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I became interested in equine dentistry after studying at Warwickshire College for 3 years and attending the BEVA Introduction to Equine Dentistry course.  After intensively researching equine dentistry and weighing up the pros and cons of the various training methods throughout the world, I decided to take my training in the UK, at Hartpury College and completed my BSc. (Hons) in Equine Dental Science in 2005. 

This was a brand new course to the UK and is run with the University of West England (UWE) and approved by the British Equine veterinary Association (BEVA) & the British Association of Equine Dental Technicians (BAEDT).  Being a science based degree course, it was an ideal method of acquiring specialist scientific knowledge and professional skills related to equine oral health.  These were developed within the laboratory, in lectures and hands on with live cases.  Dental specific disorders (pathology and treatment) and evaluation of scientific literature were covered as well as modules on the industry as a whole (nutrition, therapy, business, behaviour, history, etc).  During my degree and afterwards, I trained alongside as many equine dental technicians and veterinary surgeons as I could, gaining much experience both in the job itself as well as horse handling skills. In January 2010 I was featured in the careers section of Horse and Hound magazine.  

I am continually up dating my knowledge, not only on dentistry but the profession as a whole.  I have attended the BETA Lorinery course to further my knowledge on bits and bitting as well as expanding my knowledge of nutrition and feed products available to a wide range of horses.  Working with various feed manufacturers, I help advise owners on the correct feed for their animals.   

Equine dentistry is now a great passion for me.  I enjoy hearing how my work has helped horses, from improving general well being to improvements in performance.  I am working towards taking the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the Department for Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) level 2 exemption certificate and am currently collecting all my cases for this. 

As a horse owner myself, I personally only want the best for my horse and to ensure he is happy and healthy.  I own an 8 year old, Irish Draught, gelding who I compete in various disciplines.   Previously I had always ridden for other people and worked on yards, being involved with horses on a daily basis from broodmares up to horses competing in international competitions.  Riding for other people and dealing with their horses has given me a greater respect and empathy in the way I treat my patients.  I make sure I allow plenty of time and have therefore been able to treat many horses who previously had to be sedated for dental work.