Center of
Excellence
In-Person Classes

In-Person Veterinary Dental Courses & Labs

About our San Diego Facility

We host in-person classes at the Center of Excellence located at the VDS flagship practice in San Diego, California.

Located at 5775 Chesapeake Court
San Diego, CA 92123

Phone: 858-279-2108

In-Person Upcoming Classes

Hands on Weekend Courses
February

Level I Hands-On Weekend- 2 Days: 2/15-2/16/25

SOLD OUT

8:00am - 5:00pm

8:00am - 4:30pm

This two-day Level I training weekend is open to veterinarians, technicians, and assistants and includes Non-surgical periodontal therapy, Dental radi...

Level I Hands-On Weekend- 2 Days: 2/15-2/16/25

SOLD OUT

February 15 | 8:00am - 5:00pm

February 16 | 8:00am - 4:30pm

The full Level 1 training weekend is a two-day course open to veterinarians, technicians, and assistants and includes:

Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy (Saturday, 8 a.m. - noon)

  • 2  hours of lecture and 2 hours of hands-on laboratory
  • Attendees will gain expertise in performing a dental prophylaxis, including supra and subgingival scaling and root planning (both ultrasonic and hand), polishing, oral exam and charting, and periocutic application.

Dental Radiology & Interpretation (Saturday, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.)

  • 1 hour of lecture and 3 hours of hands-on laboratory
  • Take the frustration out of dental radiology.  Attendees will learn how to take full-mouth dog and cat radiographs.  We will use a new technique that does NOT require determining bisecting angles.  Anyone can take diagnostic radiographs easily and consistently.
  • Dental radiology lab with an interactive discussion on dental radiograph interpretation.

Basic Extractions (Sunday, 8 a.m. - noon)

  • 1-hour lecture and 3 hours of hands-on laboratory
  • The lecture part will initiate with a discussion of equipment needs and then cover pain management. Following this, we will cover techniques for single and double-root teeth in both lecture and laboratory sessions.

Advanced Extractions (Sunday, 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

  • 30-minute lecture and 3.5 hours of hands-on laboratory
  • This laboratory is designed for veterinarians with significant extraction experience.  This lab will cover carnassial, molar, and canine extractions, as well as ONF repair.

The two-day weekend Level I course is approved for 16 hours or CE through RACE


DATES:

February 15-16, 2025

LOCATION:

Classes are located at the VDS Flagship in San Diego

5775 Chesapeake Ct, San Diego, CA 92123

QUESTIONS:

Contact info@vdspets.com

Learn More

Level I & II - 3 Days Hands on Weekend 2/15-2/17/25

7:59am - 5:00pm

8:00am - 4:30pm

8:00am - 5:00pm

Level 1 & 2 - 3 Days Hands on Weekends open to veterinarians only.

Level I & II - 3 Days Hands on Weekend 2/15-2/17/25

February 15 | 7:59am - 5:00pm

February 16 | 8:00am - 4:30pm

February 17 | 8:00am - 5:00pm

This complete 3-day Level I + Level II training bundle is open to veterinarians only.

SATURDAY, February 15, 2025

Level I Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy (Saturday, 8 a.m. - noon)

  • 2  hours of lecture and 2 hours of hands-on laboratory
  • Attendees will gain expertise in performing a dental prophylaxis, including supra and subgingival scaling and root planning (both ultrasonic and hand), polishing, oral exam and charting, and periocutic application.

Level I Dental Radiology & Interpretation (Saturday, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.)

  • 1 hour of lecture and 3 hours of hands-on laboratory
  • Take the frustration out of dental radiology.  Attendees will learn how to take full-mouth dog and cat radiographs.  We will use a new technique that does NOT require determining bisecting angles.  Anyone can take diagnostic radiographs easily and consistently.
  • Dental radiology lab with an interactive discussion on dental radiograph interpretation.

SUNDAY, February 16, 2025

Level I Basic Extractions (Sunday, 8 a.m. - noon)

  • 1-hour lecture and 3 hours of hands-on laboratory
  • The lecture will begin with a discussion of equipment needs and then cover pain management. Following this, we will cover techniques for single and double-root teeth in both lecture and laboratory sessions.

