College of Veterinary Medicine November 27, 2024– The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine continues to offer an online veterinary dentistry program, developed by Dr. Sandy Manfra, to address the need for dental education in veterinary schools. Dr. Manfra, who joined the college in 1990, was instrumental in expanding veterinary dentistry as a recognized specialty. In 2000, recognizing the challenges of teaching surgery and dentistry at the same time, she created an online course, Clinical Small Animal Dentistry, which offers 24 hours of continuing education on modern dental techniques for dogs and cats.
“Long before most veterinary colleges had dentistry programs, Dr. Manfra was educating Illinois students and creating an online veterinary dentistry curriculum that continues to be used today.”
Initially available only to Illinois students, the course quickly gained recognition for its value and was expanded to veterinary colleges worldwide. This online program has educated thousands of veterinary students globally, with participation from over 35 schools. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the course was offered for free, leading to nearly 3,000 enrollments.
In 2020, accreditation standards for veterinary schools began requiring dental education, making Dr. Manfra’s course essential for schools lacking resources to offer dedicated dental training. The course helps meet these new standards by offering two credit hours of didactic education in dentistry, with hands-on experience required separately.
“Even as more colleges have hired dentistry specialists, the course continues to meet a need, with hundreds of students outside Illinois enrolling each year.”
Dr. Manfra retired in 2013 but takes great pride in her contribution to veterinary dentistry education.
For more information on courses for veterinary students, visit our website.