Jennifer Mathis, DVM, DAVDC, CVPP

Dr. Jen Mathis is a third-generation veterinarian. Many people have taught her over the years, thus she finds joy in helping teach others giving back to those that have helped her in the profession. Some of her teaching is found in the Imaging, Pain Management, and Dental Home Care chapters of the 5 Minute Consult – Dentistry textbook edited by Dr. Heidi Lobprise. Dr. Mathis owns two small general practices in the Des Moines, Iowa area. Since completing her residency in veterinary dentistry she only provides oral surgical and dental procedures to referral patients as a separate department within one of the general practices.  To her, veterinary dentistry is viewed as the arts and crafts of veterinary medicine.  Veterinary dentistry is not only cleaning teeth, it requires skill with anesthetic planning, pain management, maxillofacial surgery, non invasive fracture repair, orthodontics, endodontics (root canal therapy), prosthodontics (crowns), restorations, periodontal flap therapy and guided tissue regeneration. Prior to formal dentistry training, she became a certified veterinary medical acupuncturist and a certified veterinary pain practitioner with the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management.  Treating the mouth is treating/preventing pain. Update: In 2024 Dr. Jennifer R. Mathis, has been admitted as a diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC). This prestigious recognition places her among a select group of around 300 dental specialists globally, with fewer than 250 in North America.