Level I Advanced Extractions (Sunday, 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

  • 30-minute lecture and 3.5 hours of hands-on laboratory
  • This laboratory is designed for veterinarians with significant extraction experience.  This lab will cover carnassial, molar, and canine extractions and ONF repair.

MONDAY, February 17, 2025

 Level II Bonded Sealants: (vets/techs/assistants):  (8-10 am | 7:30 am registration)

  • Open to veterinarians, technicians, and assistants
  • 1-hour lecture and 1 hour of hands-on laboratory
  • Over half of your canine patients have fractured teeth. Thus this procedure should be performed on an almost daily basis.  This is an inexpensive and highly effective therapy.
  • Attendees will learn how to perform bonded sealants in veterinary dentistry.  Topics include Indications (and contraindications), tooth preparation, as well as techniques and mechanics of bonding.  Finally, marketing of the new skill will be presented.  Following an introductory lecture, the attendees will place unfilled resins on uncomplicated crown fractures.

Level II Compositive Restorations: (vets only): (10:30-12:30 pm | 10:00 am registration)

  • 2 hours of hands-on laboratory
  • Enamel hypoplasia and caries are common issues in our canine patients.  This lab will teach you how to perform composite restorations for these conditions. Attendees will learn tooth preparation for maximum retention, how to bond the restoration, placing and finally, smoothing/finishing of the filling.

Level II Periodontal Flap Surgery & Guided Tissue Regeneration: (vets only): (1:00 pm-5 pm | 12:30 pm registration)

  • 1-hour lecture and 3 hours of hands-on laboratory
  • Periodontal disease is the most common problem in veterinary medicine.  More and more clients are interested in maintaining diseased teeth.  Thus, periodontal surgery is more and more sought after.  The introductory lecture will present the numerous and common indications (and contraindications) for periodontal surgery.  Next, we will cover equipment and pain management.  The creation of the periodontal flap and treatment of the exposed root surface will be the cornerstone of this lab.  Finally, we will teach attendees how to perform guided tissue regeneration to increase boney attachment.

The Level I + Level II courses are approved for 24 hours or CE through RACE.


LOCATION:

Classes are located at the VDS Flagship in San Diego

5775 Chesapeake Ct, San Diego, CA 92123

 

QUESTIONS:

Contact info@vdspets.com

Learn More

Level I Basic Extractions 2/16/25

SOLD OUT

8:00am - 12:00pm

The lecture part will initiate with a discussion of equipment needs and then cover pain management.

Level I Basic Extractions 2/16/25

SOLD OUT

February 16 | 8:00am - 12:00pm

Level I: Basic Extractions is a comprehensive single course open to veterinarians, technicians, and technicians in training. You can purchase it individually here or save and buy it as part of our 2-day or 3-day weekend options. 

The course involves:

  • 1-hour lecture and 3 hours of hands-on laboratory
  • The lecture will begin with a discussion of equipment needs and then cover pain management. Following this, we will cover techniques for single and double-root teeth in both lecture and laboratory sessions.

Each laboratory is approved for 4 hours of CE through RACE.


DATE: Sunday, February 16, 205

LOCATION: Classes are located at the VDS Flagship in San Diego: 5775 Chesapeake Ct, San Diego, CA 92123

QUESTIONS: Email info@vdspets.com

Learn More

Level II Hands On Weekend- 1 Day: 2/17/25

SOLD OUT

8:00am - 5:00pm

Level II- one day course training open to veterinarians.

Level II Hands On Weekend- 1 Day: 2/17/25

SOLD OUT

February 17 | 8:00am - 5:00pm

This Level II training is a one-day course with three modules, open to veterinarians only. 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2025

 Level II Bonded Sealants: (vets/techs/assistants):  (8-10 am | 7:30 am registration)

  • Open to veterinarians, technicians, and assistants
  • 1-hour lecture and 1 hour of hands-on laboratory
  • Over half of your canine patients have fractured teeth. Thus this procedure should be performed on an almost daily basis.  This is an inexpensive and highly effective therapy.
  • Attendees will learn how to perform bonded sealants in veterinary dentistry.  Topics include Indications (and contraindications), tooth preparation, as well as techniques and mechanics of bonding.  Finally, marketing of the new skill will be presented.  Following an introductory lecture, the attendees will place unfilled resins on uncomplicated crown fractures.

