PracticeStudy GuidesBlogFlashcardsEspañol
All Practice Exams

100+ Free VTS (Dentistry) Practice Questions

Pass your Veterinary Technician Specialist (Dentistry) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately
100+ Questions
100% Free
1 / 100
Question 1
Score: 0/0

What is the adult canine dental formula?

A
B
C
D
to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: VTS (Dentistry) Exam

~$325

Exam Fee

AVDT

6,000 hrs

Minimum Dentistry Experience

AVDT

40+ hrs

Dentistry CE Required

AVDT

40-50

Case Logs Required

AVDT

4-6

Detailed Case Reports

AVDT

3+ yrs

Minimum Experience

AVDT

The VTS (Dentistry) is a specialty examination from the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians (AVDT). Eligible candidates must be credentialed veterinary technicians (CVT/LVT/RVT) with at least 3 years and 6,000 hours of dentistry-focused experience, 40-50 detailed case logs, 4-6 case reports, 40+ hours of dentistry CE, and letters of recommendation. The exam includes a written examination (and historically a practical component) and costs approximately $325. AVDT does not publicly publish pass rates.

Sample VTS (Dentistry) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your VTS (Dentistry) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the adult canine dental formula?
A.2(I3/3 C1/1 P4/4 M2/3) = 42
B.2(I3/3 C1/1 P3/2 M1/1) = 30
C.2(I3/3 C1/1 P4/4 M3/3) = 44
D.2(I2/2 C1/1 P4/4 M2/3) = 40
Explanation: The adult dog has 42 permanent teeth: 2(I3/3 C1/1 P4/4 M2/3) x 2 sides. The formula shows incisors, canines, premolars, and molars in the upper/lower jaw of one side, doubled for both sides.
2What is the adult feline dental formula?
A.2(I3/3 C1/1 P4/4 M2/3) = 42
B.2(I3/3 C1/1 P3/2 M1/1) = 30
C.2(I3/3 C1/1 P2/2 M1/1) = 26
D.2(I2/2 C1/1 P3/2 M1/1) = 28
Explanation: The adult cat has 30 permanent teeth: 2(I3/3 C1/1 P3/2 M1/1) x 2 sides. Cats lack the upper first premolar and have fewer premolars and molars than dogs.
3How many deciduous teeth does a puppy have?
A.24
B.26
C.28
D.32
Explanation: Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth: 2(i3/3 c1/1 p3/3) x 2. Deciduous teeth lack molars entirely; molars are only permanent teeth that erupt later.
4In the Modified Triadan numbering system, what do the 100s represent?
A.Upper left quadrant
B.Upper right quadrant
C.Lower left quadrant
D.Lower right quadrant
Explanation: The Modified Triadan system uses 100s for upper right, 200s for upper left, 300s for lower left, and 400s for lower right (from the patient's perspective). Numbering begins at the midline.
5Which Triadan number identifies the upper right canine tooth in a dog?
A.103
B.104
C.204
D.404
Explanation: Using Modified Triadan, the upper right canine is tooth 104. The '1' indicates upper right quadrant; the '04' indicates the canine position (teeth 01-03 are incisors, 04 is the canine).
6The upper fourth premolar (carnassial tooth) in the dog has how many roots?
A.1
B.2
C.3
D.4
Explanation: The canine upper P4 (108/208) has three roots: mesiobuccal, distobuccal, and palatal. This is essential knowledge for sectioning during surgical extraction.
7Periodontal Disease stage 2 (PD2) is defined by what percentage of attachment loss?
A.0% (gingivitis only)
B.Less than 25%
C.25-50%
D.More than 50%
Explanation: PD2 (early periodontitis) is defined as less than 25% attachment loss as measured by probing or radiographically. PD1 is gingivitis only (no attachment loss), PD3 is 25-50%, and PD4 is greater than 50%.
8What does the acronym SLOB stand for in dental radiography?
A.Same Lingual, Opposite Buccal
B.Straight Line, Obvious Bone
C.Side Labial, Opposite Basal
D.Same Lateral, Opposite Bite
Explanation: SLOB (Same Lingual, Opposite Buccal) helps identify superimposed roots. If the tube head shifts mesially and a root moves in the same direction, that root is lingual/palatal; if it moves opposite, it is buccal.
9Which technique is most appropriate for imaging the maxillary caudal premolars/molars in a dog?
A.Parallel technique
B.Bisecting angle technique
C.Occlusal technique only
D.Panoramic technique
Explanation: The bisecting angle technique is required for maxillary teeth because the hard palate prevents parallel sensor placement. The central beam is directed perpendicular to an imaginary line bisecting the angle between the long axis of the tooth and the sensor.
10According to AAHA/AVDC standards, full-mouth dental radiographs are required:
A.Only for patients showing clinical disease
B.Only for geriatric patients
C.For every patient undergoing extractions (pre and post)
D.Only when the client requests them
Explanation: Standard of care requires pre- and post-extraction dental radiographs for every extraction to confirm complete root removal and document pathology. Full-mouth radiographs are also recommended for every COHAT to detect subclinical disease.

