Referrals

When considering a dental problem, you need to look at more than the animal's mouth. You need to consider the whole animal, as well as the owner's commitment and expectations.

Introduction
Your small animal veterinarian likely does routine dental work. Your veterinarian should examine your pet’s mouth at each annual check up and any other time the opportunity arises. She or he may recommend some preventative care like scaling and polishing or corrective treatment such as extractions of diseased teeth – all done at their own facility.

However, advances in the field of veterinary dentistry have made many more treatment options available. Extraction is often not the only choice and other treatments to save teeth can now be offered. As well, many extractions and other oral surgeries might well be considered "Not for the casual operator".

Some veterinarians may be able to provide these services in their own hospitals. But for those who choose not to make the large investment in time and money to train and equip themselves for offering advanced dental services, referral to a veterinary dentist – a specialist – is the answer.

Getting a referral
As a pet owner, you should access our services through a referral from your regular veterinarian. Typically, we see the more challenging cases. Usually, the suggestion for a referral comes from the veterinarian, but the owner may request a referral if they choose. The process of requesting a referral is outline here - how_to_refer.

Scheduling
Examination and treatment are by appointment only, Monday to Friday, at Hale Veterinary Clinic in Guelph, Ontario. We schedules visits in two, three and four hour blocks to allow time for evaluation, treatment planning and treatment all in one visit. Cases are handled on an outpatient basis with the patient going home shortly after surgery.

Payment
Once a pet owner has been referred, he or she becomes a client of Hale Veterinary Clinic for treatment of the specific condition that led to the referral. Cost estimates may be discussed at the initial telephone consultation with the pet owner (but see this - Phone Estimates). However, we will give a more detailed and certain estimate after a detailed oral examination and radiographs.

Payment for service is due upon discharge. Payment can be made by cash, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, debit card or a combination of these methods.

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