Level II Compositive Restorations: (vets only): (10:30-12:30 pm | 10:00 am registration)

  • 2 hours of hands-on laboratory
  • Enamel hypoplasia and caries are common issues in our canine patients.  This lab will teach you how to perform composite restorations for these conditions. Attendees will learn tooth preparation for maximum retention, how to bond the restoration, placing, and finally, smoothing/finishing of the filling.

Level II Periodontal Flap Surgery & Guided Tissue Regeneration: (vets only): (1:00 pm-5 pm | 12:30 pm registration)

  • 1-hour lecture and 3 hours of hands-on laboratory
  • Periodontal disease is the most common problem in veterinary medicine.  More and more clients are interested in maintaining diseased teeth.  Thus, periodontal surgery is more and more sought after.  The introductory lecture will present the numerous and common indications (and contraindications) for periodontal surgery.  Next, we will cover equipment and pain management.  The creation of the periodontal flap and treatment of the exposed root surface will be the cornerstone of this lab.  Finally, we will teach attendees how to perform guided tissue regeneration to increase boney attachment.

The Level II course is approved for 8 hours or CE through RACE.


LOCATION:

Classes are located at the VDS Flagship in San Diego

5775 Chesapeake Ct, San Diego, CA 92123

QUESTIONS:

Contact info@vdspets.com

Learn More

Level II: Bonded Sealants Only 2/17/25

8:00am - 10:00am

Level II: Attendees will learn how to perform bonded sealants in veterinary dentistry.

Level II: Bonded Sealants Only 2/17/25

February 17 | 8:00am - 10:00am

This Level II training is a one-day course with three modules, open to veterinarians only. 

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2025

 Level II Bonded Sealants: (vets/techs/assistants):  (8-10 am | 7:30 am registration)

  • Open to veterinarians, technicians, and assistants
  • 1-hour lecture and 1 hour of hands-on laboratory
  • Over half of your canine patients have fractured teeth. Thus this procedure should be performed on an almost daily basis.  This is an inexpensive and highly effective therapy.
  • Attendees will learn how to perform bonded sealants in veterinary dentistry.  Topics include Indications (and contraindications), tooth preparation, as well as techniques and mechanics of bonding.  Finally, marketing of the new skill will be presented.  Following an introductory lecture, the attendees will place unfilled resins on uncomplicated crown fractures.

MONDAY 2/17/25: Level II Bonded Sealants

LOCATION: Classes are located at the VDS Flagship in San Diego.

5775 Chesapeake Ct, San Diego, CA 92123

QUESTIONS: Contact info@vdspets.com

Learn More

Level II Composite Restorations 2/17/25

10:30am - 12:30pm

Level II: Open to vets only. Enamel hypoplasia and caries are common issues in our canine patients.  This lab will teach you how to perform composite...

Level II Composite Restorations 2/17/25

February 17 | 10:30am - 12:30pm

Open to veterinarians only.

MONDAY 2/17/25: Level II Composite Restorations 

Time: 10:30-12:30 pm | 10:00 am registration

2 hours of hands-on laboratory

Enamel hypoplasia and caries are common issues in our canine patients.  This lab will teach you how to perform composite restorations for these conditions. Attendees will learn tooth preparation for maximum retention, how to bond the restoration, placing, and finally, smoothing/finishing of the filling.

The Level II courses are approved for 2 hours or CE through RACE.


LOCATION:

Classes are located at the VDS Flagship in San Diego:

5775 Chesapeake Ct, San Diego, CA 92123

QUESTIONS: Contact info@vdspets.com

Learn More

Level II Periodontal Flap Surgery & Guided Tissue Regeneration 2/17/25

1:00pm - 5:00pm

Level II: Open to vets only.  The introductory lecture will present the numerous and common indications (and contraindications) for periodontal surge...

Level II Periodontal Flap Surgery & Guided Tissue Regeneration 2/17/25

February 17 | 1:00pm - 5:00pm

This Level II training bundle is open to veterinarians only.

