Progress to the second year of the program is dependent on satisfactory completion of the first year. Performance of the resident will be evaluated twice annually by the dental faculty. The annual VHUP dental, oral medicine and oral surgery case load is approximately 350 animals anesthetized for treatment, and another 200 seen as consultations only. The major responsibility of the residents is to receive, diagnose, perform dental and oral procedures on and carry out the post-surgical management of dental patients admitted to the hospital, under supervision of senior staff members. Residents also instruct veterinary students and interns.
Residents share responsibilities for dental emergencies and weekend coverage with staff members.
The residents responsibility for patient care and teaching increases as training progresses and is dependent upon a demonstrated level of proficiency. Residents have one day per week for professional development and laboratory sessions. The program includes rotations through anesthesia, soft tissue surgery, orthopedics and radiology services to fulfill the ACDV requirements. Time for visits to other veterinary dental practices and to human dentists is provided each year. Teaching, patient care and research are enhanced by interaction with the medical and dental schools at the University of Pennsylvania.