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Mission Statement
- To provide high quality veterinary dentistry, oral surgery and anesthesia
- To treat our patients and pet owners with compassion and respect
- To give pets a comfortable mouth which is free of pain and infection
- To maintain and preserve oral function
- To educate our clients about dental disease and prevention
- To communicate with referring veterinarians providing timely updates and education
Please contact us to set up a consultation with one of our Board Certified Veterinary Dentists.
Doctors and Staff
Our History:
Veterinary Dental Services was established in 1999 by Dr. Laura LeVan. In 2009 she sold the practice, and went on to establish the Veterinary Dental Education Center, with the goal of teaching veterinarians and technicians basic dentistry and oral surgery.
Our Doctors
Dr. Bonnie H. Shope is a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1997, and from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1991. As a veterinary student, Dr. Shope developed an interest in veterinary dentistry. She practiced small animal medicine after graduation, and then joined Veterinary Dental Services in 2000. From 2002 – 2007 she also worked as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.
Dr. Paul Mitchell is a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College. He graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1991 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Mitchell worked for five years in equine and small animal practices and developed an interest in veterinary dentistry. He completed a dental residency at the Dallas Dental Service Animal Clinic with Dr. Robert Wiggs, and has served on the American Veterinary Dental College Exam Committee and Board of Directors. He worked for Veterinary Centers of America from 1999 to 2006 as a dental specialist and as their National Dental Educator. Dr. Mitchell joined Veterinary Dental Services in 2009.
Dr. Diane Carle is Veterinary Dental Services Resident in training. Dr. Carle is working towards board certification in veterinary dentistry and oral surgery. She graduated from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and Swarthmore College, and worked in mixed practice before joining Veterinary Dental Services, LLC. Before becoming a veterinarian, she had a career in the environmental field as a geographic information specialist. She lives with her Border Collie, Suzi, who is missing three teeth, her cat, Eliza, who has no teeth, and her cat, Kitten, who has all of her teeth!
Our Staff
Our Client Care Specialist, Susan Paradis joined our team in 2010. She enjoyed being a volunteer puppy raiser for the NEADS program (New England Assistance Dogs, http://www.neads.org/ ), which is a non-for-profit program that trains assistance dogs for the deaf and disabled. In fact her own dog Karla is a NEADS "fabulous flunkie." Although Karla did not pass her NEADS certification she still brings joy to everyone and especially likes to visit the elderly. Susan lives in Leominster with her yellow lab, Karla, a hound mix, Murphy and two cats, Jenna and Ruby.
Genel Thomas is our office manager. She started working in the veterinary field over ten years ago while obtaining her bachelor's degree in Developmental Psychology. Upon graduating, she quickly realized her passion was with animals and decided to stay in the field. She has been with our team since 2006 and has fulfilled many roles here such as Client Care Specialist and Veterinary Technician. Genel lives in Ashby with her boyfriend, a domestic shorthair cat Hissyfit, a Himalayan cat Mitchell and a Treeing Walker Coonhound, Mr. Krinkle. She hopes to adopt another dog in the near future. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, photography, live music, fresh water fishing, hiking and camping.
Kerri Hoey, our head technician, is a Certified Veterinary Technician and has been working in small animal medicine since 1997. During her ten year employment in general practice she developed a special interest in small animal dentistry. Fortunately a position here at VDS opened in 2007 and she has been with us since. In 2007 she also received her certification as a veterinary dental technician. She earned her degree in Wildlife Management from the University of New Hampshire. She still has a strong interest in wildlife and has had the opportunity to assist in the treatment of exotics for our local zoos and aquarium through Veterinary Dental Services. Kerri lives in Danvers with her Shar Pei/English Bulldog mix named Maxine. She also enjoys spending time with her nephew, Miller, a Dalmatian. In her free time she enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, and art.
Katie Burton is one of our technicians. She has five years experience as a veterinary technician in general practice and many years experience with shelter work. Katie has earned an associate's degree in Health Care Administration and intends to earn her Veterinary Technician Certification in the future. Her upbeat personality and great sense of humor make her a great addition to our team. In her spare time Katie enjoys dance, four wheeling and spending time at the family farm. She lives in Lunenburg with her fiance and 3 crazy cats, Milton, Malley and Tex.
Lisa Johnson, Certified Veterinary Technician, brings 15 years of experience in veterinary medicine to our team. She has worked as a technician in both general practice, and also in a specialty veterinary surgical practice as a surgical assistant. A Certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Professional Dog Trainer, and Service Dog foster volunteer, Lisa is currently in school working towards her diploma in Canine Behavioral Sciences. Her passion for animals started as a young child rescuing stray cats. When not studying and working Lisa enjoys outdoor activities with her two dogs, Willy, a German Shorthair Pointer and Tessie, a Dalmation Mix. She hopes to expand her family by adopting a cat in the near future.
138 Great Road, Acton, MA 01720 · (978) 929-9200
FAX: 978-929-9979 Email: reception@veterinarydental.com
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