MONDAY 2/17/25: Level II Periodontal Flap Surgery & Guided Tissue Regeneration: (vets only)

Time: 1:00 pm-5 pm | 12:30 pm registration

1-hour lecture and 3 hours of hands-on laboratory

Periodontal disease is the most common problem in veterinary medicine.  More and more clients are interested in maintaining diseased teeth.  Thus, periodontal surgery is more and more sought after.  The introductory lecture will present the numerous and common indications (and contraindications) for periodontal surgery.  Next, we will cover equipment and pain management.  The creation of the periodontal flap and treatment of the exposed root surface will be the cornerstone of this lab.  Finally, we will teach attendees how to perform guided tissue regeneration to increase boney attachment.

The Level II courses are approved for 4 hours or CE through RACE.


CLASS: MONDAY 2/17/25: Level II Periodontal Flap Surgery & Guided Tissue Regeneration: (vets only)

LOCATION:

Classes are located at the VDS Flagship in San Diego:

5775 Chesapeake Ct, San Diego, CA 92123

QUESTIONS:

Contact info@vdspets.com

Learn More
May

Level I Training for Technicians (5/3/25)

8:00am - 5:00pm

An exclusive technician-only training taught by Dr. Skinner in San Diego.

Level I Training for Technicians (5/3/25)

May 3 | 8:00am - 5:00pm

Technicians, Register for an In-Person CE* Day of Labs.

Level I: Oral Pathology, Dental Prophylaxis and Radiology Techniques

May 3, 2025 | San Diego, CA

_____________

Open to all technicians.

Join Dr. Allen Skinner in San Diego this May for a full day of hands-on labs. In the morning, you'll learn about oral pathology and dental prophylaxis and radiology techniques in the afternoon.


Event Details:

  • May 3, 2025
  • VDS San Diego:
    5775 Chesapeake Ct, San Diego, CA 92123
  • 8 am – 5 pm PT
    • 8 am -12 pm Oral Pathology and Dental Prophylaxis
      1 pm- 5 pm Dental Radiology Techniques
  • Space is limited to 28 attendees.
  • Lunch provided
  • You will receive 8 hours of  RACE-approved CE*.
  • Cost: $599

*Course meets the requirements for 8 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB's RACE approval; however, participants should be aware that some boards have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories and/or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education."


Our cancellation policy:

After registering please advise us (at info@vdspets.com) if you would like to change the names on the reservations or will be requesting that the cancellation be completed at the terms below.

  • 60+ days before the event – 10% Cancellation Fee
  • 15 to 59 days prior to the event – 50% Cancellation Fee
  • 14 days prior to the event – No Refund
  • 10% Admin fee to change names; the attendee must take the same classes as the registered attendee.
  • Conference date changes are considered cancellations and will be charged at the Cancellation rate above.

See full policy at: https://www.vdspets.com/class-terms-cancellations/

_____

For questions, please email info@vdspets.com.

Learn More
Free CE Courses
January

RENO | Antibiotics CE Lecture (1/16/25)

FREE

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Join Dr. Brook Niemiec in Reno for a lecture on "Current Antibiotic Recommendations in Vet Dental."...

RENO | Antibiotics CE Lecture (1/16/25)

FREE

January 16 | 6:00pm - 8:00pm

IN-PERSON EVENT REGISTRATION ONLY

Register for a free in-person VDS RENO CE!

Thursday, January 16, 2025


Open to all veterinarians, technicians, and staff.

Dr. Brook Niemiec presents:

"Current recommendations for antibiotic use in veterinary dentistry."

We often misuse antibiotics in veterinary dentistry without factual knowledge of when, why, and how long to use them. In a world where we are finding bacteria that are evolving faster than we can create new antibiotics, resistance has become commonplace. We will explore cases in which antibiotic usage makes medical sense and when it does not. In addition, we will cover the bacterial flora found in the oral cavity of canine patients in health and disease, as well as current methods for evaluating infectious agents.  Finally, we will discuss how we arrive at the types of antibiotics we should use and the duration of the antibiotic courses that we should consider for our patients.
Event Details:
  • Thursday, January 16, 2025
  • Location: VDS Reno. VDS Reno is located inside:
  • Mountain View Animal Hospital and Holistic Pet Care
    6474 Bonde Ln
    Reno, NV 89511
  • Time 6:00-8:00 pm PT
  • 1 hour of RACE-approved CE*
  • Appetizers and beverages will be provided.
  • Space is limited to 30 attendees.

