Dr. Laura M. LeVan

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Diplomate, American Veterinary Dental College

View Dr. LeVan's Curriculum Vitae (PDF format)

I've always had a special bond with animals. Growing up in Portland, Oregon, some of my earliest memories include Gus, my family's dog and my best friend. But my love for animals was always more than just as wonderful friends. I also wanted to know how these critters were put together and what made them tick. Deep down I thought if I knew how they worked, I could somehow help them. I used to bury dead animals that I would find, once burying some moles in a matchbox casket. Curious to know what had happened to them, I later dug them up, only to find their tiny little skeletons.

After graduating from Raymond College in Stockton, California, an article about women veterinarians in Africa narrowed my career focus. At the time I was living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, just 30 miles from the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph. I applied and was one of just thirty women admitted that year.

After graduating with my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 1976, I moved to Massachusetts. I joined a mixed practice caring for both pet and farm animals in Shrewsbury, and later joined a small animal practice in Marlboro. During this time, I served as Secretary for the Worcester County Veterinary Medical Association and Public Relations Chair of the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association. I enjoy working with my veterinary colleagues to educate the public about the field and promote advances in care. In 1987, I became the first woman president of the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association.

My interest in veterinary dentistry started from the clinical observation of many cases that left me with more questions than answers. During appointments with my own dentist, we began discussing cases. He gave me some ideas for treatments, which I tried and found to work well. I felt the joy of making a difference in a pet's life. As I expanded my education, I became more and more focused on veterinary dentistry.

In 1992, I was invited to join Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University as a Clinical Assistant Professor, seeing their dental cases while studying as an alternative pathway dental resident. I received much help and support from the Tufts community, including the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.

I started Mobile Veterinary Dental Services in 1993, taking my specialized equipment and expertise to area veterinary hospitals. Travel time limited the number of patients I could treat each day, so in 1999 I stopped traveling and opened Veterinary Dental Services in Acton. Here I am able to meet the need for specialized dental care for dogs and cats. The service has grown dramatically, and allows me to add continuing education opportunities to the veterinary community. This helps other veterinarians and their staff to provide improved oral care to their own patients. I know that pets I'll never meet are enjoying better health thanks to the efforts of a growing team of committed veterinarians.

I am also lucky enough to be able to help many zoo, aquarium, and police service animals. I volunteer my time at Boston area zoos and the New England Aquarium. It is an honor and thrill to help these exotic species maintain a healthy oral cavity.

Culminating years of specialized study and clinical practice, I became board certified by the American Veterinary Dental College in 2001.

Besides veterinary dentistry, my other passion is gardening. I am an amateur rose gardener, caring for about 80 plants. I am an avid bird watcher as well and combine my love of gardening with bird watching by planning landscapes to attract songbirds. Among my greatest joys on a summer evening, is watching hummingbirds fight over my now prized feeder!

I currently share my home with two cats, Ozzie and Dennis. I consider all my clients pets part of my extended family and feel privileged as a veterinarian, to know, care for and love many wonderful pets. I feel lucky that I have been able to help many lead better, longer lives.