[Veterinary dentistry (6). From back to the roots to buck on the rock]

The Royal Netherlands Veterinary Association is organizing its yearly congress in the old city of Utrecht where all Dutch veterinarians have been graduated. 'Back to the roots' is the slogan of this meeting. The Diergeneeskundige Studenten Kring (the Dutch veterinary students association) is celebrating the 60th anniversary at the same time with the slogan: 'Bok on the rock.' On the first day of this celebration the students are organizing a symposium Veterinary Dentistry. The author has been inspired by the two slogans to a discourse in which the past and the future of animal dentistry is discussed. In 'Back to the Roots' history and anecdotes about dental treatments are presented. It is clear that dental treatment in animals is possible for every well-educated veterinarian. In 'De bok on the rock' the author shows the ropes how to develop a dental minded practice. Oral examination, a good knowledge of dentistry and a dental-minded staff are the most important factors to build up such a practice. There is an abundance of dental patients in every practice. An optimal client education and coaching is the best way to find them and to follow them.