*Course meets the requirements for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB's RACE approval; however, participants should be aware that some boards have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories and/or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education."

If you have questions, please contact info@vdspets.com or call  714-838-8652.

 

Learn More
February

LAS VEGAS | Antibiotics CE Lecture (2/6/25)

FREE

6:30pm - 8:30pm

Join Dr. Brook Niemiec in Las Vegas at Oasis Animal Hospital for a lecture on "Current Antibiotic Recommendations in Vet Dental."...

LAS VEGAS | Antibiotics CE Lecture (2/6/25)

FREE

February 6 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

IN-PERSON EVENT REGISTRATION ONLY

Register for a free in-person LAS VEGAS CE!

Thursday, February 6, 2025


Open to all veterinarians, technicians, and staff.

Dr. Brook Niemiec presents:

"Current recommendations for antibiotic use in veterinary dentistry."

We often misuse antibiotics in veterinary dentistry without factual knowledge of when, why, and how long to use them. In a world where we are finding bacteria that are evolving faster than we can create new antibiotics, resistance has become commonplace. We will explore cases in which antibiotic usage makes medical sense and when it does not. In addition, we will cover the bacterial flora found in the oral cavity of canine patients in health and disease, as well as current methods for evaluating infectious agents.  Finally, we will discuss how we arrive at the types of antibiotics we should use and the duration of the antibiotic courses that we should consider for our patients.
Event Details:
  • Thursday, February 6, 2025
  • Location: Oasis Animal Hospital (in Henderson)
    • 10652 S Eastern Ave # B, Henderson, NV 89052
  • Time 6:30-8:30 pm PT
  • 1 hour of RACE-approved CE*
  • Appetizers and beverages will be provided.
  • Space is limited to 30 attendees.

*Course meets the requirements for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB's RACE approval; however, participants should be aware that some boards have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories and/or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education."

If you have questions, please contact info@vdspets.com or call  714-838-8652.

 

Learn More
March

DUBLIN | Antibiotics CE Lecture (3/19/25)

FREE

6:30pm - 8:30pm

Join Dr. Brook Niemiec in Dublin for a lecture on "Current Antibiotic Recommendations in Vet Dental."...

DUBLIN | Antibiotics CE Lecture (3/19/25)

FREE

March 19 | 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Register for a free in-person VDS DUBLIN CE!

Wednesday, March 19, 2025


Open to all veterinarians, technicians, and staff.

Dr. Brook Niemiec presents:

"Current recommendations for antibiotic use in veterinary dentistry."

We often misuse antibiotics in veterinary dentistry without factual knowledge of when, why, and how long to use them. In a world where we are finding bacteria that are evolving faster than we can create new antibiotics, resistance has become commonplace. We will explore cases in which antibiotic usage makes medical sense and when it does not. In addition, we will cover the bacterial flora found in the oral cavity of canine patients in health and disease, as well as current methods for evaluating infectious agents.  Finally, we will discuss how we arrive at the types of antibiotics we should use and the duration of the antibiotic courses that we should consider for our patients.
Event Details:
  • Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
  • Location: VDS DUBLIN
    • VDS Dublin is located above Iron Horse VetCare:
    • 7660 Amador Valley Blvd
      Suite D
      Dublin, CA 94568
  • Time 6:30-8:30 pm PT
  • 1 hour of RACE-approved CE*
  • Appetizers and beverages will be provided.
  • Space is limited to 30 attendees.

*Course meets the requirements for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB's RACE approval; however, participants should be aware that some boards have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories and/or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education."

If you have questions, please contact info@vdspets.com or call  714-838-8652.

 

Learn More

Hands-on lectures and labs

We will come and speak to your audience!

Looking to bring our VDS staff to your facility? We offer speaking services globally.

See Speaking Events