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 MOMENT/S 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 MOMENT/S 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, Cathy Mitchell, and Jen (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.
Front Row (L to R): Laura Phillip, Megan, and Verena
Back Row (L to R) : Missy, and Arianna Konen
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 8 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 (noodles and Mac n’ cheese), 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.
“I graduated from Joliet Jr. College’s Veterinary Technology program in 2016 and became a CVT. My interests in veterinary medicine include dentistry, anesthesia, and pain management. I have a Cardigan Welsh Corgi named Chance and a long-haired black cat named Metallica. My other interest outside of vet med are going to rock/metal concerts, Blackhawk and White Sox games, and spending time with my boyfriend and family.” – Arianna K.
What is a Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist?
Specialty training in dentistry requires the completion of a 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.
