BIOGRAPHY

I graduated from the University of Pretoria (Onderstepoort), South Africa in 1997 and have since been working in the UK. Initially I worked in small animal practices in South East London and North West London. During this time, I soon developed an interest in dentistry and realised the importance of the discipline in every day practice. I attended basic dentistry courses to begin to understand the diseases affecting our pets’ mouths, the proper use of equipment and the need for quality equipment, and different techniques used in performing dentistry. I then attended a comprehensive four year veterinary dentistry and oral surgery course offered by the European School of Advanced Veterinary Studies. During this time I started working towards my European diploma under the guidance of Cecilia Gorrel, based in the New Forest. Over the past 5 years, I have worked at various clinics in the Surrey and Kent, accepting dental and oral surgery referrals.

I am actively involved with International Animal Rescue and travel to India regularly to treat rescued dancing bears together with a human dentist and great friend, Paul Cassar. In the UK, I am responsible for all the oral care at their associated cat Charity, Catastrophes, based near Battle, East Sussex. In 2006, Paul and I received the exotic animal dentistry grant from the Peter Emily Foundation for our continued work with rescued dancing bears in India.

After serving on the committee of the British Veterinary Dental Association for the past 7 years, in 2008 I became President of the association and hope to continue the good work the BVDA does to promote veterinary dentistry and educate vets, veterinary nurses, dentists and owners in the importance of oral health in animals.