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Make Me Smile

Make Me Smile

We have several approved shelters waiting for equipment and training in 2022-2023. Thank you!

Making Shelter animals more adoptable since 2013.

Veterinary Dentists offer free equipment and training to shelter veterinarians and technicians so adoptable dogs and cats can receive dental cleanings before adoption into new homes.

In 2013 the Make me Smile program was organized in concert with the generosity of veterinary equipment manufacturer Dentalaire Products International. DPI provided equipment and Trustees of the Foundation volunteered training manpower at various animal shelters throughout the country. In 2016, Petco Inc. awarded a $10,000 grant to the program.

The program is designed to give shelter veterinarians and technicians the training on providing comprehensive oral health, assessment and treatment (COHAT) of oral concerns for their animals that are placed for adoption. The COHAT will be conducted under general anesthesia and assessment will be done with full mouth radiographs and physical examinations.

It is known that poor oral health leads to physical ailments and temperament issues, all of which can render the animals not as desirable for adoption. It is the goal of this dedicated group of veterinarians, technicians and dental hygienists who specialize in veterinary dentistry to create awareness for shelter personnel so that can provide treatment in-house.

Making Shelter animals more adoptable since 2013.

Veterinary Dentists offer free equipment and training to shelter veterinarians and technicians so adoptable dogs and cats can receive dental cleanings before adoption into new homes.

In 2013 the Make me Smile program was organized in concert with the generosity of veterinary equipment manufacturer Dentalaire Products International. DPI provided equipment and Trustees of the Foundation volunteered training manpower at various animal shelters throughout the country. In 2016, Petco Inc. awarded a $10,000 grant to the program.

The program is designed to give shelter veterinarians and technicians the training on providing comprehensive oral health, assessment and treatment (COHAT) of oral concerns for their animals that are placed for adoption. The COHAT will be conducted under general anesthesia and assessment will be done with full mouth radiographs and physical examinations.

It is known that poor oral health leads to physical ailments and temperament issues, all of which can render the animals not as desirable for adoption. It is the goal of this dedicated group of veterinarians, technicians and dental hygienists who specialize in veterinary dentistry to create awareness for shelter personnel so that can provide treatment in-house.

2024

The MMSP mission conducted on Sat 1-20-2024 was in support of the Auburn Valley Humane Society and held at their Northwest Spay & Neuter Center in Tacoma, WA, 6401 Pacific Ave Tacoma, WA 98408. (Dr. Emily Purvis is the Director of Veterinary Services and will send their PR releases to us once completed with photos etc.)

Dr. Amy Rossi and Nancy Stewart, LVT, RVT provided lectures and training in periodontal treatment to approximately 16 members of the staff at both locations which included veterinarians and technicians. Dr. Rossi has provided the following comment:

“The mission went well.  We had some lectures in the morning and then practiced radiographs in the afternoon. We did not do COHATS with the staff but went over all the steps. We and all the attendees had a good time”. 

Dr. Emily Purvis shared the following:

“I wanted to reach out to all of you and extend a gigantic thanks on behalf of the NWSNC and AVHS teams.  I have received so much positive feedback on the education event.  Dr. Rossi is an excellent teacher and creates such a welcoming and safe environment for learning.  Nancy is an incredibly patient trainer for x-rays, positioning, and industry best practice.  Everyone has been incredibly grateful for the opportunity. So many smiles and discussion even days after the event. The curriculum was perfect in teaching strong foundational learning for COHAT assessment and really left staff feeling confident and primed to take on additional learning.  I couldn’t have asked for a better day!”

Emily D. Purvis, DVM, MBA | Director of Veterinary Services
Auburn Valley Humane Society | auburnvalleyhs.org
Northwest Spay & Neuter Center | nwspayneuter.org
6401 Pacific Ave | Tacoma, WA 98408 | (253) 627-7729

2022

An MMSP mission was conducted at Ingham County Animal Control & Shelter, Mason, Michigan on October 13, 2022.  Dr. Katie Venet, the veterinarian who volunteered to conduct the mission, shared the following:

“I thought the mission went well and it was helpful that they had a clinical case and the availability of a cadaver for practice as well.”

