Virtual VM4 Clinical Rotations: A COVID-19 Pandemic Response at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Policy changes in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine (ISU-CVM) included the administrative directive that fourth-year (VM4) clinical rotations immediately transition from in-person to virtual format. This article summarizes the efforts, successes, and challenges experienced by ISU-CVM clinical faculty during this transition. Numerous data sources were reviewed, including college records and announcements, faculty survey results, and student rotation evaluations. Data were explored using quantitative and qualitative methods. Between March and July 2020, 36 faculty from 15 different clinical services invested approximately 5,000 hours in delivering virtual content to 165 VM4 students from ISU-CVM and Caribbean veterinary schools. With departmental, college, and university assistance, faculty effectively used educational technologies (Zoom, Canvas, Echo360) and developed adaptive and innovative methods for virtual content delivery. Virtual VM4 rotations were collectively well received and appreciated by students, and student evaluation scores for virtual rotations were statistically equivalent to or higher than those for the corresponding in-person rotations in the preceding year. Although certain hands-on skills could not be adequately acquired in a virtual environment, students gained theoretical knowledge and case-based problem-solving skills in the online format. Faculty reported satisfaction with their adaptability and resilience in these challenging circumstances. These findings demonstrate that ISU-CVM clinical faculty invested substantial time and effort to transition in-person clinical rotations to virtual format during the early COVID-19 pandemic. This is particularly noteworthy given that many of these same faculty simultaneously served as essential personnel managing clinical cases in the university's teaching hospital.

Communication, Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship, and Teledentistry.

Communication is the basis of any relationship. Communication can help strengthen the relationship between veterinarians, their clients, and their colleagues throughout the profession. Different models of communication have been demonstrated including the directive model, consumerism model, and relationship-centered model. When veterinarians refer to a specialist, they view the referral as an extension of the care they provide. Therefore, developing a relationship with the specialist is an important facet of patient care. Creating an appropriate veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR) helps the patient receive the best care possible. This needs to be considered when offering telemedicine or teledentistry to clients or referring veterinarians.

Unerupted Supernumerary Mandibular Fourth Premolar in a dog.

A 2.5-year-old intact male Irish setter was presented for a draining tract associated with the right mandibular first molar tooth (409). Conscious oral examination yielded two draining tracts associated with the right mandibular first molar tooth. No obvious missing teeth or other gross abnormalities associated with the oral cavity were observed. Upon anesthetized radiographic evaluation, the presence of an unerupted, abnormally positioned, supernumerary premolar tooth was observed. The following article describes the extraction of the right mandibular first molar tooth (409) as well as the unerupted supernumerary premolar tooth with associated supernumerary root and the diagnostic approach taken for this uncommon abnormality.