AVA Conference Perth 2019

This presentation reviews practical and clinically relevant oral anatomy of dogs and cats and charting of clinical findings. Specifically, attention is given to normal anatomy to assist the general practitioner to recognise oral pathology. Differences between cats and dogs will be highlighted. Vital anatomical structures will be highlighted to help the practitioner avoid iatrogenic damage during dental procedures. Attention will be given to: dental anatomy and key surrounding landmarks especially of the gingiva, nomenclature and numbering of teeth (Modified Triadan System), directional anatomical terms, key observations to identify normal occlusion, basic innervation of the mouth as relevant to nerve blocks. The presentation will discuss charting that will be useful to busy practitioners. Charting is a diagrammatical way of recording oral/dental findings and treatment. A chart is an anatomical template on which examination findings may be recorded. It allows a rapid and clear way of recording significant amounts of information that is easy to read. Accurate and complete charting enables a suitably detailed record of the visit to be made, permits effective communication between clinicians, and the ability to assess efficacy of treatment over time. Commonly used nomenclature and symbols will be discussed. Various paper and electronic charting will also be briefly examined. Charting is important from a legal as well as a medical aspect.