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
Questions about classes? Contact info@vdspets.com

Brachycephalic Dentistry, Anesthesia, and Dermatology
OCTOBER 17, 2023 | LAS VEGAS
All veterinarians, technicians, and staff. are invited to join Veterinary Dental Specialties, and Animal Allergy and Dermatology for a very special look at our spooky brachycephalic patients and CE credited* evening.
You’ll hear from Dr. Ann Trimmer, Dr. Erin McNally, and Dr. Brook Niemiec about caring for brachycephalic patient’s specific skin and dental diseases as well as how to safely anesthetize them (yes you can!) for proper care.
Level II Training for Technicians (12/2/23)
8:00am - 5:00pm
An exclusive technicians-only brand-new level training in prophylaxis and radiology, which is not covered in basic labs. This course will also provide...
Level II Training for Technicians (12/2/23)
December 2 | 8:00am - 5:00pm
All technicians are invited to an in-person training in San Diego.
There are numerous options for very basic training for veterinary technicians and assistants. However, those who wish to move beyond the basics will have a challenge finding any other options for training. This is especially an issue if one is tracking for VTS. To bridge this gap, the Veterinary Dental Specialists Center for Excellence is announcing a brand-new level two prophy and radiology course for TECHNICIANS.
This course will provide training in prophylaxis and radiology, which is not covered in basic labs, as well as provide an additional option for VTS to fulfill their wet lab hours in 2023. This course will be team-taught by Dr. Brook (DAVDC, DEVDC, FAVD) and Dr. Sara Hermanson, DVM.
- Please note that this is not an introductory course, and a basic understanding of the techniques is required.
- You will receive VTS credit for 4 hours of prophylaxis and 4 hours of radiology
Details:
When: Saturday, December 2, 2023 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Where: San Diego Vet Dental Training Center: 5775 Chesapeake Ct, San Diego, CA 92123
Schedule:
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Level 2 prophylaxis
- Updates on nomenclature
- Hand Scaling
- Subgingival hand and ultrasonic scaling
- Probing/sounding
- Transillumination
- Orastrip usage
- Sharpening with Honing device and hand
12:00- 1:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM – 5: 00 PM Level 2 radiology
- Extraoral technique in cats and brachycephalic breeds to avoid zygomatic arch interference
- Near Parallel technique in cats to avoid zygomatic arch interference
- Mesial and distal tube shift technique to split the roots of the maxillary P4 in dogs and cats
- Achieving 2 views of the canine tooth for endodontic therapy
- Exposing maxillary teeth in lateral recumbency to avoid rolling the patient
- Exposing dental radiographs of the crown of the mandibular canine tooth in ventral recumbency for vital pulp therapy
- Exposing the mandibular third molar tooth in small breed dogs
- Properly exposing the mesial mandibular cheek teeth in dogs and cats.
- Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
- Indications for CBCT and how it works
- Team safety
- Acquiring appropriate images (patient landmarks/positioning, etc.)
- Common troubleshooting issues (artifacts and how to fix them)
- Identifying general structures
Cost: $450 -- If you are a VTS in training, please contact cphair@vdspets.com to receive a discount code for $300 off.
General Questions? Contact info@vdspets.com.
Dentistry in a Day- San Diego 1/28/24
8:00am - 4:30pm
Dentistry in Day in San Diego this January 2024. Learn the basics of vet dentistry with hands-on instruction all in one day.
Dentistry in a Day- San Diego 1/28/24
January 28 | 8:00am - 4:30pm

