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20 Years
experience
Your Trusted Veterinary Dentist in Gaithersburg
At the Center For Veterinary Dentistry & Oral Surgery, we are dedicated to providing exceptional dental care for pets, emphasizing the critical role of oral health in overall well-being. Our team comprises board-certified specialists with advanced training in dentistry, oral surgery, anesthesia, radiology, and surgery. We utilize state-of-the-art technology, including cone beam CT imaging, to diagnose and treat complex conditions effectively. Our approach prioritizes collaboration with primary veterinarians to ensure seamless care, focusing on comfort and recovery for every patient.

With decades of combined experience, we offer tailored treatments for periodontal disease, root canal therapy, oral tumors, and maxillofacial trauma. Our commitment to continuous learning and innovation ensures pets receive the most advanced, compassionate care available. We believe in empowering pet owners through education and open communication, fostering trust and long-term relationships. Regular checkups and preventive care are emphasized to safeguard pets health, reflecting our mission to elevate veterinary dentistry standards globally.
Services
Root Canal Therapy Crowns Dental Cleanings Tooth Extractions Oral Tumor Removal Cleft Palate Repair Maxillofacial Fracture Repair Periodontal Treatment Cone Beam CT Imaging Inflammatory Oral Disease Management
Details
  • Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
  • Board-certified specialists in veterinary dental and maxillofacial surgery.
  • Utilize advanced cone beam CT imaging for precise diagnosis.
  • Collaborate closely with primary veterinarians for holistic care.
  • Offer minimally invasive and complex surgical techniques for pets.
  • Prioritize patient comfort and long-term oral health outcomes.
Associations and certifications
  • American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC)
  • American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS)
What people say
Terrific at what they do Tremendous care Reassuring follow-ups Immediate attention to needs Dedicated to pet well-being
Services
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy preserves fractured or non-vital teeth in pets, performed under anesthesia with human-equivalent precision. This minimally invasive procedure alleviates pain and avoids extraction, ensuring structural integrity. Periodic X-rays monitor long-term success, benefiting pets requiring dental function preservation.
Cone Beam CT Imaging
Cone beam CT provides high-resolution 3D imaging of skulls, teeth, and nasal structures for accurate diagnosis of dental disease, fractures, and sinus issues. This technology enables precise surgical planning and treatment of complex oral conditions, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and procedural outcomes for pets.
Oral Tumor Removal
We specialize in surgical removal of benign and malignant oral tumors in pets, often combining radiation or chemotherapy for comprehensive treatment. Procedures prioritize pain relief and functional restoration, improving quality of life while addressing both localized and systemic aspects of oral cancer.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
Advanced periodontal treatments address severe gum disease in pets, including surgical extractions and bone regeneration techniques. We emphasize preventive care through dental cleanings and owner education, mitigating complications like tooth loss and systemic infections linked to oral health.
Maxillofacial Fracture Repair
We repair jaw and facial fractures in pets using minimally invasive techniques and bone plating, guided by CT imaging. Correct realignment restores normal function and prevents chronic pain, ensuring optimal recovery for trauma cases with complex structural implications.
People
Kendall Taney
Board Certified Veterinary Dentist
Dr. Taney is an AVDC Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Fellow with 18 years of experience, specializing in advanced reconstruction and oral oncology. She joined the Center in 2006 and became a partner in 2008, focusing on complex cases and research.
Amanda Riddile
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Riddile transitioned to veterinary dentistry after five years in general practice, bringing expertise in small animal care. She joined the Center in 2022, following an internship and experience in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Karen Dennis
Veterinarian
Dr. Dennis practiced general veterinary medicine for 25 years before specializing in dentistry. She joined the Center to focus on improving pet health through oral care, emphasizing immediate quality-of-life improvements post-treatment.
Mark Smith
Founder (Retired)
Dr. Smith founded the Center in 2004 after 16 years as a Virginia Tech surgery professor. A dual Diplomate of ACVS and AVDC, he authored 100+ research papers and remains an emeritus advisor.
Melissa Garber
Veterinarian
Dr. Garber joined the Center after developing a passion for dentistry during her general practice tenure. A 2021 Ohio State graduate, she focuses on advancing pet oral health through specialized care and client education.
Questions
What services does the Center offer for pets?
We provide root canal therapy, oral surgery, dental cleanings, fracture repair, tumor removal, and advanced imaging using cone beam CT technology.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Contact us directly at (301) 990-9460 or consult your primary veterinarian for a referral to our specialized services.
Are your team members board-certified?
Yes, our lead veterinarians are board-certified by the American Veterinary Dental College and specialize in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Do you handle emergency dental cases?
While we prioritize scheduled appointments, we collaborate with local clinics to address urgent dental needs as needed.
How do you collaborate with primary veterinarians?
We work closely with primary vets to ensure seamless care, including pre- and post-procedure coordination and detailed treatment updates.