Business Details
20 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Advanced Veterinary Dental Care in Gaithersburg
At the Center for Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional care to pets through a collaborative team approach. Our doctors are board-certified specialists with advanced training in dentistry, oral surgery, anesthesia, and radiology, ensuring comprehensive expertise for complex cases. Since 2006, we have pioneered advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to address both oral and maxillofacial conditions, working closely with primary veterinarians to prioritize patient comfort.Our commitment to innovation is reflected in Dr. Kendall Taney's distinction as the only AVDC Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Fellow in the DMV area, a title held by fewer than 20 veterinarians globally. We emphasize preventive care and education, recognizing dental health as critical to overall pet well-being, while maintaining rigorous standards of professionalism and client communication.
Services
Root Canal Therapy
Crowns
Tooth Resorption Treatment
Oral Tumor Removal
Maxillofacial Fracture Repair
Cone Beam CT Imaging
Periodontal Therapy
Vital Pulp Therapy
Cleft Palate Repair
Oral Inflammation Management
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- Board-certified specialists with advanced training in oral surgery
- State-of-the-art cone beam CT imaging for precise diagnostics
- Collaborative approach with primary care veterinarians
- Pioneering treatment for complex maxillofacial conditions
- 24/7 post-operative support for patient recovery
Associations and certifications
- American Veterinary Dental College
- AVDC Fellow in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
What people say
"terrific at what they do"
Dramatic improvement in quality of life
Reassuring and helpful follow-up
Immediate results", "exceptional care"
Services
Root Canal Therapy
Our root canal therapy preserves fractured or non-vital teeth through minimally invasive procedures performed under anesthesia. This specialized treatment maintains tooth structure and function while preventing extraction. We utilize human-grade techniques adapted for veterinary patients, including periodic radiographic monitoring to ensure long-term success. This service is particularly beneficial for working dogs and pets requiring dental integrity for specific activities.
Cone Beam CT Imaging
Advanced cone beam CT technology provides high-resolution 3D imaging of skull anatomy, teeth, and nasal structures. This diagnostic tool enables precise evaluation of dental disease, jaw fractures, and sinus conditions. The imaging system facilitates accurate surgical planning for complex cases while minimizing radiation exposure. Our facility maintains this technology in-house for immediate access during emergency and scheduled procedures.
Oral Tumor Removal
We specialize in surgical excision of benign and malignant oral tumors in dogs and cats. Our approach combines complete tumor removal with reconstructive techniques to restore oral function. For malignant cases, we coordinate multimodal treatment plans with radiation and chemotherapy specialists. Post-operative care includes pain management and nutritional support to optimize recovery outcomes for these complex procedures.
Maxillofacial Fracture Repair
Our team addresses traumatic head and jaw fractures using minimally invasive and traditional surgical techniques. Advanced imaging guides precise realignment of bone structures to restore normal function and prevent chronic pain. We employ bone plating systems and specialized fixation methods for complex fractures, ensuring optimal healing while maintaining facial aesthetics and oral functionality.
Periodontal Therapy
Comprehensive periodontal care addresses the 80% prevalence of dental disease in pets over two years old. Our services include deep cleaning, pocket reduction, and regenerative treatments to preserve tooth structures. We emphasize preventive education for pet owners, providing tailored home care guidance to maintain oral health between professional cleanings and prevent disease progression.
People
Dr. Kendall Taney
Board Certified Veterinary Dentist
Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College and AVDC Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Fellow, Dr. Taney has specialized in veterinary dentistry since completing her residency in 2006. She has authored multiple publications and received the Robert Wiggs Outstanding Candidate award during her training.
Dr. Karen Dennis
Veterinary Dentist
With 25 years of general practice experience, Dr. Dennis transitioned to veterinary dentistry after recognizing its critical role in overall pet health. She brings extensive clinical expertise in managing complex dental cases and emphasizes immediate quality-of-life improvements through oral care.
