Vets Course
Dentistry and Oral Surgery
ISVPS General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert)
HAU Postgraduate Certificate (PgC)
- Overview
- Modules
- Pricing
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27 Jan - 05 Nov 2025
Elevate your small animal dentistry skills with a case-based approach to diagnosis and management
The diagnosis and management of dental and oral diseases represent a significant component of small animal practice. The Dentistry and Oral Surgery modular CPD programme will provide a thorough, informed, case-based approach to such cases. Through lectures, case discussions, and practical sessions, you will learn how to approach the dog, cat, and exotic patient presenting with the various manifestations of oral pathology logically and scientifically.
The modules will assist you in developing your knowledge of small animal dentistry and oral surgery and help you to apply this knowledge in conjunction with diagnostic aids to your everyday dentistry cases.
See our pricing tab for Early Bird discounts and payment plan options
Key features of this programme
A subscription to Harper Adam’s online e-library providing access to 1,000s of scientific articles and abstracts
Access to our world-leading online learning management platform – providing access to course notes, discussion forums and other study resources, including surgical videos and webinars
A dedicated Programme Coordinator will support every individual during their programme to ensure a rewarding and successful learning journey
Places on the programme are limited to ensure the best possible learning experience
State-of-the-art iM3 dentistry lab and X-ray suite
Fully equipped for comprehensive dental procedures
Programme Details
Module Summary
- Oral Examination
- Anaesthesia and Analgesia
- Diagnostic Imaging Theory
- Diagnostic Imaging Practical
- Diagnostic Imaging Practical
- Oral and Dental Disease
- Periodontology
- Oral Surgery I
- Oral Surgery I Practical Techniques
- Oral Surgery I Practical Techniques
- Oral Surgery II
- Oral Surgery II Practical Techniques
- Oral Surgery II Practical Techniques
- Oncology
- Exotic Animal Dentistry
- Exotic Animal Dentistry
- Advanced Veterinary Dental Techniques I
- Advanced Veterinary Dental Techniques II
- Advanced Veterinary Dental Techniques I
- Advanced Veterinary Dental Techniques II
Please note the module order may be subject to change
Qualifications
The Dentistry and Oral Surgery programme is provided by Improve Veterinary Education in collaboration with the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS) and Harper Adams University.
Complete the one-year programme (all modules) and achieve the General Practitioner Certificate (GPCert) by passing the required assessments with the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS).
Continue to the Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) that combines the GPCert clinical studies, reflective practice, and successful completion of the Advanced Practitioner Module with Harper Adams University. The PgC represents Masters Level 7 within the Quality Assurance Agency’s framework for higher and further education. It provides 60 transferable academic credits.
After completing your PgC, you may apply for the RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status. This is subject to meeting all other entry requirements set out by the RCVS in the Applicant Guidance Notes. The RCVS recognises this PgC as eligible entry qualifications for application to Advanced Practitioner status.
The Programme Coordinator will discuss which learning option you wish to progress with and advise the requirements to support you.
The Course Includes
All delegates studying for a PgC will receive a subscription to Harper Adams online e-library providing access to 1,000s of scientific articles and abstracts.
Our online learning management system provides access to course notes, discussion forums, and other study resources, including surgical videos and webinars.
A dedicated Programme Coordinator will support everyone during their programme to ensure a rewarding and successful learning journey.
Registration is from 9.15 am; the course starts at 9.30 am and finishes at 5.00 pm on taught modules.
A buffet lunch and refreshments are provided on each day.
Delegates wishing to complete the Postgraduate Certificate examination must attend all the taught modules (including the practical sessions). These modules can be completed in one year, or delegates can extend the programme over two or three years.
Speakers
Venue: Swindon
Date: 27 Jan - 05 Nov 2025
PgC/GPCert in Dentistry and Oral Surgery
Get in touch
Accredited by
This course is accredited by ISVPS and allows you to achieve a General Practitioner Certificate
In partnership with
100% Satisfaction
We’re completely confident in the quality of our training and CPD. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your certificate course we’ll give you a 100% refund.
