Do you need an anesthesia tech for dentals?

For Fred Metzger, DVM, DABVP (canine and feline practice), owner of Metzger Animal Hospital in State College, Pennsylvania, the necessity for a second technician for dental procedures is personal.

"Simply put, what do veterinarians do in this situation when their own beloved dog or cat needs a dental?" Metzger asks. "The answer is, they have their best anesthesia technician on the case or two technicians: one for the dental work and one for anesthesia."

Metzger gets it-he knows a second technician boosts the cost of procedures for clients. But he argues that if clients really knew how important an anesthesia technician was, "they wouldn't comply [with a dental procedure recommendation without one], because I know I wouldn't."

Metzger Animal Hospital is big-with 14 certified veterinary technicians-and one of them does the job. "I have absolute rock star veterinary assistants," Metzger says, "but how can our pet owners be assured a trained person is performing a critical procedure on their beloved pet unless certified?"

"Would you let an uncertified anesthesia assistant [monitor anesthesia for] your child?" Metzger asks. "I didn't think so."