About the VTS (Dentistry) Exam

Advanced specialty credentialing exam for credentialed veterinary technicians pursuing Veterinary Technician Specialist status in Dentistry. Administered by the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians (AVDT) under NAVTA's Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

Approximately 4 hours

Passing Score

Set annually by Examination Committee

Exam Fee

$325 exam + application fee (AVDT / NAVTA CVTS)

VTS (Dentistry) Exam Content Outline

15%

Oral Anatomy & Charting

Dental formulas (dog/cat/puppy/kitten), Modified Triadan numbering, periodontal charting, probe depth, mobility, furcation

15%

Periodontology

Periodontal disease stages 0-4, PDI, scaling/root planing (hand vs ultrasonic/piezo), local delivery antibiotics, homecare

12%

Dental Radiography

Parallel vs bisecting angle, SLOB rule, full-mouth radiographic technique, interpretation, pathology identification

12%

Oral Surgery & Extractions

Simple and surgical extractions, carnassial P4 anatomy, flap design, oronasal fistula repair, suturing, hemorrhage control

10%

Endodontics

Vital pulp therapy, standard root canal therapy, obturation, apicoectomy, indications vs extraction

8%

Orthodontics & Prosthodontics

Malocclusion classification, linguoverted canines, inclined planes, BAB wire, crown reduction, metal crowns, CEREC

10%

Anesthesia & Analgesia

Pre-op workup, balanced anesthesia, monitoring, local dental blocks (infraorbital, maxillary, mental, inferior alveolar), multimodal pain, thermoregulation

8%

Oral Pathology

Feline tooth resorption (TR types 1/2/3), stomatitis, dentigerous cyst, oral neoplasia (SCC, melanoma, fibrosarcoma), biopsy

5%

Specialty & Exotic Patients

Brachycephalic, pediatric/deciduous, geriatric, rabbit/rodent continuously erupting teeth, equine dentistry basics

5%

Equipment, Safety & Infection Control

High/low-speed handpieces, ultrasonic/piezo scalers, dental X-ray, autoclaving, PPE, aerosols

How to Pass the VTS (Dentistry) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Set annually by Examination Committee
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: Approximately 4 hours
  • Exam fee: $325 exam + application fee

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

VTS (Dentistry) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize canine and feline dental formulas cold — adult dog 2(I3/3 C1/1 P4/4 M2/3) = 42, adult cat 2(I3/3 C1/1 P3/2 M1/1) = 30, puppy 28 deciduous, kitten 26 deciduous
2Master the Modified Triadan numbering system (100s upper right, 200s upper left, 300s lower left, 400s lower right; deciduous adds 400 to permanent numbers)
3Know periodontal disease stages 0-4 by attachment loss and the AVDC staging/PDI criteria
4Practice local dental blocks on skull models — infraorbital, maxillary, middle mental, inferior alveolar — including volumes and landmarks
5Study feline tooth resorption TR types 1, 2, and 3 and know when extraction vs crown amputation is appropriate
6Work through full-mouth dental radiographic technique (parallel in mandibular premolars/molars, bisecting angle elsewhere) and the SLOB rule

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VTS (Dentistry) exam?

The VTS (Dentistry) certifying examination is the final step in earning the Veterinary Technician Specialist in Dentistry credential from the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians (AVDT), recognized by NAVTA's Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties (CVTS). It is an advanced written examination (historically with a practical component) that tests mastery of small animal dentistry — anatomy, periodontology, radiography, extractions, endodontics, orthodontics, anesthesia, and oral pathology.

Who administers the VTS (Dentistry) credential?

The Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians (AVDT), at avdt.us, administers the credential. AVDT is the dentistry specialty academy recognized by NAVTA's CVTS. It sets eligibility criteria, reviews case logs and case reports, and delivers the certifying examination.

What are the eligibility requirements for VTS (Dentistry)?

Candidates must (1) be credentialed veterinary technicians (CVT, LVT, RVT, or equivalent) in good standing, (2) have at least 3 years and 6,000+ hours of dentistry-focused clinical experience, (3) complete 40+ hours of dentistry-specific continuing education, (4) submit 40-50 dentistry case logs, (5) submit 4-6 detailed case reports, and (6) provide letters of recommendation (typically from a boarded veterinary dentist or VTS in dentistry). Applications are reviewed in stages before a candidate is approved to sit for the exam.

How much does the VTS (Dentistry) exam cost?

The examination fee is approximately $325, in line with other NAVTA VTS academies. Candidates should also budget for an application fee, 40+ hours of CE, textbooks, travel to any in-person practical components, and time off work. Total preparation costs typically exceed $1,000 over the multi-year preparation window.

What is the passing score and pass rate?

AVDT does not publicly publish a fixed passing percentage or annual pass rates. The passing score is set by the Examination Committee based on the difficulty of each year's exam. Candidates who do not pass are generally allowed to re-sit in a future exam cycle.

How long should I study for the VTS (Dentistry) exam?

Most candidates dedicate 6-12 months of intensive exam preparation on top of the multi-year experience, case log, and case report requirements. Core references include Wiggs's Veterinary Dentistry: Principles and Practice, Holmstrom's Veterinary Dentistry: A Team Approach, Bellows's Small Animal Dental Equipment, Materials, and Techniques, and the AVDC nomenclature resources. Completing AAHA Dental Care Guidelines review and working closely with a boarded veterinary dentist (AVDC diplomate) is highly recommended.

What's the difference between a veterinary dentist (AVDC) and a VTS (Dentistry)?

An AVDC diplomate is a veterinarian who has completed a dentistry residency and passed the American Veterinary Dental College board exam — they are the doctor-level specialists. A VTS (Dentistry) is a credentialed veterinary technician who has demonstrated advanced expertise in dentistry through the AVDT academy. Scope-of-practice rules mean diagnosis, prescribing, extractions, and surgery are performed by the veterinarian; VTS techs provide advanced technical support, charting, dental radiography, scaling/polishing, anesthesia, and home care education within their state practice act.