10 Veterinary Dentistry Books That Distinguish Experts

Recommended by Heidi B. Lobprise, Alexander M. Reiter, and Steven E. Holmstrom for mastering Veterinary Dentistry Books

Updated on June 23, 2025
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What if improving your veterinary dental skills could come from just a handful of books? Veterinary Dentistry is evolving fast, with new techniques reshaping how professionals approach oral health in animals. Understanding this specialized field matters more than ever—not only to improve animal welfare but to ensure precise diagnosis and treatment.

Experts like Heidi B. Lobprise, a dental referral specialist at Main Street Veterinary Hospital, and Alexander M. Reiter, Chief of Dentistry and Oral Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, have shaped this field through clinical breakthroughs and teaching. Steven E. Holmstrom's team-based approach integrates practical skills with safety and communication, making veterinary dentistry accessible across the profession.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific experience level, animal types, and learning goals might consider creating a personalized Veterinary Dentistry book that builds on these insights.

Best for veterinary teams and students
Steven E. Holmstrom DVM is a renowned Veterinary Dentistry Specialist whose extensive experience underpins this book. Driven by a commitment to improve veterinary dental care, he crafted this guide to address both fundamental and advanced topics, making it accessible for vet techs and students alike. His expertise ensures the book covers everything from oral exams to diagnostic radiology, helping your team develop a solid foundation in animal dentistry.
Veterinary Dentistry: A Team Approach book cover

by Steven E. Holmstrom DVM··You?

2018·464 pages·Veterinary Dentistry, Animal Health, Veterinary Medicine, Dental Radiology, Anesthesia

When Steven E. Holmstrom DVM reconsidered his approach to veterinary dentistry, he developed a resource that goes beyond basic procedures to include essential topics like anesthesia safety, radiology interpretation, and client communication. You’ll find detailed chapters on oral examinations and endodontics, enhanced with full-color illustrations that clarify complex techniques. This book suits practitioners new to veterinary dentistry as well as vet students seeking to master terminology and practical skills, especially with its new sections on pocket pets and digital radiography. It’s a straightforward guide focused on equipping your whole team, not just the lead veterinarian.

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Best for vets advancing dental skills
Heidi B. Lobprise is a dental referral specialist practicing at Main Street Veterinary Hospital and Dental Clinic in Flower Mound, TX, USA. Her expertise grounds this book, which offers an authoritative and practical look at veterinary dentistry. Driven by her clinical experience, she co-authors this updated edition to provide vets with an accessible yet detailed resource tailored to canine and feline oral health needs.
Wiggs's Veterinary Dentistry: Principles and Practice book cover

by Heidi B. Lobprise, Johnathon R. (Bert) Dodd··You?

2019·544 pages·Veterinary Dentistry, Oral Pathology, Dental Surgery, Animal Anatomy, Periodontology

What if everything you knew about veterinary dental care was wrong? Heidi B. Lobprise, a dental referral specialist at Main Street Veterinary Hospital, challenges conventional approaches by delivering a deeply detailed exploration of both foundational principles and advanced techniques in veterinary dentistry. You’ll learn to assess, diagnose, and treat oral diseases in dogs and cats with precision, supported by a wealth of updated research and vivid, full-color images that clarify complex procedures. This book suits veterinary professionals aiming to elevate their clinical skills in dental care, offering insights that bridge theory and practical application without unnecessary jargon.

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Best for tailored dental protocols
This AI-created book on veterinary dentistry is crafted based on your unique experience and professional goals. You share your background, the animal species you work with, and the dental topics you want to focus on, then receive a book tailored precisely to your needs. Personalization matters here because veterinary dental care varies widely across species and practice settings. Having content created specifically for your skill level and objectives means you get exactly the guidance that fits your clinical challenges, without wading through unrelated material.
2025·50-300 pages·Veterinary Dentistry, Dental Diagnostics, Anesthesia Protocols, Oral Pathology, Preventive Care

This personalized book provides a tailored approach to veterinary dentistry, focusing on specific techniques and protocols that match your professional background and goals. It offers practical strategies for diagnosis, treatment planning, and dental procedures across diverse animal species. The content cuts through generic advice by concentrating on what matters most for your practice, including anesthesia considerations, dental pathology, and preventive care. Readers gain a customized framework that aligns with their unique clinical situations, ensuring effective and efficient dental care. This tailored resource addresses both foundational knowledge and advanced skills, helping you refine your expertise in veterinary oral health with precision.

