Veterinary Dental Tech Types: Which Type are You?

Let’s be honest—if you spend your days scaling teeth, adjusting radiograph angles, and dodging dog drool under anesthesia, you’ve earned the right to have a little fun. Veterinary dental techs are a unique bunch. Some are laser-focused perfectionists. Others? Duct-tape MacGyvers making magic with glove fingers and gauze.

No matter your style, every technician brings something special to the dental table. There are all kinds of veterinary dental tech types—and each plays a vital role in the dental suite. Take our just-for-fun quiz to find out which type you are—and maybe tag a co-worker who’s definitely “The Vibes Tech.”

Start the Quiz

Choose the answer that best describes you for each question. Keep track of your letters!

1. What’s the first thing you do when you walk into the dental suite?
A. Check your instruments and get sharpening.
B. Find your favorite periodontal probe.
C. Review the anesthesia plan and get the fluids ready.
D. Set the mood with music or a funny story.

2. A dental handpiece goes missing. What’s your reaction?
A. You panic—how do people even lose these?
B. You grab a backup but note it for the search later.
C. You remind the team to keep moving because the patient is still under anesthesia.
D. You joke that it’s probably lost in the dog’s hair somewhere.

3. Radiographs aren’t turning out right. You:
A. Methodically reposition the sensor until it’s perfect.
B. Try four angles, then call in backup.
C. Adjust the settings, move the sensor and try another angle.
D. Say, “Wanna trade jobs for a sec?” and peace out.

4. Your go-to CE topic is:
A. Instrument sharpening and pathology identification.
B. Radiology positioning tips and tricks.
C. Anesthesia monitoring and emergency protocols.
D. Anything with food, friends, or travel involved.

5. How do you label your dental charts?
A. With AVDC abbreviations and surgical precision.
B. With effort… and a pen held together by tissue glue.
C. Thorough and practical—just enough to keep it clear.
D. “Can I copy yours real quick?”

6. What’s your relationship with your ultrasonic tip?
A. You name it and protect it with your life and measure it daily to make sure it is not worn out.
B. You switch it out constantly, wanting the best tip for the job.
C. You change it mid-procedure without breaking focus.
D. You use it until there is only ½ mm of a working tip left and wonder why cleaning calculus takes so long.

7. You finish a difficult procedure. What’s next?
A. You start cleaning before anyone asks.
B. You take a dental radiograph of the dog’s toe because it looks swollen.
C. You document and double-check vitals, not forgetting the post op temp.
D. You do a happy dance and grab snacks.

8. How do you approach instrument sharpening?
A. Weekly routine, always with the right angles.
B. You try… but maybe wing it.
C. You follow protocol with solid consistency.
D. “Sharpening? I thought that happened by magic.”

Now tally up your letters!

Now tally up your letters! Mostly A’s, B’s, C’s, or D’s? Scroll down to see which of the veterinary dental tech types you are

Results: What Type of Veterinary Dental Tech Are You?

The Perfectionist (Mostly A’s)

You are the gold standard. Your rads are crisp, your instruments could slice atoms, and you live for dental charting accuracy. Your coworkers know if you’re in the dental suite, things will run like a well-oiled machine (that you probably cleaned and calibrated yourself). You raise the bar—just don’t forget to cut yourself some slack.

Bonus Points: You probably have a backup headlamp… for your backup headlamp, just in case the power ever goes out during the procedure.

The MacGyver (Mostly B’s)

Need to build a mouth gag out of syringe caps and gauze? You’re already three steps ahead. You’re resourceful, fast on your feet, and able to improvise with whatever’s on hand. You may not always follow the “textbook” method, but the job gets done—usually with style and a touch of chaos.

Just Watch Out For: Skipping steps or letting documentation slide. You’re amazing in the moment—make sure the records reflect it!

The Anesthesia Ace (Mostly C’s)

While the rest of the team is fighting calculus, you’re monitoring vitals and calculating CRIs like a boss. You can recognize a shallow breath from across the room, and you’ve got local blocks down cold. You’re calm, prepared, and laser-focused on patient safety.

Power Move: Teaching others how to troubleshoot the monitor while placing an IV blindfolded.

The Vibes Tech (Mostly D’s)

You are the glue of the dental suite. You lift spirits, play DJ, and keep everyone from spiraling during that 4-hour full-mouth nightmare. You may not love radiology, but your energy keeps the team going. And let’s be honest—you probably know where the hidden snacks are.

Keep Growing By: Taking on more challenging cases or CE that push your technical limits. You’ve got the confidence—now build the skills to match.

Why It Matters: Every Type Has a Place in the Dental Suite

Let’s be clear: this quiz is just for fun, but it highlights something important—every one of the veterinary dental tech types brings value to the team. The best teams are built with all kinds of personalities and strengths.

Some days, you might feel like a Perfectionist. Other days, you’re full-on Vibes. What matters most is that you keep learning, growing, and supporting your team and patients.

Want to Level Up Your Skills? We’ve Got You.

Whether you want to improve your dental radiographs, master instrument sharpening, or finally feel confident with regional nerve blocks, our RACE-approved hands-on CE courses are built just for veterinary technicians and assistants.

Learn how to chart like a pro using AVDC abbreviations
Troubleshoot radiograph angles and build consistency
Calculate nerve block doses and max drug volumes
Master effective scaling, polishing, and instrument care
Practice in a low-pressure, hands-on lab environment
Check out our upcoming CE events Learn Veterinary Dentistry | Continuing Education Courses

For more AVDC-approved abbreviations, check out this page, Technician Services – AVDC.org, to download a copy.

What Type of Veterinary Dental Tech Are You? (Take the Quiz!)