Open to veterinarians and technicians.
Dr. Brook Niemiec & The VDS Team present:
Dentistry in a Day
Date:
Sunday, January 28, 2024
8 am-4:30 pm
Location:
San Diego
Veterinary Dental Training Center | Center of Excellence
We are conveniently located at 5775 Chesapeake Court, San Diego, CA 92123
___________
The VDS team invites you to a full day of CE. Veterinarians and technicians will learn the basics of vet dentistry with hands-on instruction.
Topics Covered:
• Hand & ultrasonic scaling
• Instrument care and sharpening
• Pain management and regional anesthesia (local nerve blocks)
• Dental radiology & Interpretation
• Marketing veterinary dentistry (Improving dental compliance)
Schedule:
• 8:00–9:30 am dry lab intro lectures
• 9:30 am – 12:00 pm dry lab rotations
• 12:00-12:30: PM Lunch
• 12:30 pm-2:00 pm dry lab rotations
• 2:00-3:00 Dental radiology interpretation interactive interpretation,
• 3:00–4:30 pm Marketing dentistry lecture: "Improving Dental Compliance."
A full day of CE, including continental breakfast and lunch, for only $199.
Limited to a total of 60 attendees.
*Course meets the requirements for 8 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that 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.
Questions? Contact info@vdspets.com for more.
Cancellation Policy:
- 60+ days prior to 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 a cancellation and will be charged at the Cancellation rate above.
Level I Bundle (10% Savings) 3/09-3/10/24
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
Save 10% with the Full Level 1 training weekend is open to veterinarians, technicians, and assistants and includes: Non-surgical periodontal therapy, ...
Level I Bundle (10% Savings) 3/09-3/10/24
March 9 | 8:00am - 5:00pm
March 10 | 8:00am - 4:30pm

The full Level 1 training weekend is 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 full weekend Level I course is approved for 16 hours or CE through RACE
DATES:
March 9-10, 2024
LOCATION:
Classes are located at the VDS Flagship in San Diego
5775 Chesapeake Ct, San Diego, CA 92123
QUESTIONS:
Contact info@vdspets.com
Level I & Level II Bundle (15% Savings) 3/09-3/11/24
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 4:30pm
Save 15% with the Full Level I + Level II training open to veterinarians.
Level I & Level II Bundle (15% Savings) 3/09-3/11/24
March 9 | 8:00am - 5:00pm
March 10 | 8:00am - 4:30pm
March 11 | 8:00am - 5:00pm

The full Level I + Level II training bundle is open to veterinarians.
SATURDAY, March 9, 2024
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, March 10, 2024
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, March 11, 2024
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
Level I Basic Periodontal Therapy 3/09/24
8:00am - 12:00pm
Attendees will gain expertise in performing a dental prophylaxis including supra and subgingival scaling and root planning (both ultrasonic and hand),...
Level I Basic Periodontal Therapy 3/09/24
March 9 | 8:00am - 12:00pm

Level I Basic Periodontal Class: Open to veterinarians, technicians, and assistants
- 2 hours of lecture and 2 hours of hands-on laboratory
- Attendees will gain expertise in performing dental prophylaxis, including supra and subgingival scaling and root planning (both ultrasonic and hand), polishing, oral exam and charting, and periocutic application.
Each laboratory is approved for 4 hours of CE through RACE.
DATE: Saturday, March 9, 2024
LOCATION: Classes are located at the VDS Flagship in San Diego:
5775 Chesapeake Ct, San Diego, CA 92123
QUESTIONS? Contact info@vdspets.com.
Level I Dental Radiology & Interpretation 3/09/24
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Take the frustration out of dental radiology. Attendees will learn how to take full mouth dog and cat radiographs.
Level I Dental Radiology & Interpretation 3/09/24
March 9 | 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Level I Dental Radiology and Interpretation, open to veterinarians, technicians, and assistants
- 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.
Each laboratory is approved for 4 hours of CE through RACE.
DATE: March 9, 2024
LOCATION: Classes are located at the VDS Flagship in San Diego:
5775 Chesapeake Ct, San Diego, CA 92123
QUESTIONS: Contact info@vdspets.com.
Level I Basic Extractions 3/10/24
8:00am - 12:00pm
The lecture part will initiate with a discussion of equipment needs and then cover pain management.
Level I Basic Extractions 3/10/24
March 10 | 8:00am - 12:00pm