Tailored Framework
Dental Protocols
1,000+ Happy Readers
Alexander M. Reiter, with his dual Diplomate status from the American and European Veterinary Dental Colleges and role as Chief of Dentistry and Oral Surgery at a major university hospital, brings unparalleled expertise to this manual. His background in complex oral and maxillofacial surgery lends the book a depth that bridges academic rigor with clinical practicality, making it a valuable resource for veterinarians seeking to improve their dental and surgical proficiency.
BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Dentistry and Oral Surgery (BSAVA British Small Animal Veterinary Association) book cover

by Alexander M. Reiter, Margherita Gracis··You?

2018·392 pages·Veterinary Dentistry, Oral Surgery, Dental Radiography, Periodontal Disease, Tooth Extraction

When Alexander M. Reiter first developed his expertise in veterinary dentistry and oral surgery, he aimed to fill a gap in accessible, practical knowledge for small animal veterinarians and technicians. Drawing from his extensive clinical and academic background, this manual provides detailed operative techniques enhanced by full-color photos, covering dental radiography, periodontal disease management, trauma care, and oral surgery including tooth extractions. You’ll gain hands-on understanding of both common and complex procedures, making it particularly useful if you’re a general practitioner or student looking to deepen your clinical skills. The book balances foundational concepts with advanced surgical insights, though it assumes some veterinary experience to fully benefit.

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Best for veterinary technicians enhancing practice
Jeanne R. Perrone, MS, CVT, VTS (Dentistry), brings her deep expertise as owner of VT Dental Training and adjunct instructor at St. Petersburg College to this book. Her professional background in veterinary dentistry training informs every chapter, making this book a well-grounded guide for veterinary technicians and nurses. Perrone designed this resource to bridge knowledge gaps in small animal dental care, combining clinical protocols with practical tools like videos and glossaries to support your learning and daily practice.
2020·272 pages·Veterinary Nursing, Veterinary Dentistry, Dental Procedures, Anesthesia, Radiology

What if everything you knew about veterinary dental care was only part of the picture? Jeanne R. Perrone, with her extensive credentials including MS, CVT, and VTS in Dentistry, challenges conventional practices by integrating canine, feline, and exotic animal dentistry into one resource tailored for veterinary technicians and nurses. You gain detailed skills on anesthesia, radiology, and dental cleaning protocols, enhanced with updated digital radiology techniques and vivid imaging. The book suits veterinary technicians seeking to deepen their hands-on expertise, especially those involved regularly in small animal dental care, providing practical tools such as video tutorials and editable glossaries.

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Best for oral pathology specialists
Brian G. Murphy, DVM, PhD, DACVP, an Associate Professor at the University of California, Davis, brings his deep expertise in veterinary pathology to this focused guide. His academic background and clinical experience shaped this book to serve as a specialized resource for diagnosing oral and maxillofacial lesions in mammals. The inclusion of companion website video clips reflects his commitment to practical learning tools, making the complex subject matter approachable for veterinary professionals engaged in oral pathology.
Veterinary Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology book cover

by Brian G. Murphy, Cynthia M. Bell, Jason W. Soukup··You?

2019·272 pages·Veterinary Pathology, Veterinary Dentistry, Oral Pathology, Maxillofacial Diagnosis, Companion Animals

Brian G. Murphy's extensive experience as an Associate Professor at UC Davis reshaped the way veterinary oral pathology is approached in this text. Instead of treating oral and maxillofacial lesions as isolated cases, Murphy emphasizes a diagnostic thought process that guides you through establishing clear differential diagnoses, specifically tailored for companion animals like dogs, cats, and horses. The book dives into histological diagnosis techniques, supported by companion website video clips, making complex pathology more accessible. If your work involves diagnosing oral diseases in various mammals, this book offers focused insights that bridge clinical practice and pathology, though it’s less suited for casual veterinary readers.

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Best for rapid skill mastery
This AI-created book on rapid skill development in veterinary dentistry for small animals is designed around your background, experience level, and learning goals. You share what specific dental areas you want to improve, and the book is tailored to provide focused daily guidance that matches your pace and needs. This personalized approach makes a lot of sense here, since mastering small animal dental skills requires hands-on practice and clear progression, which generic books often miss. With this custom book, you get exactly what you need to build your expertise efficiently and confidently.
2025·50-300 pages·Veterinary Dentistry, Small Animal Care, Dental Anatomy, Diagnostic Radiology, Anesthesia Protocols

This personalized book focuses on rapid skill development in veterinary dentistry specifically for small animals. It provides a tailored approach to mastering essential dental procedures, diagnostic techniques, and treatment protocols within a condensed timeframe. The book emphasizes a daily-guided progression, enabling readers to build confidence and competence with practical insights into dental anatomy, radiology, anesthesia considerations, and surgical care. By cutting through irrelevant advice, it fits the unique context of each reader's background and goals, facilitating efficient learning in this specialized area. This personalized framework supports incremental mastery, addressing both foundational knowledge and hands-on applications essential for effective small animal dental care.

