26)