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

Level I Weekend: 3/7-3/8/26
8:00am - 5:00pm
This two-day Level I training weekend is open to veterinarians, technicians, and assistants and includes Non-surgical periodontal therapy, Dental radi...
Level I Weekend: 3/7-3/8/26
March 7 | 8:00am - 5:00pm
March 8 | 8:00am - 5:00pm

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 periocutaneous 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 will begin with a discussion of equipment needs, followed by a coverage of 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. - 5 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 of CE through RACE
DATES:
March 7-8, 2026
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 & II 3 Days: 3/7-3/9/26
8:00am - 5:00pm
Level 1 & 2 - 3 Days Hands on Weekends open to veterinarians only.
Level I & II 3 Days: 3/7-3/9/26
March 7 | 8:00am - 5:00pm
March 8 | 8:00am - 5:00pm
March 9 | 8:00am - 5:00pm

This comprehensive 3-day Level I + Level II training bundle is exclusively open to veterinarians.
SATURDAY, March 7, 2026
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 8, 2026
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. - 5 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 9, 2026
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, the marketing of the new skill will be presented. Following an introductory lecture, the attendees will place unfilled resins on uncomplicated crown fractures.
Level II Composite 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, and finally, how to place and smooth/finish 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. An increasing number of 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 bony attachment.
The Level I + Level II courses are approved for 24 hours of 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 Full Day: Basic & Advanced Extractions 3/8/26
8:00am - 5:00pm
The Sunday-only Level I course will cover basic and advanced extractions.
Level I Full Day: Basic & Advanced Extractions 3/8/26
March 8 | 8:00am - 5:00pm

Level I Basic & Advanced Extractions is a comprehensive single-day program open to veterinarians, technicians, and technicians in training.
The course involves:
- 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, followed by a coverage of 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. - 5 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 courses are approved for a total of 8 hours of CE through RACE.
DATE: Sunday, March 8, 2026
TIME: 8 am-5 pm
LOCATION: Classes are located at the VDS Flagship in San Diego: 5775 Chesapeake Ct, San Diego, CA 92123
QUESTIONS: Email info@vdspets.com
Level II Full Day: 3/9/26
8:00am - 5:00pm
Level II- one day course training open to veterinarians.
Level II Full Day: 3/9/26
March 9 | 8:00am - 5:00pm

This Level II training is a one-day course with three modules, open to veterinarians only.
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2026
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, the marketing of the new skill will be presented. Following an introductory lecture, the attendees will place unfilled resins on uncomplicated crown fractures.
Level II Composite 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, and finally, how to place and smooth/finish 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. A growing number of clients are interested in maintaining diseased teeth. Thus, periodontal surgery is increasingly 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 bony attachment.
The Level II course is approved for 8 hours of 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 Single Class: Bonded Sealants 3/9/26
8:00am - 10:00am
Level II: Attendees will learn how to perform bonded sealants in veterinary dentistry.
Level II Single Class: Bonded Sealants 3/9/26
March 9 | 8:00am - 10:00am

This Level II training is a one-day, 2-hour course, open to vets/techs and assistants.
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2026
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, the marketing of the new skill will be presented. Following an introductory lecture, the attendees will place unfilled resins on uncomplicated crown fractures.
This course is approved for 2 hours of CE through RACE.
MONDAY 3/9/26: 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 Single Class: Composite Restorations 3/9/26
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 Single Class: Composite Restorations 3/9/26
March 9 | 10:30am - 12:30pm

Open to veterinarians only.
MONDAY 3/9/26: 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, and finally, how to place and smooth/finish the filling.
This course is approved for 2 hours of 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 Single Class: Periodontal Flap Surgery & Guided Tissue Regeneration 3/9/26
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 Single Class: Periodontal Flap Surgery & Guided Tissue Regeneration 3/9/26
March 9 | 1:00pm - 5:00pm

