Episode #
100
Raising the Standard: How Team-Based Training Elevates Veterinary Dentistry and Practice Success
March 05, 2026
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Veterinary dentistry remains one of the most underutilized growth opportunities in many practices. While demand for dental care continues to rise, inconsistent training and unclear team roles can limit both clinical outcomes and practice performance.
In this episode, we explore how veterinary practices can strengthen their dentistry services through structured, team-based training programs. The discussion begins with the common challenges clinics face in delivering consistent dental care and why standardized training across the entire team is essential for improving patient outcomes.
The conversation then highlights the advantages of a collaborative approach to dentistry, including better knowledge-sharing among veterinarians and technicians, reduced procedural errors, and a stronger client experience during dental procedures.
Listeners will also learn practical steps for implementing an effective dentistry training program—from assessing current team skills to introducing hands-on workshops and tailored training for veterinary technicians and support staff. The episode also features real-world examples of practices that have expanded their dental services, increased case acceptance, and generated meaningful revenue growth through focused team development.
Finally, the discussion turns to long-term strategies for sustaining high standards in veterinary dentistry. Topics include continuous skill development, team certifications, ongoing evaluations, and embedding dental care as a core component of a practice’s culture and patient care strategy.
Whether you’re a practice owner, veterinarian, or technician, this episode offers actionable insights on building a more confident, capable team while elevating the quality and consistency of dental care within your clinic.
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Key Time Stamps
- 00:00 – 05:00 | Introduction to the challenges in veterinary dentistry and the need for standardized team training to improve consistency and outcomes.
- 05:01 – 12:00 | Benefits of team-based approaches, including enhanced skill-sharing, reduced errors, and higher client satisfaction in dental procedures.
- 12:01 – 20:00 | Step-by-step implementation of training programs, from initial assessments to hands-on workshops tailored for vet techs and support staff.
- 20:01 – 28:00 | Real-world case studies showing practice growth through dentistry-focused team training, with metrics on revenue increase and case volume.
- 28:01 – 34:21 | Long-term strategies for sustaining elevated standards, including ongoing evaluations, certifications, and integrating dentistry into core practice culture.
Mary Berg, LATG, RVT, VTS (Dentistry), FVTE
President, Beyond the Crown Veterinary Education
Mary Berg is a highly respected veterinary dental specialist, educator, and consultant with more than two decades of experience advancing oral health standards in veterinary medicine. A Licensed Animal Technician in General Practice and a Registered Veterinary Technician with a Veterinary Technician Specialty in Dentistry, Mary is a charter member of the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians and currently serves as its treasurer.
With a strong academic foundation in biology, microbiology, laboratory animal science, and veterinary technology, Mary brings a rare blend of clinical, research, and leadership expertise to her work. She spent over 13 years in research focused on products designed to improve companion animal oral health and later served as both practice manager and dental specialist in a multi-doctor veterinary hospital, gaining firsthand insight into the operational and clinical realities of practice life.
As President of Beyond the Crown Veterinary Education, Mary provides in-hospital dental training for entire veterinary teams, helping practices elevate their dental services using their own equipment and workflows. Her approach emphasizes practical skill-building, team confidence, and sustainable implementation that improves patient care while strengthening practice profitability and efficiency.
A prolific author and sought-after speaker, Mary has authored or co-authored more than 60 publications and regularly presents lectures and wet labs at major veterinary conferences, including the Western Veterinary Conference, North American Veterinary Conference, AVMA Convention, AAHA Conference, and numerous state meetings. In addition, she serves as an adjunct professor at multiple veterinary education institutions and has held national leadership roles within NAVTA, further shaping the future of veterinary technician education and advocacy.
Based in Lawrence, Kansas, Mary remains deeply committed to empowering veterinary teams through education, mentorship, and collaboration—helping practices raise the standard of dental care while fostering professional growth across the veterinary industry.
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