Lauren

VETERINARY TECHNICIAN / LICENSED SPECIALIST IN DENTISTRY 

I joined the Petworks team on July 2nd, 2012. Since then I have developed many close friendships with employees as well as clients and their furry kiddos.

I have my Bachelors degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri and my Associates degree in Veterinary Technology from Metropolitan Area Community College.  I am excited to be the lead Licensed Veterinary Technician at Petworks Veterinary Hospital.  This is a fast paced career where I learn something new everyday.

I began this journey in one of my first dentistry labs in vet tech school in 2010. I told my lab partner, “I am going to specialize in dentistry one day.” Now, here I am. My passion has blossomed and flourished.

I started the education process in 2018 at the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians. I shadowed and observed hundreds of procedures both in specialty hospitals as well as general practice. I logged nearly 3,000 hours of time dedicated solely to dentistry. I also attended several dental conferences and was able to take home even more knowledge and skills.

In December of 2020, I passed the board examination and received my credentials as a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Dentistry. A Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Dentistry is a credentialed technician with a special interest in dentistry and oral surgery. They have extensive knowledge and training in areas such as endodontics, exodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, and prosthodontics. The VTS assists the veterinarian in diagnosing, prescribing treatment options, and performing oral surgery. This ensures the patient receives the most thorough dental care. I look forward to sharing my knowledge and passion of dentistry with my colleagues, my clients, and my patients.

I am also very proud to have a loving husband as well as four darling daughters–two that are human and two that are furry. My family and I enjoy visiting the farm where I grew up.  There, we get to appreciate many different kinds of animals (wild AND domestic) as well as fishing, hunting, swimming, and enjoying nature.  We also enjoy city-life activities such as Royals games, visiting the zoo, and admiring the beautiful art featured in Kansas City.