Meet The Team

• Doctorate, University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, 1987
• Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Dentistry, 2007
• Board Certified Veterinary Dentist^TM
• 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.

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 4 wonderful granddaughters. 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

“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

“My love for animals has been, and always will be, a huge part of my life. I graduated from the Veterinary Medical Technology Program at Joliet Junior College in 2020, although I have been in the field since 2016. I have always been intrigued by anesthesia and wanted to learn much more about oral surgery as well as dentistry. I have two dogs- Willow the Weimaraner and Cali the Catahoula mix. I spend my free time with my dogs or with friends and family.” – Lindsey I, CVT (picture coming soon)

“I started working in the veterinary field back in 2016. It’s an incredible and wonderful work environment and it’s never a dull moment. I’ve loved animals since I was a child – I still have my childhood cat, Chopper. She’s now 16 and was diagnosed with early renal failure, but she had her dental done with us in August, 2020! I adopted my other cat Renatus a few years ago, and while he had numerous health issues, he’s come a long way and is now very healthy (and chunky). In my free time I enjoy spending time outside, drawing, riding horses, and reading. “ – Sabrina S. (picture coming soon)