This Level II training bundle is open to veterinarians only.
MONDAY 3/9/26: 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. A growing number of clients are interested in maintaining diseased teeth. Thus, periodontal surgery is increasingly 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 bony attachment.
The course is approved for 4 hours of CE through RACE.
CLASS: MONDAY 3/9/26: 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 | Geriatric Dentistry & Anesthesia Sip & CE (10/22/25)
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Dublin vets and techs, join Veterinary Dental Specialties for a Sip and CE evening with a Halloween theme.
DUBLIN | Geriatric Dentistry & Anesthesia Sip & CE (10/22/25)
October 22 | 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Register for a Free In-Person CE* Evening.
Don't Be Afraid of the Ghosts Sip & CE: Geriatrics Dentistry and Anesthesia Lecture
With our aging pet population, geriatric dental problems and anesthesia are becoming more common. Dr. Brook Niemiec and Susan Burns, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia/Analgesia) discuss common oral diseases such as tooth resorption, oral neoplasia, periodontal disease, and how to mitigate them in our geriatric patients. Learn proper anesthesia protocols for older pets and how to treat patients with comorbidities such as cardiac disease.
In addition, it's all about Halloween, and that means ghosts and skeletons and bones! Join in the holiday fun by entering our optional costume contest with a veterinary dental book (written by Dr. Niemiec) giveaway!
October 22, 2025 | DUBLIN, CA
_____________
Open to all veterinarians and technicians.
Event Details:
- October 22, 2025
- Location: 7660 Amador Valley Blvd, Suite D, Dublin, CA 94568
Clinic is located above: Iron Horse VetCare - Don't be Afraid of the Ghosts Theme + Lecture
- Optional costume contest and book giveaway for those who enter!
- Drinks and Appetizers
- 6:30 pm – 8 pm PT
- 1.5 Hours of CE Credit*
- Space is limited to 30 attendees.
- Evening Sponsored by Addison Labs.
*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."
SAN DIEGO | Lunch & Learn 11/5/25
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Come join Dr. Li-Wei Lan and Dr. Allen Skinner for a Lunch & Learn: "Oral Tumors"
SAN DIEGO | Lunch & Learn 11/5/25
November 5 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Register for a VDS and Patterson Veterinary Lunch and Learn
November 5, 2025 | San Diego, CA
Open to all veterinarians, technicians, and staff.
Come join Veterinary Dental Specialties' Allen Skinner, DVM, DAVDC and Dr. Li-Wei Lan for a presentation on:
"Oral Tumors"
Event Details:
- November 5, 2025
- VDS San Diego: 5775 Chesapeake Court, San Diego, CA 92123
- 12 pm- 1 pm
- 1 hour of RACE-approved CE*
- Lunch is provided by Patterson Veterinary
- Space is limited to 30 attendees.
The event is sponsored by Patterson Veterinary
*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."
RENO | Oral Pathology + Radiograph Interpretation CE Lecture (11/6/25)
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Join Dr. Brook Niemiec in Reno for dinner and a lecture: "Updates on oral pathology and dental radiograph interpretation."...
RENO | Oral Pathology + Radiograph Interpretation CE Lecture (11/6/25)
November 6 | 6:30pm - 9:00pm

IN-PERSON EVENT REGISTRATION ONLY
Register for a free in-person VDS RENO CE!
November 6, 2025
Open to all veterinarians, technicians, and staff.
"Updates on oral pathology and dental radiograph interpretation"
Oral and dental diseases comprise the most common issues our patients face. This lecture will cover the most common oral conditions affecting our patients, including their diagnosis and treatment options. This lecture will combine clinical diagnosis with an emphasis on radiographic interpretation. Topics include tooth resorption, fractured teeth, malocclusions, oral neoplasia, impacted teeth, retained deciduous teeth, and caudal stomatitis.
- November 6, 2025
- Location: Bricks Restaurant
1695 South Virginia St
Reno, NV 89502 - 6:30-9 pm PT
- 2 hours of RACE-approved CE*
- Dinner and Drinks
- Space is limited to 45 attendees.
- Evening is 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."
If you have questions, please contact info@vdspets.com or call 714-838-8652.
AUSTIN | Feline Dentistry, Anesthesia & Radiology 11/11/25
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Dr. Niemiec and Dr. Hon and Dr. Hernandez present: "Feline Dentistry and Anesthesia" in Austin....
AUSTIN | Feline Dentistry, Anesthesia & Radiology 11/11/25
November 11 | 6:00pm - 9:00pm

