Shiny instruments are not always sharp and dull instruments can compromise both efficiency and patient care. This practical, clinically focused lecture covers how to accurately assess and sharpen common veterinary dental instruments, including curettes, scalers, elevators, luxators, and periosteal elevators. Through clear demonstrations and video-guided techniques, participants will learn how to maintain optimal cutting edges, reduce operator fatigue, and improve outcomes in everyday dental procedures. Designed for veterinary professionals, this session provides immediately applicable skills to elevate the standard of dental care in practice.
The Australian Veterinary Nurse and Technician (AVNAT) Regulatory Council has allocated (1) AVNAT CPD point to this continuing education activity.
Recorded 2 June 2026
Speaker:
Benita Altier
LVT, VTS (Dentistry)
Benita Altier is a Licensed Veterinary Technician and a Dental Technician Specialist. She began her career in veterinary technology in 1988 and has worked in small animal general medicine, ophthalmology, equine and llama neonatal care, canine reproduction, and dental specialty.
Benita is the Past-President of the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians, President-Elect for the Arizona Veterinary Technician Association, and former Secretary of the Washington State Association of Veterinary Technicians. She has co-authored two textbooks on veterinary dentistry for technicians and published several articles in professional journals. Through her business, Pawsitive Dental Education LLC, she has provided professional dental instruction and consultation to veterinary hospitals and conferences across the US, Canada, South America, and China since 2008. She is passionate about giving back to the profession and helping veterinary technicians grow their careers in ways they never thought possible.
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