Families Advised, “Don’t Give Dental Care the Brush-off” at PVM Family Program Series

Brittany Rhodes pictured holding a tiny skull for an attendee to see
Diagnostic Imaging Technician Brittany Rhodes shows a model of a tiny bat skull to a young PVM Family Program Series attendee.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine hosted its final Family Program Series interactive session of the semester on March 7 with the topic “Don’t Give Dental Care the Brush-off”. Liane Shaw, RVT, diagnostic imaging instructional technologist in the Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, led the exciting evening focusing on dental hygiene for pets. Liane emphasized the importance of understanding why pets should receive dental care like humans do, and how pets’ teeth are cared for. Attendees were able to talk about the differences in the teeth of various animal species and learned how they could help care for their pet’s teeth at home.

The event offered opportunities for children to gain hands-on learning experiences related to dental hygiene for both humans and animals. Children were able to look at large models of human teeth and practice brushing techniques and take a look at teeth in animal skull models.  For example, canine teeth models helped the children gain a better understanding of dental hygiene for dogs and compare a healthy canine dental model to an unhealthy model. The young people in attendance also learned about dental care through an activity in which they each were able to glue marshmallows onto a hand puppet made from a bag to replicate teeth on an animal face.  Each student left with a toothbrush for themselves, the book “Donkeys Need Dentists, Too”, and a dental chew for their dog.

The PVM Family Program Series is designed for families with young children who are interested in learning more about the veterinary profession. The program offers sessions in both spring and fall and is set to resume this coming October. Click here for more information on the PVM Family Program Series.

Writer(s): Amanda McCormick, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

New Purdue Veterinary Medicine Associate Dean for Academic Success Named

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine is pleased to announce that Dr. Wendy Townsend, professor of ophthalmology in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, has been appointed as the next associate dean for academic success.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we are congratulating Jennifer Danaher, who is a department secretary for Veterinary Clinical Sciences, for being recognized as a helpful colleague in our college.

Boo the Miracle Dog: A Story of Bravery, Breakthroughs, and a Bond That Inspires

Our series of articles about animals and their owners who've found help and healing at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital continues with the story of "miracle dog" Boo Davis. At 13 years old, Boo Davis is living proof of the power of persistence, expert veterinary care, and the unshakable love between a pet and her person. Affectionately known as Lisa’s “miracle dog,” Boo’s journey is one that not only has extended her life, but also has helped shape the future of cancer treatment for other pets, too.

Placating Pets to Help them COPE this Fourth of July

Despite the excellent tips experts provide each year for pet safety and welfare on the 4th of July, many pet families still run into trouble and lose their pets. What are we missing and how can we even better protect our animal companions? That question is answered in an article by Dr. Candace Croney, director of the Center for Animal Welfare Science.