The Dentistry and Oral Surgery residency program is a program allowing an individual to gain in-depth knowledge of veterinary dentistry and its supporting disciplines. This includes training in all major aspects of dentistry: oral anatomy, oral pathology, periodontics, endodontics, orthodontics, restorative dentistry, oral/maxillofacial surgery and oral diagnostic imaging. The species emphasis of the program is on dogs and cats, although other species are also included.
Specific objectives of the dental residency training program include:
• The program will provide comprehensive clinical training in veterinary dentistry and oral surgery, including hands-on experience using a comprehensive range of dental products and instrumentation.
• The program will provide instruction to the individual through direct and indirect in-clinic supervision, attendance of national and international scientific meetings and continuing education courses.
• The program will provide the individual with the opportunity to instruct while in the Dental Operatory and in dental laboratory courses.
• The program will encourage clinical research with the production of a minimum of two peer reviewed publications to be submitted within the residency period.
Structure and organization
The program is based on twelve calendar months per year for three years, of which approximately 80% will be spent in rotations on the Dentistry and Oral Surgery Service with a Diplomate of the European Veterinary Dentistry College present. The remainder of the time will be considered off clinics but should be considered as time for fulfilment of residency related activities, such as:
• Fulfilment of the requirements for anesthesiology, radiology, and surgery.
• Basic research or clinical investigation, and preparation of manuscripts.
• Attendance of lectures and seminars.
• Performance of cadaveric surgery
• At a veterinary dental service at another university or at a private hospital with a dental program supervised by an appropriately qualified specialist.
Clinical service rotations
The clinical rotations will facilitate development of clinical proficiency, skills and knowledge of dentistry and related disciplines through:
• Exposure to a wide variety of cases representing all facets of dentistry and all levels of complexity as verified by the dental log and in accordance with E.V.D.C. guidelines with regard to minimum case requirements.
• Case management with the guidance as required by senior colleagues both within the department and other ancillary departments.
• Case consultations with faculty in related disciplines.
Along with the faculty, the resident on clinical service will be responsible for: (1) receiving clinic appointments and emergency appointments; (2) supervising day-to-day patient care of animals admitted for dental treatment; (3) assisting with clinical teaching; (4) providing the highest standards of client care and prompt, professional communications with referring veterinarians.
Patient care and specialty consultation
• The resident will have clinical patient client contact for routine dental procedures as well as referral cases. The degree of responsibility the resident assumes shall be determined by the nature of the dental procedure and training experience. During the last year of training the resident will be expected to make primary decisions for the care of most dental patients.
• The resident will undertake 40 hours of surgical, anaesthesia and diagnostic imaging training during their 3 years. It is recommended that anaesthesia be undertaken in the first year followed by diagnostic imaging and surgery in the second and third years of the program.
Other scholarly activities
• Journal club is held on a weekly basis.
• In-depth discussions and advanced wet labs are organised on an ad hoc basis, with one 2-day wet lab expected per year under the supervision of the senior members of the discipline.
• Residents are encouraged to provide practical and theoretical training, under the supervision of an appropriately qualified specialist
• Residents are expected to submit at least one abstract/ lecture proposal at an appropriate international conference during their residency.
Dental case log
The resident will maintain a dental case log listing case number, patient identification, species, date, diagnosis, treatment, and involvement of the resident (unassisted, assisted by faculty, or assisting faculty). This log will be reviewed by the Residency Director.
Minimum qualifications
- Graduated from a college or school of veterinary medicine recognised by EAEVE and eligible for entry to the RCVS to practice veterinary medicine.
- At least two years in full time veterinary medicine. Previous undertaking of a rotating internship is considered beneficial but not mandatory.
- Candidates should be UK citizens, UK permanent residents, or foreign nationals eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa with the attendant language requirement.
- Residents must be able to arrive at the hospital within 30 minutes of an emergency call, residents are expected to be able to undertake independent travel, including an appropriate driving licence to allow motoring in the UK.
- Residents are expected to have demonstrated unquestionable moral character and professional behaviour, combined with a passion for dentistry and oral surgery, with a desire to contribute to the global development of the discipline.
It is essential that new residents be available to begin their residency on January 4th 2027.
** Please note, the closing date for applications is Tuesday 1st September 2026**
