The COHAT: The Tech’s Time to Shine

This program as been approved for 1 hour of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval.

Presentation Objectives:

A 50 minute lecture covering all parts of a COHAT from power and hand instruments, technique, best practices, and more. Use of power instruments can be detrimental to the patient. Learning proper technique and the steps to a complete professional dental cleaning is the focus, as well as how the technician's role is significant in the process. Prophylactic dentistry and periodontal therapy can be performed by a well-trained technician, and this lecture helps to get you there!

Presenter: Stefanie Perry, CVT, VTS (Dentistry)

I have over 18 years of experience in the veterinary field.  My first job out of high school in the south suburbs of Chicago was reception and assistant duties in the office of a board-certified feline specialist.  I moved to the valley with my husband in 2006 where I began work at a general practice in Scottsdale, AZ.  I obtained my license as a Certified Veterinary Technician in 2010 and completed my Associate's Degree in Small Business Management in 2017.  Five years ago, I accepted a position at Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine where I continue to teach and assist students in veterinary dentistry.  I completed a mentorship with the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians in 2019 which granted me the distinction of Veterinary Technician Specialist in veterinary dentistry in the class of 2020. Since then, I have gone on to be a co-instructor at Western Veterinary Conference, lectured at the Veterinary Dental Forum as well as teach a lab, and lectured virtually and in-person on various dentistry topics.

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I am the Website Committee Chair of the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians. I am their liasion for the NAVTA Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties. I

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Fifteen years ago, I was like many veterinary professionals in general practice.  I was performing the duties of a technician in the dental suite but lacked the training to be efficient and was frequently frustrated.  Every day was a rush to finish multiple veterinary dental procedures, but it never seemed to get any easier.  I'm here to help veterinary practices avoid that frustration and raise their game in dentistry.