The current VIN date & time: Eastern

DENT004-0323: Dental Radiograph Interpretation

The lectures for this course will be presented via the Zoom webinar platform.

Presenter: Steve Holmstrom, DVM, Dipl. AVDC
Course Open: March 20-April 27, 2023
Real Time Sessions (RTS): Mondays, March 27, April 3, 10, and 17, 2023; 9:00-11:00 pm ET (USA) World Clock Converter
Total CE Credit: 8
RACE Category: 8 hours Medical


Enrollment is closed.  

Tuition: Member $184 ($166 early bird special if enrolled by March 6, 2023)
Non-Member $292 ($263 early bird special if enrolled March 6, 2023)
Prices are listed in US dollars.


Course Information:
The course is focused on the participant getting the maximum benefit possible from the use of digital radiology. It will introduce the concept of what is a good veterinary dental intraoral radiograph, how to take it, and how to correct errors. Radiographic anatomy of canine and feline teeth will be covered as well as non-pathological and pathological variations, and normal/abnormal anatomy of the mandible and maxilla for such things as developmental disease, periodontal disease, endodontic disease and orthodontic disease. We will discuss errors in diagnosis and examples of unusual cases will be provided.


Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of the course, the participant should be able to
  • discuss the different types of digital radiographic equipment available and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
  • recognize the indications for taking intraoral radiographs.
  • take or instruct their staff on how to properly take an intraoral radiograph.
  • recognize and correct improperly taken radiographs.
  • recognize the anatomical parts of the tooth and bone.
  • recognize pathology of individual teeth.
  • state the recommended treatment of individual teeth for conditions such as periodontal disease, endodontic disease and tooth resorption.
  • recognize the normal anatomical features of the maxilla and mandible.
  • recognize pathology for developmental disease, periodontal disease, endodontic disease and orthodontic disease.
  • describe the treatment for the various conditions described above.
  • avoid the common pitfalls in intraoral radiographic diagnosis.
  • recognize many of the common and uncommon diseases that can be diagnosed radiographically.


Level and Prerequisites: This basic VIN CE course is open for enrollment to veterinarians interested in the interpretation of dental radiographs.
Credit Approval: This course is approved for 8 hours of continuing education credit by RACE for veterinarians. (RACE 20-974328)


Course Agenda:

Week 1 (Real Time Session March 27, 2023): Garbage In, Garbage Out - Taking a Diagnostic Radiograph & Fixing What is Not
We will cover the different types of digital radiographic equipment available, indications for taking intraoral radiographs, how to properly take an intraoral radiograph, and how to correct improperly taken radiographs.

Week 2 (Real Time Session April 3, 2023): Evaluating Individual Teeth
We will cover the anatomical parts of the tooth and bone, how to recognize pathology of individual teeth, and the recommended treatment of individual teeth for conditions such as periodontal disease, endodontic disease, and tooth resorption.

Week 3 (Real Time Session April 10, 2023): Evaluating the Maxilla & Mandible
We will discuss the normal anatomical features of the maxilla and mandible, and how to recognize pathology for developmental disease, periodontal disease, endodontic disease, and orthodontic disease, as well as their treatment.

Week 4 (Real Time Session April 17, 2023): Zebras, Common Misdiagnoses
We will discuss avoiding the common pitfalls in intraoral radiographic diagnosis and recognizing many of the common and uncommon diseases that can be diagnosed radiographically.


Successful completion (scoring 80% or better) on the end-of-course test is required to earn a certificate of completion for the course. To learn more about the requirements for earning a CE certificate, please refer to Receiving Your CE Credit and Course Completion Certificate.

Course Materials: Course materials will be available in the course library prior to each Real Time Session.
Required Textbook(s): There is no required textbook for this course.


Enrollment is closed.  

Tuition: Member $184 ($166 early bird special if enrolled by March 6, 2023)
Non-Member $292 ($263 early bird special if enrolled March 6, 2023)
Prices are listed in US dollars.


*To ensure participants are ready and prepared for classes, enrollment will close on March 27, 2023 at 5 pm ET (USA) or when the maximum number of participants is reached.

*For more information on how online CE works, see the Participant Resource Center.


Enrollment qualifications:
  1. VIN CE Courses:
    1. VIN CE courses are open to VIN member, VIN student member, and non-member veterinarians.
    2. Veterinary support staff must be VSPN members in order to enroll in a VIN CE course open to VSPN member enrollment.
  2. VSPN CE Courses:
    1. VSPN CE courses are open to veterinary support staff and veterinarians.
    2. Only VIN and VSPN members can enroll in a VSPN CE course.
    3. Veterinarians will only receive credit for those VSPN CE courses that specify in the Accreditation statement that the course is accredited for veterinarians.
  3. Please check the course Level and Prerequisites, Accreditation, and Tuition before enrolling.
  4. Each enrollee must be able to receive emails from @vspn.org and @vin.com addresses.
    1. Email is our major form of communication with participants; personal emails are highly recommended rather than clinic/hospital email addresses.
  5. For further assistance call 800-846-0028 ext. 797 or email CEonVIN@vin.com. Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.


Course withdrawal and refund policy: A complete refund of the paid course price will be issued when your withdrawal request is received prior to the listed start date of the course. If you wish to withdraw after the start date please contact the VIN office 800-846-0028 ext. 797 to discuss eligibility for a pro-rated refund.

*For more information on VIN's upcoming CE courses, check the VIN Course Catalog.

Katherine James, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (SAIM)
VIN Education Director

VIN CE Services: CEonVIN@vin.com
800-846-0028 or 530-756-4881; ext. 797
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from the United Kingdom: 01 45 222 6154
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from Australia: 02 6145 2357