Level I: Basic Extractions is open to veterinarians, technicians, and technicians in training
- 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, March 10, 204
LOCATION: Classes are located at the VDS Flagship in San Diego: 5775 Chesapeake Ct, San Diego, CA 92123
QUESTIONS: Email info@vdspets.com
Level I Advanced Extractions (Pre-Req: Basic Extractions) 3/10/24
12:30pm - 4:30pm
The Basic Extraction class is a prerequisite for this Advanced Extraction class. Dr. Niemiec's techniques for extraction are somewhat different from o...
Level I Advanced Extractions (Pre-Req: Basic Extractions) 3/10/24
March 10 | 12:30pm - 4:30pm

The Basic Extraction class is a prerequisite for this Advanced Extraction class. You will be asked for proof that, Therefore, you MUST either be registered for the Basic Extractions class or have taken an extraction lab with him in the past in order to participate. You will be asked for the date of your prerequisite class at checkout.
Dr. Niemiec's techniques for extraction are somewhat different from other dentists.
- 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.
Each laboratory is approved for 4 hours of CE through RACE.
NAME OF CLASS: Advanced Extractions
DATE: Sunday, March 10, 2024
LOCATION: Classes are located at the VDS Flagship in San Diego: 5775 Chesapeake Ct, San Diego, CA 92123
QUESTIONS: Contact info@vdspets.com.
Level II Bundle (10% discount) 3/11/24
8:00am - 5:00pm
Save 10% with the Full-Day Monday Level II training open to veterinarians.
Level II Bundle (10% discount) 3/11/24
March 11 | 8:00am - 5:00pm

Level II training, including the three Monday courses, are open to veterinarians.
MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2024
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
Level II Bonded Sealants 3/11/24
8:00am - 10:00am
Level II: Attendees will learn how to perform bonded sealants in veterinary dentistry.
Level II Bonded Sealants 3/11/24
March 11 | 8:00am - 10:00am

This Level II training bundle is open to veterinarians, technicians, and assistants
MONDAY 3/13/23: Level II Bonded Sealants
(8-10am | 7:30am registration)
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, 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.
The Level II courses are approved for 2 hours or CE through RACE.
MONDAY 3/13/23: 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
Level II Composite Restorations 3/11/24
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 3/11/24
March 11 | 10:30am - 12:30pm

Open to veterinarians only.
MONDAY 3/11/23: 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
Level II Periodontal Flap Surgery & Guided Tissue Regeneration 3/11/24
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 3/11/24
March 11 | 1:00pm - 5:00pm

This Level II training bundle is open to veterinarians only.
MONDAY 3/11/24: 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 3/11/24: 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
DUBLIN | Brachycephalic Dentistry and Anesthesia (10/18/23) Vets Only
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Dublin veterinarians, come join Veterinary Dental Specialties for a very special look at our spooky brachycephalic patients and earn 2 hours of CE* ...
DUBLIN | Brachycephalic Dentistry and Anesthesia (10/18/23) Vets Only
October 18 | 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Register for a Festive & Free In-Person CE* Lecture, Dinner and Wine Tasting.
Brachycephalic Dentistry and Anesthesia
OCTOBER 18, 2023 | DUBLIN, CA
Open to all veterinarians. We have a waitlist for technicians (see below).
Come join Veterinary Dental Specialties for a very special look at our spooky brachycephalic patients and earn 2 hours of CE* credit. You will enjoy dinner and a special wine tasting.
You’ll hear from Dr. Erin McNally and Dr. Brook Niemiec about caring for brachycephalic patients’ specific dental diseases, as well as how to safely anesthetize them (yes, you can!) for proper care.
Event Details:
- Wednesday, October 18, 2023
- Prima Vini Wine Merchants 6890 Village Pkwy, Dublin, CA 94568
- 6 pm – 9 pm
- Space is limited to 30 attendees.
Please note: If you are a technician and would like to be put on our waitlist, email hello@vdspets.com and let us know your name/email/contact number.
Evening sponsored by Idexx.
*Course meets the requirements for 2 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."
Looking for a certain time slot? Search our in-person classes by date. Or take our on-demand classes online any time.
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