IN-PERSON EVENT REGISTRATION
Register for a free in-person VDS CE!
November 11, 2025
Open to all veterinarians, technicians, and staff.
"Feline Dentistry, Anesthesia and Radiology"
Feline dentistry and anesthesia can be a challenge. Learn how to address the most common feline anesthesia complications (i.e., hypotension and hypothermia) as well as the latest on managing feline density.
In addition, you’ll receive an introduction to the uses and benefits of cone beam CT scans for improved patient care.
We are excited to have Dr. Stephanie Hon, DVM, DACVAA, joining us. She is the owner of Anesthsia Black.
😺 You're also invited to our cat-themed costume contest! Dress in your favorite feline outfit and you'll have the chance to win one of Dr. Brook Niemiec's feline textbooks!
- November 11, 2025
- Location: Alamo Drafthouse Village
2700 W. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78757 - Time 6:00-9:00 pm (Central)
- 2 hours of RACE-approved CE*
- Dinner and drinks will be provided.
- Cat Costume Contest (optional!)
- Sponsored by Idexx
*Course meets the requirements for 2 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 specific categories and/or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education."
If you have questions, please get in touch with Austinstaff@vdspets.com.
SAN DIEGO | Feline Dentistry and Anesthesia 12/4/25
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Dr. Greer, Dr. Niemiec, and Dr. Hon present: "Feline Dentistry and Anesthesia" in San Diego....
SAN DIEGO | Feline Dentistry and Anesthesia 12/4/25
December 4 | 6:30pm - 9:00pm

IN-PERSON EVENT REGISTRATION
Register for a free in-person VDS CE!
December 4, 2025
Open to all veterinarians, technicians, and staff.
"Feline Dentistry and Anesthesia"
Feline dentistry and anesthesia can be a challenge. Learn how to address the most common feline anesthesia complications (i.e., hypotension and hypothermia) as well as the latest on managing feline density. This will include an update on the diagnosis and treatment of feline tooth resorption from Dr. Greer's new research on the subject.
We are excited to have Dr. Stephanie Hon, DVM, DACVAA, joining us. She is the owner of Anesthsia Black.
- December 4, 2025
- Location: 5775 Chesapeake Court, San Diego, CA 92123
- Time 6:30-9:00 pm PT (lecture 7-8:30 pm PT)
- 2 hours of RACE-approved CE*
- Dinner and drinks will be provided.
- Space is limited to 50 attendees.
- Sponsored by Idexx, Periovive, and Addisons
*Course meets the requirements for 2 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 specific categoires and/or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education."
If you have questions, please get in touch with info@vdspets.coms.com or call 714-838-8652.
DUBLIN | Feline Dentistry and Anesthesia 12/10/25
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Dr. Niemiec and Dr. Hon present: "Feline Dentistry and Anesthesia" in Dublin....
DUBLIN | Feline Dentistry and Anesthesia 12/10/25
December 10 | 6:30pm - 9:00pm

IN-PERSON EVENT REGISTRATION
Register for a free in-person VDS CE!
December 10, 2025
Open to all veterinarians, technicians, and staff.
"Feline Dentistry and Anesthesia"
Feline dentistry and anesthesia can be a challenge. Learn how to address the most common feline anesthesia complications (i.e., hypotension and hypothermia) as well as the latest on managing feline density.
We are excited to have Dr. Stephanie Hon, DVM, DACVAA, joining us. She is the owner of Anesthsia Black.
- December 10, 2025
- Location: Dublin, location TBD. We will update attendees once registered.
- Time 6:30-9:00 pm PT
- 2 hours of RACE-approved CE*
- Dinner and drinks will be provided.
- Space is limited to 30 attendees.
- Sponsored by Periovive, and Addisons
*Course meets the requirements for 2 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 specific categories and/or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education."
If you have questions, please get in touch with info@vdspets.coms.com or call 714-838-8652.
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