Find out more01 - Oral Examination
By the end of this module, delegates should be able to:
- Describe the sequence of events in dental embryology and tooth eruption
- Recognise normal oral and dental anatomy and its variations
- Appreciate normal occlusion in the dog and cat and identify the different classes of malocclusions
- Use correct dental terminology and nomenclature
- Identify and describe the use of dental diagnostic hand instruments
- Perform a detailed oral examination and comprehensively record data on a dental chart
02 - Anaesthesia and Analgesia
By the end of this module, delegates should be able to:
- Provide a balanced approach to anaesthesia and analgesia in dental and oral surgical cases
- Discuss anaesthetic monitoring equipment
- Define commonly encountered anaesthetic complications in dental and oral surgical procedures and discuss ways to minimise such complications
- Summarise the advantages and disadvantages of local anaesthetic nerve blocks in the dog and cat
- Learn how to perform local anaesthetic nerve blocks in the dog and cat
03 - Diagnostic Imaging Theory
By the end of this module, candidates should be able to:
- Understand the principles of radiology – material, methods and safety considerations
- Describe the techniques and equipment required for intraoral dental radiography in the dog and cat
- Be able to explain bisecting angle and parallel techniques
- Appreciate the indications for and limitations of skull radiography
- Identify normal dental radiographic anatomy and be familiar with common variations
- Discuss the indications for advanced diagnostic imaging techniques, such as CT and MRI
04 - Diagnostic Imaging Practical
By the end of this module, candidates should be able to
- Confidently use the equipment required for dental radiography
- Perform the techniques required to acquire diagnostic intraoral radiographic images in the dog and cat
- Be able to demonstrate bisecting angle and parallel techniques
- Interpret dental and skull radiographic images and recognise commonly encountered pathology
This module includes a practical film reading session.
05 - Diagnostic Imaging Practical
By the end of this module, candidates should be able to
- Confidently use the equipment required for dental radiography
- Perform the techniques required to acquire diagnostic intraoral radiographic images in the dog and cat
- Be able to demonstrate bisecting angle and parallel techniques
- Interpret dental and skull radiographic images and recognise commonly encountered pathology
This module includes a practical film reading session.
06 - Oral and Dental Disease
By the end of this module, delegates should be able to:
- Recognise and describe developmental and congenital abnormalities of the teeth and oral cavity
- Review the commonly encountered acquired oral and dental conditions of the dog and cat including feline gingivostomatitis
- Describe the potential diagnostic pathways for these conditions
- Analyse the advantages and disadvantages of the various treatment options for these conditions
- Evaluate specific case material (photographs and radiographs) in order to discuss potential diagnoses and treatment options
This module includes case discussion including evaluation of photographs and practical film reading.
07 - Periodontology
By the end of this module, delegates should be able to:
- Describe the aetiopathogenesis and pathobiological forms of periodontal disease in the dog and cat
- Discuss the assessment of periodontal health using radiography, probing and charting
- List the potential hazards associated with periodontal therapy (both to operator and patient)
- Summarise the evidence-base surrounding potential homecare options
- Identify ideal cases which could be referred for periodontal surgery, and briefly explain the techniques involved
08 - Oral Surgery I
By the end of this module, delegates should be able to:
- Describe wound healing in the oral cavity, including factors which affect it.
- Outline the causes of cleft palate and oronasal fistulae in the dog and cat.
- Identify instruments commonly used in oral surgical procedures (including dental extractions)
- Summarise the advantages and disadvantages of techniques for cleft palate and oronasal fistula repair in the dog and cat.
- Summarise extraction complications and their avoidance.
- Evaluate the invasive and non-invasive treatment options for jaw fracture repair and symphyseal separation in the dog and cat.
