What is an AVDC/EVDC Diplomate

The American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) and the European Veterinary Dental College (EVDC) are educational organizations whose objectives are the advancement of veterinary dentistry, odonto-stomatology and oral surgery. Members of these organizations have completed rigorous training programs of two or more years and have passed certification examinations to become registered respectively by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties and European Board of Veterinary Specialisation as American or European Veterinary Specialists in Dentistry.

The main objective of both the AVDC and EVDC is to create experts through specialized training. To become an AVDC or EVDC Diplomate (a Board Certified Veterinary Dentist™), a veterinarian must fulfill a number of requirements: he/she should be graduated and have practiced for at least five years, have successfully completed a Training Program at AVDC or EVDC recognized veterinary institutions under the supervision of an AVDC or EVDC Diplomate, and have successfully passed an exam showing an expert level of knowledge and skills in veterinary dentistry, oral pathology and oral surgery. The College Diploma is the highest level of specialization in veterinary medicine.

Currently (June 2020) there are 186 AVDC active members (21 Equine dental specialists) and 46 EVDC active members (3 in Italy). Only 22 specialists, including Dr Gracis, have obtained both the AVDC and the EVDC Diplomas.