The primary objectives of AVDC are to determine the standards required for recognition of board-certified veterinary dental specialists and to conduct the credentials review and examination procedures necessary to identify veterinarians who have reached the specialist veterinary dentist standard. In addition to expert care of individual patients provided by Diplomates, the AVDC plays a major role in prevention of oral disease by sponsoring the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) which awards the VOHC Seal of Acceptance to oral home care products that meet pre-set standards of effectiveness in dental plaque and calculus control.