Doctorate, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, 1987
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dentistry, 2007
Robert Wiggs Outstanding Candidate Award, 2007
Medical Advisory Board of Brookfield Zoo and Shedd Aquarium
Co-author of the 2013 America Animal Hospital Association Dental Care Guidelines
Member, American Veterinary Medical Association
Member, American Animal Hospital Association
Member, American Association of Feline Practitioners
Member, Illinois Veterinary Medical Association
WHY I DO WHAT I DO Being a veterinarian is the only thing I ever wanted to do. I grew up on a farm in Wheaton, Illinois with dogs, cats, sheep, horses, and chickens. Growing up I observed and then was recruited to help Dr. McCaslin care for our animals. In those days, he would stay for dinner after treating one of our animals and tell amazing stories.
After 15 years in general practice, I was accepted into a dental residency at the University of Illinois under board certified veterinary dentist and surgeon, Dr. Sandra Manfra. I cannot thank my wife and family enough for making it possible for me to travel to Champaign (over four years), maintain my caselogs, complete my required publications and study for dental specialty boards. Now, I have the pleasure to perform a wide variety of specialized dental and oral surgical procedures for companion animal as well as zoo/aquatic animals.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS The relationships I’ve had with my patients and their parents over 30 years have been priceless. Most recently, I was fortunate to provide oral surgery & extractions on Ramar a 50-year-old gorilla (the third oldest gorilla in captivity) at Brookfield Zoo. Ramar had heart disease and we were tasked with providing efficient oral evaluation & dental extractions, while an orthopedic surgeon performed arthroscopic knee surgery under the same anesthetic. Ramar had 3 diseased molars, received surgical extractions and made an excellent recovery. I have a finger painting from the “Big Guy” as a thank you!
THE OTHER LOVE OF MY LIFE Beyond my great wife and 4 lovely children, we have been blessed with 4 golden retrievers that exemplify the description “man’s greatest companion” (dogs). Lance joined the family as a 10-year-old Good as Gold rescue with multiple health problems. After a few months of treatment for heartworm disease, two cancer surgeries, and root canal therapy he spent 4 years mostly with our daughter Grace at college. Holiday and summer breaks were a joy with Lance. Most recently we added Sperry, a 5-year old Good as Gold Rescue that has overcome anxiety to fit in the family.
Doctorate, Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, 1997
Dental resident, American Veterinary Dental College, alternate training pathway
Member, American Veterinary Medical Society
Member, Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry
Member, Illinois Veterinary Medical Association
WHY I DO WHAT I DO I have always had a passion for animals and becoming a veterinarian from a very young age. As a child I read every James Herriot book I could find and in summers would spend time at my grandfather’s farm. As I got older and began working for a veterinarian I learned that even though the medicine in those James Herriot books had changed, the passion that James Herriot had for his patients was still there. Knowing that I could combine science and knowledge to help animals solidified my dreams of becoming a veterinarian.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS One of my first memorable experiences at the Veterinary Dental Center comes from a elderly dog that shared his life with a very sweet senior lady. Her beloved pet had a very large non-cancerous tumor in his mouth that could be cured, but would need involved surgery to cure him. She really struggled with decisions regarding his quality of life and his advancing “senior” age. After discussing the surgery, answering all of her questions, and showing her pictures of previous patients’s surgeries she decided to go ahead with the surgery. He did very well with surgery and went on to live a very normal life. His owner was very grateful and teared up while thanking me at his follow-up appointments, reminding me what an amazing career I have.
THE OTHER LOVE OF MY LIFE I have had many pets throughout my life and they are all memorable in various ways. One pet in particular that comes into mind on many occasions was my collie that I acquired while still in veterinary school, Keiki. He was by my side through many aspects of my life: veterinary school, graduation, new jobs, marriage, babies, and multiple moves. As a senior pet, he developed a spinal cord tumor which affected his mobility and quality of life. Up until the very end, he lived his life with passion and my love for him stays with me even to today, reminding me of the important things in life.
Doctorate, Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, 2007
Dental resident, American Veterinary Dental College, full-time training pathway
Member, U.S. Army Reserves
Dr. Bilyard, a native of Elgin, IL, received her Bachelor of Zoology degree from North Carolina State University. In 2007, she received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree from Purdue University. She then commissioned into the United States Army Veterinary Corps in 2007 and served on active duty until 2014. She currently serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Veterinary Reserve Corps.
Dr. Bilyard began a new career path within the civilian community in 2015 and worked at two general practice veterinary clinics. She is passionate about small animal dentistry and working dog management.
Dr. Bilyard is married to a Navy veteran who currently teaches high school mathematics. They have two sons, 7 and 4, a daughter, 1, and one cat.
WHY I DO WHAT I DO I have never thought about being anything other than a veterinarian. As a small child that grew up in Elgin, Illinois I would always bring home strays, walk neighborhood dogs, and pet sit. I joined the U.S. Army Veterinary Services after finishing veterinary school in order to serve my country and travel the World while still living my dream of practicing veterinary medicine. My passion for dentistry developed while treating all the Military Working Dogs. These heroes are trained to bite and are very hard on their teeth. I began performing many dental procedures on them in order to keep them healthy and so they could continue to work.