09 - Oral Surgery I Practical Techniques
By the end of this module delegates should be able to:
- Describe and perform local anaesthetic nerve blocks in the dog and cat
- Assess periodontal health via radiography, probing and charting
- Demonstrate thorough periodontal therapy using scaling, closed sub-gingival debridement and polishing techniques
- Perform atraumatic tooth extractions using closed and open surgical techniques
- Repair cleft palate defects and oronasal fistulae
10 - Oral Surgery I Practical Techniques
By the end of this module delegates should be able to:
- Describe and perform local anaesthetic nerve blocks in the dog and cat
- Assess periodontal health via radiography, probing and charting
- Demonstrate thorough periodontal therapy using scaling, closed sub-gingival debridement and polishing techniques
- Perform atraumatic tooth extractions using closed and open surgical techniques
- Repair cleft palate defects and oronasal fistulae
11 - Oral Surgery II
By the end of this module, delegates should be able to:
- Discuss the classes of dentoalveolar trauma and analyse treatment options
- Describe the biomechanics of jaw fracture repair
- Evaluate the invasive and non-invasive treatment options for jaw fracture repair and symphyseal separation in the dog and cat
- Diagnose and describe management options for traumatic temporomandibular joint disorders
- Know when to refer cases with complex oral pathology
12 - Oral Surgery II Practical Techniques
By the end of this module delegates should be able to:
- Stabilise a symphyseal separation using wire
- Perform interdental wiring
- Repair mandibular fractures
- Approach the temporomandibular joint surgically
13 - Oral Surgery II Practical Techniques
By the end of this module delegates should be able to:
- Stabilise a symphyseal separation using wire
- Perform interdental wiring
- Repair mandibular fractures
- Approach the temporomandibular joint surgically
14 - Oncology
By the end of this module delegates should be able to:
- Explain the spectrum of oral masses including inflammatory, hyperplastic, cystic, benign neoplastic and malignant, using current terminology
- Describe the clinical and radiographic appearance of odontogenic tumours in the dog and cat
- Define the commonly encountered non-odontogenic tumours of the dog and cat, describe clinical and radiographic appearances, and evaluate treatment options
- Discuss with clients more advanced oral surgical techniques such as unilateral and bilateral rostral mandibulectomy and rostral maxillectomy
15 - Exotic Animal Dentistry
By the end of this module, delegates should be able to:
- Recognise normal dental and oral anatomy in rabbits and guinea pigs
- Identify the factors which adversely affect dental and oral health in these species
- Evaluate the treatment options for overgrown incisors, molars and traumatic injuries to teeth
- Discuss treatment options for abscesses and caries
- Provide advice on the prevention of dental disease in these species and ethical considerations for the treatment of advanced disease in these species
This module includes a practical session
16 - Exotic Animal Dentistry
By the end of this module, delegates should be able to:
- Recognise normal dental and oral anatomy in rabbits and guinea pigs
- Identify the factors which adversely affect dental and oral health in these species
- Evaluate the treatment options for overgrown incisors, molars and traumatic injuries to teeth
- Discuss treatment options for abscesses and caries
- Provide advice on the prevention of dental disease in these species and ethical considerations for the treatment of advanced disease in these species
This module includes a practical session
17 - Advanced Veterinary Dental Techniques I
By the end of these modules, delegates should be able to:
- Describe the pathophysiology of the pulp-dentine complex and its response to trauma
- Identify disorders which may be referred for endodontic therapies (root canal therapy, vital pulp therapy)
- Appreciate the steps involved in performing root canal therapy and vital pulp therapy, and discuss success rates and complications
- Explain the classes of malocclusion seen in the dog and cat, and summarise the treatment options
- Consider the ethical considerations of performing orthodontic treatments
- Discuss the basic principles and techniques of orthodontic tooth movement
- Demonstrate knowledge of the indications for and process of performing crown therapy (prosthodontics) in the dog and cat
- Summarise restorative techniques, materials and indications
18 - Advanced Veterinary Dental Techniques II
This is the second of two days allocated to advanced veterinary dental techniques. Full learning objectives can be found under Module 13.
Practical Element
19 - Advanced Veterinary Dental Techniques I
By the end of these modules, delegates should be able to:
- Describe the pathophysiology of the pulp-dentine complex and its response to trauma
- Identify disorders which may be referred for endodontic therapies (root canal therapy, vital pulp therapy)
- Appreciate the steps involved in performing root canal therapy and vital pulp therapy, and discuss success rates and complications
- Explain the classes of malocclusion seen in the dog and cat, and summarise the treatment options
- Consider the ethical considerations of performing orthodontic treatments
- Discuss the basic principles and techniques of orthodontic tooth movement
- Demonstrate knowledge of the indications for and process of performing crown therapy (prosthodontics) in the dog and cat
- Summarise restorative techniques, materials and indications
This module includes a practical session
20 - Advanced Veterinary Dental Techniques II
This is the second of two days allocated to advanced veterinary dental techniques. Full learning objectives can be found under Module 13.
Practical Element
Venue: Swindon
Date: 27 Jan - 05 Nov 2025
PgC/GPCert in Dentistry and Oral Surgery
Get in touch
Accredited by
This course is accredited by ISVPS and allows you to achieve a General Practitioner Certificate
In partnership with
100% Satisfaction
We’re completely confident in the quality of our training and CPD. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your certificate course we’ll give you a 100% refund.
Find out moreAvailable Plans
Early
Regular
If course start date is < 15 days then no cancellation is allowed.
