New to Veterinary Dentistry Specialists? Welcome!

We’re delighted you’re here and honored that you’re entrusting us with the care of your pet. With four locations to choose from, you can count on VDS for Concierge Care—an exceptional level of service and genuine caring for you and your pet that sets a new standard in veterinary dental care.

Superior service is our standard of care, because you and your pet deserve it.

From your first call to make an appointment, to every interaction with our doctors and staff thereafter, our aim is to wow you with exceptional service that comes from the heart.

Click here to download our free brochure:

At-Home Oral Healthcare For Your Pets

FAQ

Pet Owners Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To help you know what to expect when your pet undergoes a procedure at Veterinary Dentistry Specialists, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive.

What are your clinic hours?

Our Madison, NJ office is open Monday-Thursday, 7:30am-7:00pm
Our Mt. Laurel, NJ office is open Tuesday-Friday, 7:30am-7:00pm
Our Chadds Ford, PA office is open Monday-Thursday 7:30am-7:00pm
Our Katy, TX office is open Monday-Thursday, 7:30am-7:00pm

Do I need a referral from my primary care veterinarian for my pet to be seen at VDS?

No, you do not need a referral to make an appointment to see one of our specialists.

How much does VDS charge for dental care and a consultation?

Each patient’s situation and treatment plan are unique, so it’s impossible to provide a definitive answer here. Know that we do provide detailed information about costs, in advance, once your pet’s specific treatment options are determined. Please call our office to learn more.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, bank checks, all major credit cards, and financing options through CareCredit and ScratchPay. VDS also works with numerous pet medical insurance companies and can assist you in filing your claim.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. Each VDS practice offers particular payment plan options:

Chadds Ford, NJ: CareCredit
Katy, TX: CareCredit, Scratchpay, All Pet
Madison, NJ: Scratchpay
Mount Laurel, NJ: CareCredit, Scratchpay

FAQ

What should I do if…

To help you make the best care decisions when it comes to your pet’s oral health, here are answers to some of the most common situations we see:

My pet has a broken tooth. What should I do?

A broken tooth can be a very painful problem for dogs and cats. It can lead to severe pain and infection. If you notice a broken tooth, please call the VDS location nearest you and make an appointment to have your pet seen by one of our specialists.

My pet has bad breath. What should I do?

Bad breath (halitosis) is not normal! It often indicates an underlying oral problem. If you begin to notice a foul odor coming from your pet’s mouth, please call us immediately. Do not try to brush your pet’s teeth or use any home remedy without being seen by one of our experts since this can often cause more harm than good.

I have an indoor cat. Does she really need her teeth cleaned? What should I do?

Periodontal disease, other primary dental infections and oral cancers do not discriminate between indoor or outdoor cats. That’s why annual oral examinations are absolutely necessary. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure!

My pet has a lump in its mouth. Is it cancer? What should I do?

Oral masses, lumps and bumps are not normal. There are many different reasons why a dog or cat may develop an oral swelling; cancer is only one of them. It’s important to have your pet seen immediately when you notice an oral mass/lump/swelling. The sooner it’s diagnosed, the better the prognosis and outcome can be.

FAQ

About advanced veterinary dentistry

What is a board-certified veterinary dentist?

A board-certified veterinary dentist is a veterinarian who, after earning a four-year veterinary degree, completing an additional three-year residency in dentistry and oral surgery passing a rigorous certifying examination, and published original research in a peer-reviewed veterinary journal, has been granted “Diplomate” status by the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC). He or she can now be called a specialist.

Why/when should my pet be treated by a dentistry specialist instead of a primary care veterinarian?

When your pet needs advanced dental care or oral surgery —you can feel confident that a veterinary dentistry specialist has the knowledge, expertise, experience, and equipment necessary to properly address your pet’s needs.

How often should my pet’s teeth be professionally cleaned?

Depending on your pet’s species, age and pre-existing conditions, this can range from every 3 months to once a year.

How long will stitches stay in my pet’s mouth after oral surgery?

Typically, sutures will dissolve on their own in 4 to 6 weeks.

Are there alternatives to extracting my pet’s teeth?

Absolutely! Depending on your pet’s underlying condition, we can offer several alternatives to dental extractions.

How do I best care for my pet’s teeth throughout the year?

Before caring for your pet’s dental needs at home, a thorough, professional oral examination under general anesthesia, professional cleaning and full-mouth dental x-rays should be performed. We can then develop a daily home care regimen specifically for your pet’s unique needs.

How do I know if my pet is having pain after a dental procedure?

It’s unusual for our patients to show signs of post-operative oral pain because we give them pain medicine prior to the start of their procedure, we use local anesthetic nerve blocks during their procedure, and we give an anti-inflammatory injection for pain relief afterwards. In addition, we send you home with oral pain medication for ongoing pain relief in the event your pet needs it. If your pet is not eating or is rubbing at its mouth (common signs of oral pain), please call the office.

Where do I get antibiotics and/or pain medication for my pet after the procedure?

If your pet needs a prescription for pain medicine or antibiotics, we can dispense them from our office or call them into your local pharmacy if it is a specialty item.

What type of training do the VDS veterinary technicians have?

We employ only the highest level of veterinary technicians known as Veterinary Technician Specialists (VTS) who have undergone advanced academic training and achieved credentials in a particular veterinary specialty. In each of our offices, we have a VTS in dentistry and in anesthesia.

Can my pet eat/drink before their appointment?

If your pet is having a procedure that requires anesthesia, you must have your pet fast for 8 to 10 hours prior to your appointment time. You may offer only water during this time.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about veterinary anesthesia and dental surgery

Why does my pet need anesthesia for dental surgery?

Veterinary dentistry simply can’t be performed adequately or appropriately without the aid of general anesthesia—and numerous studies support this. Anesthesia eliminates pain during a procedure, reduces stress for your pet, and keeps your pet still so that the dentist/oral surgeon can complete a procedure fully.

Is my pet too old for anesthesia?

Age alone is not a risk factor for general anesthesia. At VDS, we specialize in performing surgery on and anesthetizing geriatric patients.

My pet has a cardiac disease—is anesthesia safe?

We see cardiac patients on a daily basis, and safely perform an array of procedures with successful outcomes. With our specialty training and experience, we’re able to treat patients that would not otherwise have access to such high-level and comprehensive care.

Does every patient get anesthesia?

Only patients who undergo a dental procedure will have general anesthesia. Sedation or anesthesia is also used during diagnostic imaging to ensure that pets remain still for optimal image accuracy.

Why can’t my pet get anesthesia-free cleanings?

The American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) have issued strong position statements against the practice of anesthesia-free dentistry. To learn more about this topic please visit https://afd.avdc.org/

How do you monitor my pet while he’s under anesthesia?

Your pet will be cared for by at least two members of the anesthesia team at all times. While your pet is under general anesthesia, vital parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, body temperature, end-tidal CO2, and inhalant anesthetic agent are all continually monitored throughout the procedure.

Our

VDS Locations

VDS is pleased make advanced veterinary dental and oral care more accessible through its growing network of practices:

Chadds Ford, PA

Katy, TX

Madison, NJ

Mount Laurel, NJ

Book

How To Make An Appointment

Simply select the office that is most convenient for you below, contact us, and one of our friendly client service associates will help you schedule an appointment.

Chadds Ford, PA

Katy, TX

Madison, NJ

Mt. Laurel, NJ

Send a Message

Want to request an appointment at VDS? Simply fill out the form below for more information. Please specify your location in the message field. Thank you, one of our team members will be in touch soon!