iPET Network celebrates Pet Dental Health Month!

Pet Dental Health Month is a vital awareness campaign dedicated to improving oral hygiene standards across the animal care sector. For professionals working within dog grooming, veterinary support, and wider animal care roles, dental health is not cosmetic.

At iPET Network, we recognise the increasing demand for structured, regulated training that equips professionals with the knowledge and competence to support canine oral health safely and ethically.

Why Pet Dental Health Matters

Clinical studies consistently show that periodontal disease is one of the most common health conditions in dogs over the age of three. Left unmanaged, plaque and tartar accumulation can lead to:

• Gingivitis
• Periodontal disease
• Tooth loss
• Chronic pain
• Bacterial infection affecting major organs

Oral disease is progressive and often underdiagnosed because symptoms may not be immediately visible to owners. This is why trained professionals play a critical role in early identification and preventative guidance.

From a welfare perspective, dental neglect is not minor

It directly impacts an animal’s quality of life.

The Growing Role of Groomers in Oral Health Awareness

Dog groomers frequently see dogs more regularly than veterinary teams do. This places groomers in a unique position to:

• Identify visible tartar build-up
• Notice gum inflammation
• Recognise halitosis linked to infection
• Signpost owners to veterinary professionals

However, professional boundaries are essential. Groomers must operate within scope of practice and understand when referral is required. This is where structured education becomes crucial.

Professional Development in Canine Oral Hygiene

The iPET Network Level 3 Award in Canine Oral Hygiene has been developed to provide regulated, industry-relevant knowledge surrounding:

• Understand how to carry out an assessment and be prepared to complete oral dental care
• Understand how to safely carry out dental care and appropriate tools to use
• Understand canine dental anatomy and identify signs of good hygiene and diseases
• Understand relevant legislation and boundaries
• Understand how to communicate with customers and create a customer disclaimer form
• Understand ongoing preventive dental care

As an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation, iPET Network qualifications are designed to support both competence and compliance within the sector.

For training centres, offering additional qualifications in emerging specialisms such as oral hygiene strengthens curriculum value, enhances learner employability, and responds directly to market demand.

Education as Prevention

Prevention is always preferable to intervention.

By raising awareness among owners and ensuring professionals are appropriately trained, the industry can:

• Improve animal welfare outcomes
• Reduce preventable dental disease
• Increase professional credibility
• Build trust with pet owners

Pet Dental Health Month serves as a reminder that oral health is not optional — it is integral to holistic animal care.

Supporting the Sector This February

Throughout Pet Dental Health Month, iPET Network encourages:

• Training centres to review their oral health education provision
• Professionals to undertake CPD in dental awareness
• Groomers to communicate proactively with clients about oral hygiene
• Learners to consider progression routes within specialist areas

If you are a training provider looking to expand your qualification offer, or an individual seeking to enhance your professional knowledge, now is the ideal time to explore regulated education pathways in canine oral hygiene.

Final Thoughts

Dental disease is largely preventable with the correct education, routine, and professional vigilance.

At iPET Network, our commitment remains clear:
To support high standards, protect animal welfare, and empower professionals through regulated qualifications.

Because healthier mouths mean healthier animals.