Danielle, Head Licensed Veterinary Technician
Teeth. It doesn't get any better than that, does it? Yes, Dentistry is one of my top interests in this field! There is the obvious aspect of Dentistry, such as having a healthy mouth, gums, and jaw, and, preventing damage to the internal organs from bacterial contamination. But, I really like the technical aspect of it, too. I don't think the typical person realizes that there is quite a bit to do from the technical standpoint. There are the digital dental radiographs, and assisting the doctor with tooth extractions and oral surgery. During these times we also have to put in IV Catheters, monitor anesthesia, and many other duties. I really enjoy both the challenge and the responsibility!
OK, pop the hood on your dental suite and tells us about the bells and whistles. We have a really nice set up. We have a floor model unit that has an ultrasonic scaler, a polisher, various drills, water & air attachments. We have a dedicated computer just for the dental suite, and that's where the images are displayed from the digital dental x-ray unit. We also have a special dental station with a flow-through sink and we have special heating units to keep the patients warm while they are under anesthesia. There is also a monitor that tracks the EKG, blood pressure, oxygen, carbon dioxide, pulse, and respiration. It's a nice set up!
Veterinary Technician since 2003
Teeth. It doesn't get any better than that, does it? Yes, Dentistry is one of my top interests in this field! There is the obvious aspect of Dentistry, such as having a healthy mouth, gums, and jaw, and, preventing damage to the internal organs from bacterial contamination. But, I really like the technical aspect of it, too. I don't think the typical person realizes that there is quite a bit to do from the technical standpoint. There are the digital dental radiographs, and assisting the doctor with tooth extractions and oral surgery. During these times we also have to put in IV Catheters, monitor anesthesia, and many other duties. I really enjoy both the challenge and the responsibility!
OK, pop the hood on your dental suite and tells us about the bells and whistles. We have a really nice set up. We have a floor model unit that has an ultrasonic scaler, a polisher, various drills, water & air attachments. We have a dedicated computer just for the dental suite, and that's where the images are displayed from the digital dental x-ray unit. We also have a special dental station with a flow-through sink and we have special heating units to keep the patients warm while they are under anesthesia. There is also a monitor that tracks the EKG, blood pressure, oxygen, carbon dioxide, pulse, and respiration. It's a nice set up!
Veterinary Technician since 2003
Jessica, Licensed Veterinary Technician
Tell us what the "human/pet bond" means to you. It sounds like an easy question, but it's more complex than many of us realize. We care about these little guys and welcome them into our lives and our families for a reason. Life can be stressful and complicated, and our pets are there for us though thick and thin. They put a smile on our faces when we need it. It's a mutual bond that runs deep.
Why is being detail oriented so important in veterinary medicine? Yes this is a very important quality to have. There are the obvious things like making sure patients get the correct medication, dose, and treatments. It also extends to doing quality control on our in-house lab, testing our x-ray equipment, plus regulatory issues. There are a lot of things the technicians and doctors have to focus on, but this all ensures you get the best care for your pet.
Veterinary Technician since 2016
Tell us what the "human/pet bond" means to you. It sounds like an easy question, but it's more complex than many of us realize. We care about these little guys and welcome them into our lives and our families for a reason. Life can be stressful and complicated, and our pets are there for us though thick and thin. They put a smile on our faces when we need it. It's a mutual bond that runs deep.
Why is being detail oriented so important in veterinary medicine? Yes this is a very important quality to have. There are the obvious things like making sure patients get the correct medication, dose, and treatments. It also extends to doing quality control on our in-house lab, testing our x-ray equipment, plus regulatory issues. There are a lot of things the technicians and doctors have to focus on, but this all ensures you get the best care for your pet.
Veterinary Technician since 2016
Jessica, Licensed Veterinary Technician
What is one thing that surprised you when you entered the veterinary field? Well, by definition you would think you spend all your time with the pets, but it is surprising how much time you spend with people, too. You always have to remember that these little guys are members of someone's family, and we spend a lot of time interacting with the human family members also.
What is the role of communication in the clinic? We do our best to be friendly and caring, of course! But in addition to that, we try to call our sick patients the following day to make sure they are OK. We also try to call the parents of our surgery patients to give them an update during the day before they come to pick them up. We also call with lab results and for other reasons. It's important to stay in touch!
Veterinary Technician since 2026
Veterinary Assistant since 2018
Erin, Customer Service Representative
What is the importance of balance in the veterinary field?
This is something everyone in the veterinary field thinks about. Many people think we spend a lot of time with puppies and kittens, but there are also a lot of serious issues that the assistants, technicians, and doctors deal with. It can get intense emotionally with some of the cases we encounter. That being said, it's important to smile, take time for yourself, and appreciate the support from your clients and co-workers.
What is the importance of balance in the veterinary field?
This is something everyone in the veterinary field thinks about. Many people think we spend a lot of time with puppies and kittens, but there are also a lot of serious issues that the assistants, technicians, and doctors deal with. It can get intense emotionally with some of the cases we encounter. That being said, it's important to smile, take time for yourself, and appreciate the support from your clients and co-workers.
Dave, Practice Manager
How long have you been with the clinic? I've been working here for over 35 years! I started at the front desk while I was in school, and later became a veterinary assistant. I have been the Practice Manager for both of Greg's clinics since 2000.
How has the field of veterinary medicine changed over the years? The changes have been incredible, both in the technological sense and also in the role of pets within a family. The advances in pain management, diagnostics, dentistry... it's been great! Every day that goes by, we have better tools available to help diagnose and treat our pets. I have to say, 20 years ago I never would have imagined we would have digital dental x-rays or an in-house Lab Station! It's also great to see the integral role pets now play in people's lives, they really are our family members.
How long have you been with the clinic? I've been working here for over 35 years! I started at the front desk while I was in school, and later became a veterinary assistant. I have been the Practice Manager for both of Greg's clinics since 2000.
How has the field of veterinary medicine changed over the years? The changes have been incredible, both in the technological sense and also in the role of pets within a family. The advances in pain management, diagnostics, dentistry... it's been great! Every day that goes by, we have better tools available to help diagnose and treat our pets. I have to say, 20 years ago I never would have imagined we would have digital dental x-rays or an in-house Lab Station! It's also great to see the integral role pets now play in people's lives, they really are our family members.
