A SWINDON animal hospital will soon be expanding its dentistry team with a special residency training programme.

Eastcott Veterinary Referrals is one of the few referral centres across the country to offer a specialist-led service in dentistry and is now recruiting for a new resident to join its renowned team.

The practice is spearheaded by European veterinary specialist in dentistry Andrew Perry and supported by AVDC founding fellow in oral and maxillofacial surgery Peter Southerden, who is one of just 14 founding fellows in the world and the only one practicing in Europe.

Mr Perry said: "The team at Eastcott are proud to be a part of developing future specialists in a discipline that is growing rapidly and has such an impact on patient welfare.

“Our multidisciplinary approach to management of dental, oral and maxillofacial pathologies means that the successful candidate will have the benefit of exposure to a very diverse, and at times cutting edge, caseload.

“The residency programme is well-established at Eastcott. The dentistry, oral and maxillofacial team, the hospital directors and the Linnaeus central support team are committed to individual development and growth and work hard to provide an environment and support to allow our residents to flourish.”

Its new residency programme will offer in-depth knowledge of veterinary dentistry through a mix of clinical and non-clinical work.

It will provide an opportunity to work alongside world-class surgeons responsible for some of the most advanced dental surgical procedures around, including a recent rebuild of a puppy’s jaw after a horse kick knocked the poor pooch unconscious.

The clinical aspect of the role requires that the candidate directly manage cases and perform all forms of dental and oral surgical procedures and client communication, with guidance from senior staff.

The role will involve the preparation of scientific articles for publication and will help develop the candidates' teaching and presenting skills and work in diagnostic imaging, surgery and anaesthesia.

For more information, visit www.eastcottreferrals.co.uk or email andrew.perry@eastcottvets.co.uk before July 31.