Comprehensive oral prevention, assessment, and treatment (COPAT) visits are essential for identifying and managing oral disease in pets. In this Step by Step guide, board-certified veterinary dentist Jan Bellows, DVM, DAVDC, DABVP (Canine and Feline), provides 5 tips for maximizing the impact of COPAT procedures in your practice. Download for a visual guide through the COPAT protocol or watch the video below to see Dr. Bellows walk through his top recommendations.
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1. Gather a complete history
A detailed history, including previous dental care, current clinical signs, health comorbidities, lab test results, and owner adherence to dental care recommendations, helps determine anesthesia plans and post-visit expectations.
2. Conduct a comprehensive exam
Perform pre-anesthetic and anesthetized oral exams for a complete oral health picture. Full-mouth intraoral radiographs, periodontal probing, and charting are essential for all patients to avoid missing important pathology. Use these findings to customize a treatment plan, client education, and home care recommendations.
3. Assess disease stage
Treat periodontal disease based on clinical stage, which is defined by the progression of tooth attachment loss. Manage early disease with scaling, polishing, and sealants, and moderate disease with dental scaling, polishing, irrigation, and when appropriate, application of hyaluronic acid. With advanced support loss, consider extractions and/or referral to a specialist.
4. Collaborate with clients
Review findings and recommendations with your client after the tooth-by-tooth assessment and the creation of a treatment plan before proceeding with treatment. Discuss risks, fees, and prognosis based on the pet’s needs and the client’s ability to provide daily home care.
5. Emphasize home care
Reinforce the value of daily home care and schedule the next visit before clients leave. Tailor your dental disease prevention approach based on the pet’s temperament and the client’s ability to follow through. Select VOHC- accepted products using a combination of active (e.g., wipes) and passive (e.g., chews, water additive) plaque control strategies. Recheck every 6 to 12 months to monitor disease progression.