Class of 2022
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Michelle Biermann, RVT, VTS (Dentistry) is a graduate of Jefferson College and has been a registered veterinary technician since 2009. She practices in the state of Missouri and has over 10 years of experience in small animal general practice. Michelle is currently working at the University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center, where she instructs dentistry skills to clinical veterinary students.
In addition, she is the instructor of the Small Animal Dentistry course for the MU Bachelors of Science in Veterinary Technology program. She also provides dentistry continuing education for veterinary technicians.
Michelle grew up in the suburbs of St. Louis, Missouri and now lives in Columbia, Missouri with her husband, daughter, and dog. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and fishing. She also enjoys just cozying up at home with a TV show or a good book.
Christina Banning, RVT, VTS (Dentistry) started her journey at New Mexico State University. There she planned on continuing on to vet school, but when she started working at a local Vet Clinic, found that her passion was in animal nursing. After receiving her bachelor’s in animal science, she continued on to get her RVT in 2010. She has worked in general practice, exotics, emergency medicine, and now works at Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery of New Mexico. Here she has started exploring her passion in training and teaching radiology and sharpening techniques.
Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband, six cats, and soon to be 2 children. Her hobbies include baking, crocheting, and cross stitching.
Line Vadstein Bleken, Dyrepleier, VTS (Dentistry). She started working in veterinary medicine in 2010 as part of her veterinary nurse school program. She is a graduate of Hansenberg yrkesskole in Denmark and has been a Authorized Dyrepleier in Norway and Denmark since 2013. She practices in Oslo, Norway. Line has worked with dentistry since 2013, and has previously earned the Danish title Fag Veterinærsygeplerske i Tandbehandling and BVDA Oral Care Nurse. Line is currently working in Anicura Animal Hospital in Oslo and is part of the Dental team and Anesthesia team.
In 2022 Line started her own little company called PDL - PetDentalLine and offers lectures and training to help nurses and students learn and develop in dentistry. She enjoys teaching and hopes to help others excel in the field of dentistry. She is very proud to be the second VTS-D in Europe and the first in Norway with this title.
When not working and thinking of dentistry she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and being outside in the great nature of Norway.
Maria Bridges, CVT, VTS (Dentistry) has been a certified veterinary technician for over 7 years. Originally from Minnesota, she relocated to Florida in 2018 to pursue her VTS in Dentistry. Florida not only brought Maria a love of dentistry and anesthesia, but it is also where she met her husband. Despite leaving the snow, her military husband is dragging her right back and they since relocated to Alaska. Thankfully, Maria enjoys travel and adventure. When she’s not obsessing over teeth, she aspires to find the perfect sourdough loaf and has a passion for curling (weights, as well as the sport.)
Katy Dwyer, CVT, VTS (Dentistry) is based in Salem, Oregon, and loves every minute of it, rain and all! She couldn't have done this without the support of her team at work and through the AVDC. After trying to think solely of teeth for the last few years, it has become one of her trademarks and she is looking forward to her future as a VTS!
Sara Kessler, RVT, VTS (Dentistry) graduated from Vatterott College (Omaha, NE) in 2006 with an Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology. After school, Sara worked for a privately owned small animal general practice for about 9 years. From there, she moved to Seattle, WA and worked for Pima Medical Institute as a veterinary technician instructor. During that time, Sara also worked for a corporate owned small animal general practice with a focus on dentistry. In 2018, she decided that she wanted to solely focus on dentistry and began working for a privately owned small animal specialty practice in dentistry. In 2019, she started her journey for her VTS in dentistry and completed her journey to obtain the credentials in 2022. Sara currently works for Kansas State University training 4th year veterinary students on the importance of dental care. In her spare time, Sara enjoys spending time with her family, going to the movies, hiking, reading, and plant care. She is currently owned by 4 dogs (2 Newfoundlands and 2 Pomeranians) and a hedgehog.
Ashley Jensen, LVT, VTS (Dentistry) graduated as a Licensed Veterinary Technician in 2009. She has worked at the same general practice in Bellevue, Nebraska since. It is there, where she was introduced to advanced veterinary dentistry, working with a non-traditional resident at the time. Since 2020, she has also worked at Nebraska Dentistry and Oral Surgery for Animals specialty practice in Omaha, Nebraska. Her interest and passion for dentistry grew and ultimately lead to her certification as a VTS (Dentistry).
Sally Outhwaite, RVT, VTS (Dentistry) graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 2001. She became a registered technician in 2006 in the state of Maryland. Sally obtained an additional degree in Veterinary Technology from Penn Foster University in 2013 and became registered in Ohio in 2013. Sally has worked at a multitude of different fields within veterinary medicine which include research and histopathology, Specialty medicine, Large Exotics and small animal practice. While trying different experiences within the field she came to find that she had a passion for veterinary dentistry. She has now obtained a specialty license in Veterinary Dentistry. Sally came to Niles veterinary clinic in August of 2016 to help build and grow our dentistry program to provide the best quality care for your pets. Sally lives in the area with her husband and 3 little boys whom she enjoys camping and fishing with. Her other interests include crafting, party planning and taking care of her fur babies, two Kitties and one crazy beabull.
Amanda Ray, LVT, VTS (Dentistry) started working in veterinary medicine in 2012. She graduated from the Truckee Meadows Community College Veterinary Technician program as valedictorian in 2015. In 2020, she began the credentialing process for her VTS in Dentistry, and in 2022 she became a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Dentistry in the state of Nevada. She has loved expanding her knowledge of veterinary dentistry and looks forward to using that knowledge to help pets and educate clients at the general practice where she works. She especially loves dental radiology, interceptive orthodontics, and early periodontal disease treatment. Outside of work Amanda enjoys reading, photography, hiking, exploring National Parks, and spending time with her husband, their two dogs, and their 7 chickens
Ceremony at the 2023 Dental Forum