Ingham County shelter veterinarian, Dr. Karen Worthington, also provided input related to the mission that was conducted:

“Just wanted to let you know that the dental training went really well and Dr. Venet was very helpful. We enjoyed the training and felt it was very beneficial.”

UPDATE on Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) MMSP Mission

Dr. Rathfon initially believed that the DCHS needed an in-house training and equipment replacement, based on their January 18-2019 application submitted to the MMSP. The Animal Operations Manager submitted the application to see about replacing equipment in their dental suite.

 However, in early 2022, following the Covid Pandemic hiatus, Dr. Rathfon contacted Dr. Wright, veterinarian in charge of care at the DCHS. Dr. Wright was most interested in having advanced training in Oral Surgery- Extraction procedures. The equipment issues had been resolved.

The DCHS has had a strong focus on education in partnership with the University of Wisconsin – Madison Shelter Medicine Program. Over the years they host 2 veterinary interns for 1-year rotations. They also host 2-3 4th year veterinary students for 2-week ambulatory rotations throughout the year.

Once Dr. Rathfon realized the connection with the University of Wisconsin Veterinary School he encouraged Dr. Wright to contact Dr. Jason Soukup, department head at the University of Wisconsin Dental Services.

Dr. Wright appreciated MMSP getting the ball rolling between DCHS and Dr. Soukup. The DCHS is in constant communication with UW for various reasons, but it hadn’t occurred to them to ask specifically about dental training. DCHS will probably begin sending the Shelter Medicine Residents to Dr. Soukup’s cadaver lab early next year for oral surgery training.

Since both Dr. Soukup and Dr. Wright have been working on arranging some CE in oral surgery, the MMSP no longer needs to send personnel to provide education in oral surgery. However, the MMSP has been a positive factor in improving proper oral care for adoptable pets in shelters.

Ingham County Animal Control Shelter Mission

The mission will be conducted on October 13, 2022

Dr. Katie Venet, Dr. Angel’s resident will be doing the lectures and hands-on training with the new Digital Radiology System- Dentalaire Complete Portable Imaging System which includes a Biox Handheld generator, DTX software, DTX sensor, and lifetime support, at-cost from Dentalaire International.

We currently have no other missions set up in 2022.

Barry L Rathfon, DVM

Chairman of MMSP

2021

2020

Due to the pandemic, the MMSP Committee was unable to perform out of area onsite missions; however, plans call for a return to an out of area onsite program in 2021, when the appropriate agencies feel it is safe to do so.

However, the Committee did approve a special mission, selecting Canine Companions for Independence, a non-profit organization that provides highly trained assistance dogs to the disabled community. Dentalaire and the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry Outreach Committee donated needed dental equipment to the national service dog provider.

“Make Me Smile Program’s Chair, Dr. Barry Rathfon, identified Canine Companions and the wonderful work the veterinary clinic does in support of good oral health of these exceptional dogs.  As a result, the Committee elected to donate equipment to enhance dental procedures!” says Carol Weldin, Canine Companions Northwest Region Board Member, and Board Member of the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry and Chair of their Outreach Committee.

The new equipment donated included:
•    The new Prestige Dental Station System will allow Canine Companions veterinarians to perform in-house dental procedures on service dogs.
•    A new Digital Dental Imaging System will identify problems with teeth that can’t be seen with the naked eye.

This will help Canine Companions ensure dental health for hundreds of their puppies and service dogs per year. Canine Companions veterinarian Dr. Phillip Lin says, “We’re grateful to receive this equipment, which will help us provide a higher standard of medical care for our dogs. We will also be able to ensure the service dogs have the healthiest teeth possible, right in our own veterinary clinic, reducing time and cost.”

Complete story here….

2019

2018

2017

2016

There were no funds to move forward on 2016 missions so the Committee deferred to 2017.

2015

2014

Thank you to our
2024 Titanium Member Contributors

Dr. Cindy Charlier

Companion Animal Dentistry of Kansas City

Dr. William Gengler

Dr. Paul Hobson

Dr. Stephen Juriga

Dr. Milinda Lommer

 

Scout
Dr. Gonzalo Erdozain