Advancing the Future of Veterinary Dentistry
We believe that investing in education today improves the quality of care for countless patients in the future.
Education has always been at the heart of HVDOS. Since launching our residency program in 2016, we have remained committed to training the next generation of board-certified veterinary dentists while advancing the specialty through mentorship, clinical excellence, and lifelong learning.
Our residents train alongside experienced specialists in a collaborative, high-volume referral practice, gaining extensive experience in advanced dentistry, oral surgery, anesthesia, diagnostic imaging, and patient care.
Our Residency Program
The HVDOS residency is a rigorous, three-year training program designed to prepare veterinarians for board certification through the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC).
Residents receive progressive responsibility while working under the direct mentorship of our board-certified specialists. Throughout the program, they develop the clinical judgment, surgical skills, and confidence needed to manage both routine and highly complex dental and oral surgical cases.
Our goal is not only to produce exceptional specialists but also compassionate clinicians, educators, and leaders within the profession.
Comprehensive Clinical Training
Residents receive extensive experience across the full spectrum of veterinary dentistry and oral surgery, including:
- Advanced periodontal therapy
- Surgical and routine tooth extractions
- Endodontics (root canal therapy)
- Restorative dentistry
- Veterinary orthodontics
- Oral tumors and oncologic surgery
- Maxillofacial trauma and fracture repair
- Temporomandibular joint disorders
- Oral medicine
- Pediatric dentistry
- Cone Beam CT (CBCT) and advanced diagnostic imaging
- Advanced anesthesia and pain management
Because HVDOS is a busy referral practice, residents experience a diverse caseload that provides exceptional hands-on learning opportunities.
Surgical Experience
Residents participate in a high volume of procedures ranging from routine periodontal surgery to advanced maxillofacial reconstruction.
Daily exposure to complex referral cases allows residents to continually refine their surgical techniques while learning multiple approaches to patient care under the guidance of experienced mentors.
Academic Excellence
Board Certification
Board certification requires far more than surgical skill.
Our residents participate in a structured academic curriculum that includes:
- Case presentations
- Literature review
- Research and publication
- Teaching opportunities
- Board examination preparation
The goal is to cultivate critical thinking, evidence-based medicine, and a lifelong commitment to learning.
Mentorship Philosophy
At HVDOS, mentorship extends well beyond clinical instruction.
We believe in creating an environment where residents are encouraged to ask questions, develop confidence, and continually challenge themselves. Our faculty provides individualized guidance while gradually increasing independence as skills develop.
Education is one of the founding principles of HVDOS, and our mentors are deeply invested in helping each resident achieve success both professionally and personally.
Residency Alumna
Since establishing our residency program in 2016, five residents have successfully completed their training and gone on to become board-certified veterinary dentists.
Residency Alumni
Dr. Danielle Mendelsohn
Dr. Jessica Mack
Dr. Lara Bartl
Dr. Kayla Steffes
Dr. Brooke Reynolds
Current Residents
We are proud to currently mentor:
Dr. Noriko AoiDr. Jodi Reed-Lenhardt
Dr. Todd Kirks
Internships & Externships
HVDOS welcomes veterinary students, interns, and veterinarians interested in learning more about the specialty of veterinary dentistry and oral surgery.
Externships and observational experiences provide opportunities to work alongside our doctors, observe advanced procedures, and gain insight into referral specialty practice.
Those interested in future training opportunities are encouraged to contact our team for more information.
OUR MISSION
We believe education is one of the greatest ways to improve veterinary medicine. By training future specialists, supporting referring veterinarians, and providing continuing education for the veterinary community, HVDOS is committed to advancing the specialty of veterinary dentistry for generations to come.
Here when you need us.
If you believe your dog needs care, please let us know. We’ll be happy to assist.