I left active duty in 2014 but still serve as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Veterinary Reserves. After realizing my passion for dentistry, I left general practice and am so grateful to be completing my dental residency in small animal.
THE OTHER LOVE OF MY LIFE After living around the U.S. and in Europe for 8 years, my husband and extended family convinced me to move back to Illinois. My husband and I have 3 young children and our cat. Our kids keep us busy with sports, scouts, and life in general. We enjoy traveling and outdoor activities. I love living close to my mother, all my siblings, nephews/nieces, and in-laws.
Owner and CXO (Chief Experience Officer)
We are focused on exceptional pet and parent experiences. We have a State-of-the-Art facility and outstanding staff committed to the highest quality dental services in a warm/caring manner.
(L to R) Melissa Martinez, Cathy Mitchell (Dental Coordinator), and Jen Mantooth (Office Manager)
We are your first points of contact and will facilitate a timely exam or procedure based on your pet’s needs.
We will reach out to your veterinarian to request medical records prior to your first visit and then communicate with them with a Procedure Summary Letter and Procedural Photos/X-rays.
“I am the veterinary dental center coordinator. I am married and have 3 children and a wonderful granddaughter. I have a rescue dog Dodger who rules the house. When not working I love spending time with my family and our combined 10 pets!” – Cathy M.
“I live in Aurora with my husband and our teenage son. We have three sweet dogs, a Lab Mix named Scout, and two Shelties named Duchess and Peewee. We also have three playful cats named Rory, Sherlock, and Hobbes. In my spare time, I like to take our dogs for walks, play board games with my family, and crochet.” –Jen M.
Front Row (L to R): Melissa Martinez, Dana Borowski and Dr. Bilyard
Back Row (L to R) : Dr. Sasser, Dr. Juriga, Megan Muellner, Laura Phillipp, and Verena Bankowski
We have special training in anesthesia, advanced dental procedures/maxillofacial surgery, nursing care, and pain management.
From admission to dismissal, we have a “patient focus” of anesthetic safety, comfort and well-being. It is our goal for your pet to return home, ready to eat and interact with the family.
“I have been working in the veterinary field for 10 years, and graduated from the Veterinary Technology Program at Joliet Junior College in 2015. I have always had a strong passion for animals of all shapes and sizes. My small zoo consists of a Jack Russell mix named Roxy, 2 goldfish (Cheeto and Pickle), and 3 cats named Patches, Jäger, and Camo. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my daughter, hiking, cooking, and visiting local music venues.” – Laura P, CVT
“Caring for animals has been a passion of mine since I was young and it lead me to the field of veterinary medicine. I graduated from the Veterinary Medical Technology Program at Joliet Junior College in 2012. My interests in dentistry include anesthesia, radiography, oral surgery and client education. I have a Fox Terrier mix named Oakley and a Belgian Malinois named Odin. In my free time I enjoy being outdoors surrounded by nature, listening to live music and spending time with friends and family.” – Megan M, CVT
“I received my associate degree in veterinary technician in Southern Illinois in 2012 where I started my career after receiving my license. Originally from Wheaton, IL I moved back to the suburbs to continue my technician work in general practice for many more years. Looking for a change, I sought out a clinic specifically geared toward dental care in animals and found the Veterinary Dental Center where I was fortunate enough to join their team in the end of 2019. I hope to continue learning new knowledge of oral health and to spread as much education as I can. In my down time, I have my two kitties, “Itty and Cleo,” who spoil me with lots of love. I also love to spend much of my time at the gym, seeing live music, and spending time with family.” – Dana B, CVT
What is a Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist?
Specialty training in dentistry requires the completion of 3-6 years of training in an area of specialization beyond a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine Degree (DVM). A Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) is a veterinarian who has been certified by the AVDC as having demonstrated specialist knowledge and expertise in veterinary dentistry, oral surgery, anesthesia, and radiology/imaging as a result of completing the AVDC training requirements and having successfully passed the AVDC examination.
What does the Veterinary Dental Specialist do?
A veterinary dentist will use the most current techniques and dental materials to:
Provide safe anesthesia with an emphasis on pain management
Provide individualized anesthetic protocols for higher risk patients with conditions such as kidney, heart or liver disease and diabetes
Perform dental imaging with Digital x-rays and evaluate CT studies
Diagnose and treat routine to advanced periodontal disease
Provide periodontal therapy (gum surgery, bone grafting…)
Perform surgical extractions, oral surgery, and biopsies
Correct orthodontic abnormalities
Perform root canal therapy
Perform crown therapy and restorative therapy
Diagnose and treat oral tumors/masses
Repair jaw fractures and treat maxillofacial trauma
Can you tell me about your dental nurses/assistants?
The nurses or dental assistants that support a veterinary dentist have received comprehensive training on the pet-friendly handling techniques, common oral conditions, anesthesia (including advanced patient monitoring/support), dental x-ray and pain management.