Tailored Guide
Dental Skill Mastery
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for imaging-focused vets and students
Brenda L. Mulherin, DVM, Diplomate AVDC, is a Clinical Professor at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Her extensive clinical and academic experience in veterinary dentistry informs this detailed guide to diagnostic imaging. She wrote this book to share her deep understanding of interpreting dental images in diverse animal species, aiding veterinary professionals in improving diagnostic precision and patient care.
Veterinary Oral Diagnostic Imaging book cover

by Brenda L. Mulherin··You?

2023·448 pages·Veterinary Dentistry, Diagnostic Imaging, Radiography, Oral Pathology, Equine Dentistry

Unlike most veterinary dentistry books that focus solely on clinical procedures, Brenda L. Mulherin’s Veterinary Oral Diagnostic Imaging dives deeply into the art and science of diagnostic imaging across a wide range of animals. Drawing from her expertise as a Clinical Professor and Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College, Mulherin presents over 600 detailed images and covers everything from basic radiographic techniques to advanced modalities like MRI and cone beam CT. You'll gain practical knowledge about positioning, normal and pathological anatomy, and interpretation specific to dogs, cats, exotic pets, and horses. This book suits veterinarians and students seeking to enhance their diagnostic accuracy within veterinary dental practice.

Published by Wiley-Blackwell
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Best for interdisciplinary veterinary teams
What makes this book unique in veterinary dentistry is its interdisciplinary framework, guiding you through integrating dental care seamlessly into general practice. Edited by Jerzy Gawor and Brook Niemiec, both board-certified veterinary dentists, the book covers safe anesthesia, diagnosis, management, and referral strategies, along with key topics like nutrition and pain management. It’s designed for the entire veterinary team—from vets to technicians—offering practical guidance on making dentistry a regular, coordinated part of your practice. If you want to deepen your understanding of veterinary dental patients and improve outcomes across your team, this book provides a solid foundation.
2021·464 pages·Veterinary Dentistry, Small Animal Care, Oral Surgery, Pain Management, Anesthesia Protocols

Unlike most veterinary dentistry books that focus narrowly on procedures, this text stands out by weaving a multidisciplinary approach that integrates dentistry into everyday veterinary practice. Edited by Jerzy Gawor and Brook Niemiec, both board-certified in Europe and the US, it delves into everything from anesthesia protocols to oral surgery techniques, ensuring you gain a holistic understanding of dental care for canine and feline patients. You’ll find detailed chapters on nutrition’s impact on oral health, pain management strategies, and even common malpractice pitfalls, making it a valuable reference whether you're a vet, technician, or practice manager. The book’s strength lies in its practical guidance on coordinating dental care within the whole veterinary team, rather than isolating dentistry as a specialty.

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Best for equine owners and caretakers
What makes this book unique in veterinary dentistry is its focus on empowering horse owners with essential knowledge about their animals' oral health. It demystifies the complexities of equine dental anatomy and disease, providing clear explanations and examples that help you understand why modern dental methods matter for your horse’s comfort and safety. You’ll learn to identify dental issues that often go unnoticed and how to select skilled professionals to provide the best care. This resource bridges the gap between veterinary dentistry advancements and owner awareness, ensuring your equine companion enjoys a healthier, more comfortable life.
Modern Equine Dentistry for Horse Owners: Understand what you need to know to get the best dental care for your horse's comfort and safety book cover

by Dr Elizabeth A Thompson DVM, Lizzi Tremayne, Prof Padraic Dixon FRCVS, Dr Manfred Stoll DiEVDC, Dr Eric W. Davis DVM, Dr Rob Pascoe DiAVDC, Dr Olivia James DiAVDC, Prof Denis Verwilghen DiEVDC, Prof Gary J. Wilson DiAVDC, Dr Elke Pollaris DiEVDC·You?

2024·260 pages·Veterinary Dentistry, Horse Owner, Equine Care, Animal Health, Dental Anatomy

This book reshaped my understanding of equine dental care by revealing how subtle signs of dental pain in horses often go unnoticed, even by experienced owners. Dr. Elizabeth Thompson, with her extensive veterinary and equine dentistry expertise, guides you through the complexities of your horse’s mouth, covering anatomy, common diseases, and modern treatment methods. You’ll gain concrete skills like recognizing when a horse needs dental attention and how to choose the right professional, supported by clear examples and explanations. If you’re invested in your horse’s wellbeing and want to ensure comfort and longevity, this book equips you with the knowledge to advocate effectively for your equine partner’s dental health.