Dr. Amanda Riddile
Associate Veterinarian
Dr. Riddile completed a small animal internship before developing a focus on veterinary dentistry. She combines general practice experience with specialized dental training, offering comprehensive care for pets requiring both routine and complex oral treatments.
Dr. Melissa Garber
Veterinary Dentist
After graduating from The Ohio State University, Dr. Garber cultivated a passion for dental care through general practice. She brings fresh perspective and technical expertise to the team, focusing on preventive dental strategies and early intervention techniques.
Dr. Mark Smith
Founding Veterinarian
As a Diplomate of both the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and American Veterinary Dental College, Dr. Smith established the center in 2004. With 16 years as Professor of Surgery at Virginia Tech, he remains a respected authority in veterinary oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Questions
What specialized dental services do you offer for pets?
We provide advanced services including root canal therapy, oral tumor removal, maxillofacial surgery, cone beam CT imaging, and periodontal treatments for complex dental conditions.
How do I schedule a specialist appointment for my pet?
All consultations require phone scheduling. Your primary veterinarian will coordinate referral details before contacting us to arrange your pet's appointment.
Do you handle dental emergencies for pets?
Yes, we accept emergency cases requiring immediate oral surgery or trauma care during regular business hours and provide post-operative support after hours.
What should I expect during my pet's dental procedure?
Pre-surgical bloodwork is required, followed by a comprehensive oral exam under anesthesia. Digital imaging guides treatment planning, with continuous updates provided to owners throughout the process.
How do you manage pain after dental surgery?
We implement multi-modal pain management protocols tailored to each patient, including local anesthetics, anti-inflammatories, and follow-up medication adjustments as needed.
What makes your center different from general veterinary clinics?
Our board-certified specialists have advanced training in oral surgery and access to specialized equipment like cone beam CT, enabling treatment of complex cases beyond typical general practice capabilities.
Reviews (6)
Sarah Gleason
May 11, 2022
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I brought my cat here about 6 weeks ago, he basically had all his canines and front teeth removed. Not going to lie, it's not cheap but it's worth it. The quote was extremely accurate, they explained everything very well and my cats recovery went like clockwork. The best part is my cat has a new lease on life. I had no idea this world make such a drastic change in his quality of life. He has more energy, he's not as grumpy and he's actually losing weight (in a good way) because he's more playful, loving and energetic. Thank you!
Jessica Dobson
Feb 19, 2022
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The staff here is amazing! My 13 year old cat just had almost all of his teeth extracted and they did a wonderful job. It's hard not being able to go in with your pet but they provided a ton of updates and showed him a ton of love.
Margaretha McGrail
Jan 23, 2022
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These guys are the very best of the best. They've helped two dogs of mine, prolonging the life of both dogs. They truly care. They are very responsive and very knowledgeable and will go above and beyond what is called on of them. I wouldn't go to anyone else.
Rebecca Peterson
Apr 04, 2021
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Gold standard of care for my recent geriatric rescue. Knowing my new family member needed immediate attention, they got me on the cancelation list and was seen within a week. A marathon of a procedure was done that day. As a fellow member of the vet community, I know I was able to provide the best possible care available. Day 2 post op and he's eating better and healing nicely.
Bridgette Savino
Feb 19, 2021
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I never leave reviews, but I just cannot say enough good things about these folks. My 15 yo dog had to get extensive dental work, and we were super nervous due to her age and other complications. Every single person we encountered was knowledgeable, kind, and made us feel at ease. They kept us updated throughout the day of the procedure and have been so patient and responsive with my multiple follow up questions (like I said, super nervous!). I cannot thank them enough for hopefully giving my little buddy some relief in her last years. Hands down, best vets I've ever been to.
Jim Harris
Feb 05, 2021
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Took care of my pup a few weeks ago, and he had a wonderful time. Friendly staff, and knowledgeable vets. Quite pricey, but I'm assuming that is just the going rate for veterinary dentistry. Will go back if the pups ever need more dental work.
