A third-generation veterinarian, Jen Mathis, DVM, CVPP, finds joy in teaching others and giving back to her profession. Dr. Mathis owns two small general practices in the Des Moines, Iowa area. Since completing her residency in veterinary dentistry, she exclusively provides oral surgical and dental procedures to referral patients as a separate department within one of the general practices. Dr. Mathis views veterinary dentistry as the arts and crafts of veterinary medicine. It 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. Some of Dr. Mathis’ 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.  

Prior to formal dentistry training, Dr. Mathis became a certified veterinary medical acupuncturist and a certified veterinary pain practitioner with the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management. She believes that treating the mouth is treating and preventing pain.