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Best for small mammal dental care
Dr. Estella Böhmer, DVM, Dr. med. vet., serves as Senior Physician at the Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, and leads the small mammal surgery department. Her extensive expertise and role as a consultant on small mammals for the Veterinary Information Network underpin this book's authority. Motivated by the high prevalence of dental issues in small mammals, she crafted this focused guide to equip clinicians with effective diagnostic and treatment skills, particularly using accessible radiographic methods and detailed surgical approaches.
Dentistry in Rabbits and Rodents book cover

by Estella Böhmer··You?

2015·304 pages·Veterinary Dentistry, Small Mammals, Radiography, Dental Anatomy, Surgical Techniques

When Dr. Estella Böhmer, a senior physician specializing in small animal surgery, recognized the frequent dental issues afflicting rabbits and rodents, she created this guide to bridge the gap in effective treatment within general veterinary practice. You’ll gain detailed knowledge of small mammal dental anatomy and physiology, alongside innovative radiographic techniques that allow clear visualization of each tooth using standard equipment. The book walks you through diagnostic processes and offers a range of surgical options, explaining their pros and cons with rich photographic illustrations. If you treat small mammals and want to expand your dental expertise without relying on specialists or costly tools, this book gives you the focused, practical insights you need.

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Best for rabbit dentistry and surgery specialists
Frances Harcourt-Brown graduated from Liverpool University in 1973 and is the only RCVS Recognized Specialist in Rabbit Medicine and Surgery. Her extensive background in zoological medicine brings authoritative insight to this manual, designed to meet the increasing demand for specialized rabbit surgical and dental knowledge. This book consolidates her expertise and offers practical guidance for veterinary professionals working with rabbits, emphasizing tailored anesthesia, imaging, and treatment approaches.
BSAVA Manual of Rabbit Surgery, Dentistry and Imaging book cover

by Frances Harcourt-Brown, John Chitty··You?

2014·448 pages·Veterinary Dentistry, Surgery, Imaging, Anesthesia, Dental Disease

When Frances Harcourt-Brown first recognized the growing need for specialized knowledge in rabbit care, she drew on her unique expertise as the only RCVS Recognized Specialist in Rabbit Medicine and Surgery to craft this manual. You’ll gain detailed insights into anesthesia protocols tailored for rabbits, advanced imaging techniques including CT and MRI, and specific surgical procedures from neutering to complex organ surgeries. The manual’s final section zeroes in on dental diseases, with thorough guidance on examining and treating cheek tooth overgrowth and abscesses, encouraging you to evaluate treatment options critically. This book is ideal if you handle rabbit cases regularly and want a deeper understanding of surgical and dental management.

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Conclusion

This collection reveals three clear themes: the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork, the value of specialized imaging and pathology knowledge, and the growing attention to diverse species from equines to small mammals. If you’re a veterinary technician seeking hands-on protocols, "Small Animal Dental Procedures for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses" offers practical depth. For rapid skill advancement in surgery and diagnosis, pairing "Wiggs's Veterinary Dentistry" with the "BSAVA Manual" delivers solid clinical foundations.

Veterinarians focused on oral pathology will find Brian G. Murphy’s insights indispensable, while equine owners gain crucial knowledge from "Modern Equine Dentistry for Horse Owners." Once you've absorbed these expert insights, create a personalized Veterinary Dentistry book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation.

Diving into these carefully selected books will sharpen your expertise and deepen your understanding of veterinary dental care across species. Your patients—and your team—will benefit from the knowledge you gain here.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Veterinary Dentistry" by Steven E. Holmstrom for a well-rounded introduction that suits both students and veterinary teams. It covers basics and practical skills to build a solid foundation before moving to more specialized texts.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Veterinary Dentistry?

Not at all. Books like "Small Animal Dental Procedures for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses" are designed for hands-on learning at all levels, while "Veterinary Dentistry" offers accessible explanations for beginners.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational texts such as "Veterinary Dentistry" and "Small Animal Dental Procedures," then progress to advanced topics in "Wiggs's Veterinary Dentistry" and "Veterinary Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology" to deepen your expertise.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

Picking depends on your focus. For general practice, one or two books may suffice. But for specialized fields like oral pathology or equine dentistry, dedicated books like Murphy’s or Thompson’s provide targeted knowledge.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Wiggs's Veterinary Dentistry" balances theory and practice, while "Small Animal Dental Procedures" and "Veterinary Oral Diagnostic Imaging" focus heavily on practical techniques and clinical application.

Can I get Veterinary Dentistry knowledge tailored to my experience and goals?

Yes! While these books offer expert insights, you can also create a personalized Veterinary Dentistry book that aligns precisely with your background and learning objectives, complementing traditional resources perfectly.

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