Pricing Billing
Dentistry and Oral Surgery Early price
| Payment Option | First Payment | Second Payment(s) | Total Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| PgC Programme Payment in full | £13,229.00 | - | £13,229.00 |
| PgC Programme (Deposit and Remaining Balance) | £1,989.00 | £11,240.00 | £13,229.00 |
| PgC Programme (Deposit + Direct debit in 12 Monthly payments) - Total cost | £1,989.00 | £1,047.00 x 12 (monthly) | £14,553.00 |
The fees include ALL registration and exam fees to achieve both a GPCert from ISVPS and a PgC from Harper Adams University.
Payment Terms & Conditions
1. Payment for the course can be paid by credit card or bank transfer.
2. Please contact us for pricing relating to corporate veterinary groups and multiple booking discounts.
3. Full details regarding the course cancellation procedure can be found here: Terms and Conditions.
Registration Information
1. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first served basis.
2. Where all available places are full, applicants will be offered first refusal for the next available date.
3. Where all available places are full, applicants will be offered first refusal for the next available date.
4. Confirmation and enrolment details will then be sent to confirm your booking.
Venue: Swindon
Date: 27 Jan - 05 Nov 2025
PgC/GPCert in Dentistry and Oral Surgery
Get in touch
Accredited by
This course is accredited by ISVPS and allows you to achieve a General Practitioner Certificate
In partnership with
100% Satisfaction
We’re completely confident in the quality of our training and CPD. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your certificate course we’ll give you a 100% refund.
Find out moreFrequently Asked Questions
Postgraduate Certificates
If coming from a non-European country – how would face to face module attendance work?
- Delegates attending from outside of Europe may require Visas in order to participate in our face to face programmes. Please note that the Student Tier 4 Visa is not applicable to Improve Veterinary Education delegates as a result of us being a private education provider. Further guidance on your entry requirements should be checked with your local embassy.
- Improve Veterinary Education does not provide support in obtaining Visas but can provide supporting documentation to support your application if requested.
What is a Postgraduate Certificate (PgC)?
The PgC is a university qualification that provides 60 academic credits. The qualification is positioned at Masters Level 7 within the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) framework for higher and further education. The 60 credits can be used towards achieving a Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) or Masters (MRes), which represent 120 credits and 180 credits respectively. The PgC is a recognised academic qualification that will demonstrate that you have achieved a certain standard in that subject. In order to progress to the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) you will need to have been in practice for at least a year prior to starting the GPCert programme.
Please check individual programme details with respect to those which are eligible for PGC status.
How are Improve’s PgC programmes different to other providers?
Improve’s modular training programmes have been developed over a period of 20 years and are taught by world-renowned experts in their field. They successfully blend theoretical lectures with hands-on practical sessions where appropriate and delegates also have access to valuable online learning components.
How many hours will I spend on my certificate?
A PgC comprises 600 hours of notional study. This is typically made up of the following:
- 100 hours of taught sessions and ten hours of practical experience for Small Animal Medicine
- 70 hours of taught sessions and 48 hours of practical experience for Small Animal Surgery
- 82-94 hours preparing for and reflecting on the taught sessions. This includes pre and post course online evaluation and self-reflection
- 200 hours of independent study, including the preparation and writing of assignments
- 200 hours preparing for final examination
How will I be assessed?
At the beginning of the programme, you will receive a syllabus and specific learning objectives for all of the taught modules.
During the programme, you will be required to document your current knowledge and skills prior to each module and undertake an informal short multiple-choice exercise. After the module, you will then undertake a further multiple choice exercise to reflect on the knowledge gained and implement a strategy to address any outstanding knowledge and skills gaps via independent study.
ISVPS provide the GPCert assessments and HAU provide the PgC assessments. For further information about assessments please contact us.
Delegates studying towards a PgC in Cardiology, Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Dermatology, Diagnostic Imaging, Emergency Medicine & Surgery, Exotic Animal Practice, Endoscopy & Endosurgery, Feline Practice and Ophthalmology additionally undertake the distance learning Advanced Practitioner module with HAU which is assessed via a portfolio.
The final examination takes place yearly covering the course syllabus. You must have attended all modules to be entered for the final exam.
What resources will be available to support me through the PgC?
All delegates will receive a subscription to Harper Adam’s online e-library providing access to 1,000s of scientific articles and abstracts.
Medicine delegates will be provided with Improve Veterinary Education’s Manual of Small Animal Medicine Vol 1 and 2 and Surgery delegates with Improve Veterinary Education’s Manual of Small Animal Surgery Vol 1 and 2.
The Improve Online Learning Platform provides access to a notes library, discussion forum and other study resources including webinars.
A dedicated Programme Coordinator will support every individual during their PgC programme to ensure a rewarding and successful learning journey.
