Dental disease is the most common health problem in companion animals yet dental care is among the least utilized veterinary services.
Companion animal dental disease represents an enormous and largely preventable source of chronic suffering. The systemic effects of untreated dental disease extend far beyond oral pain. Early education, routine dental exams, and home care programs can dramatically reduce the burden of dental disease. Veterinary dental health advocacy is one of the highest-impact welfare interventions for companion animals.