ISVPS will provide support with assignments.
Will Improve’s PgCs enable me to apply for the RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status?
After you have successfully obtained your Postgraduate Certificate you can apply for the RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status. This is subject to meeting all of the other entry requirements set out by the RCVS in the Applicant Guidance Notes.
The following programmes are recognised PgCs enabling you to apply for the RCVS Advanced Practitioner Status:
Small Animal Medicine, Small Animal Surgery, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Feline Practice, Exotic Animal Practice, Cardiology, Dentistry & Oral Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging and Emergency Medicine & Surgery.
* Currently the RCVS does not list Endoscopy & Endosurgery as a designated Advanced Practitioner subject so it is not possible to apply for the Advanced Practitioner Status.
For Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Surgery, there is an additional requirement for evidence of Professional Key Skills CPD, access to this will be provided at the end of your programme. There will be an additional fee to complete this with Harper Adams University, please contact us for more information.
For further information please see RCVS website.
How can I fit a modular CPD programme into my busy life?
Our PgC programmes are flexible to try to enable you to fit study in to busy practice life. With our Clinical PgCs, we have tried to ensure two modules are offered back-to-back for the duration of the course to reduce your travel time and costs and make the learning experience more immersive. With our Medicine and Surgery PgCs, these are run every month from 2-8pm, therefore reducing the amount of time out of practice.
I want to register on a modular course but I may be away for some of the modules. Does this mean I will miss out?
No. We understand that you are busy professionals and aim to be as flexible as possible.
Whilst we need advance notice if you are going to be unable to attend a particular module, we will make every effort to find you an alternative venue and date. If the alternative dates don’t suit, you can attend the missed module when the programme runs the following year. The only restriction is that you need to attend all of the taught modules before you can sit the relevant ISVPS examination.
What is the criteria for enrolment?
All applicants must:
- Hold a veterinary qualification
- Have spent a minimum of one year in veterinary practice
- UK-based applicants must also be on the RCVS Home Practising Register, whilst applicants based outside the UK must hold a qualification that would entitle them to register as a member of the RCVS
Over what time period can I take the taught modules?
If you need to pause your studies, we have a dedicated team that will support and discuss the options that best suit you.
Are Improve’s Postgraduate Certificates academically equivalent to the RCVS CertAVP and other postgraduate certificates?
Yes. Each PgC is a recognised higher education qualification as validated by Harper Adams University. The qualification represents Level 7 (Masters) within the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It provides 60 transferable academic credits at this level. The qualifications are therefore, by definition, academically equivalent.
I have previously achieved a GPCert. Can I use this towards a PgC?
You are able to “upgrade” from a GPCert to a PgC within 5 years of the GPCert exam date. Please contact ISVPS for further information – ISVPS.
Is my practice suitable for studying towards a postgraduate certificate?
As a guide we suggest you consider the following when deciding whether you think the facilities and equipment and your role in the practice will support your studies:
The practice
- Number of patients, species distribution and range of conditions seen should allow student to gain experience across the whole syllabus during the study period
- Either a manual or computerised system of patient records, allowing accurate recording, storage and retrieval of information
- Facilities to hospitalise patients and arrangements for OOH care
- Equipment and facilities to conduct radiographic examinations and ultrasound should be available within the practice or on referral. Access to CT/MRI equipment is not a requirement
- Suitable equipment for administration of oxygen and safe maintenance of anaesthesia
- Disinfection and sterilisation procedures in place which are suitable for the work undertaken
- Medicines are stored, prescribed and dispensed appropriately.
Where are the taught programmes held?
Our Medicine and Surgery programmes are held at various locations in the UK;
Small Animal Surgery- Swindon, Hatfield and Sheffield *
*consolidated programmes only available at Sheffield venue
Small Animal Medicine – Swindon
Our Clinical Postgraduate Programmes are held at our Swindon and Sheffield training centres, see the individual programmes for venue information.
We have excellent wet-lab facilities in Swindon and Sheffield, with state-of-the-art practical training equipment and technology.
To find out more about our venues, click here: https://www.improveinternational.com/uk/venue/
Venue: Swindon
Date: 27 Jan - 05 Nov 2025
PgC/GPCert in Dentistry and Oral Surgery
Get in touch
Accredited by
This course is accredited by ISVPS and allows you to achieve a General Practitioner Certificate
In partnership with
100% Satisfaction
We’re completely confident in the quality of our training and CPD. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your certificate course we’ll give you a 100% refund.
Find out more