Amidst growing recognition of the importance of veterinary dentistry as part of small animal primary care, the College of Veterinary Medicine hosted a reception this fall to showcase a new, named dental suite. Held in conjunction with the Purdue Veterinary Conference, the reception on September 19 gave attendees a chance to see the new clinical space that was funded by a generous donation from an alumna, Dr. Janet Houghton.
After graduating as a member of the DVM Class of 1972, Dr. Houghton worked in private practice in Elkhart, Indiana and Miami, Florida before returning to her hometown of Huntington, Indiana, where she started her own small animal hospital and practiced for many years. Most recently, she worked for over 10 years in Fort Wayne with a focus on dentistry.
Dr. Houghton was introduced at the event by a fellow graduate of the college, Purdue Veterinary Medicine Dean Bret Marsh, who began his comments with a note of thanks for Dr. Houghton. “Without her, this would not have been possible,” Dr. Marsh said. “This is a wonderful suite.”
Noting the contrast between the new suite and what the college had before, Dr. Marsh emphasized, “What you have done for us is really quite phenomenal, and the seed has been planted and will continue to grow here in the veterinary dentistry area. This facility will provide both veterinary technician and DVM students an important learning opportunity that will help them to be well prepared to go out into the veterinary practice world.”
Dr. Houghton responded by explaining that her passion for veterinary dentistry mirrored that of another Purdue graduate, Dr. Raj Singh, a member of the DVM Class of 1990, who made a gift to endow a position in veterinary dentistry at the college. “We didn’t know each other – we’re from different generations really, but we had the same experience in practice,” Dr. Houghton said, explaining how both she and Dr. Singh recognized that veterinary dentistry is a specialty that benefits all pets. “And he was in a metropolitan area – San Jose, California – and I was in the little town of Huntington, Indiana. But we both recognized how important dentistry was not only to the patients and their quality of life and their length of life, but to the success of one’s practice. It was good business to do good medicine.”
Dr. Houghton went on to share that her contribution really came about because of Dr. Singh’s generous gift, along with the influence of Dr. Willie Reed, who was the dean at the time. She said Dr. Reed helped her understand that to succeed in recruiting a specialist in veterinary dentistry, the college would need a high quality dental suite. “So I thought, ‘yeah, he’s right’ – we do need the ‘field of dreams,’ so to speak, to get that boarded veterinary dentist,” Dr. Houghton said, referring to the famous line from the 1989 movie, “Field of Dreams.” Dr. Marsh added that the college is now in the process of recruiting for a veterinary dentistry specialist.
Dr. Steve Thompson, professor of veterinary clinical sciences, who is part of the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital’s Small Animal Primary Care team, then explained the history of veterinary dentistry at Purdue and how it has grown over the years. Dr. Thompson came to Purdue after earning his DVM degree at Ohio State University in 1990, and then working three years in private practice and serving five years on the OSU faculty.
“I originally came here with the concept of creating a focus on wellness care,” Dr. Thompson shared. “And we put oral health right in the top three areas, in terms of importance, even in routine care.” Dr. Thompson also credited the work of Dr. Gary Lantz, now professor emeritus, who at the time was a veterinary surgeon on the Purdue faculty, but decided to pursue veterinary dentistry training, becoming double boarded in dentistry as well as surgery.
Additionally, Dr. Thompson praised the influence of another veterinarian, the late Dr. Greg Inskeep, a member of the Purdue DVM Class of 1984. Dr. Inskeep had a special interest in dentistry and in addition to working in private practice, served several years with the College of Veterinary Medicine in the Small Animal Hospital and as an instructor in the Veterinary Technology Program. Dr. Thompson said Dr. Inskeep was instrumental in ensuring that the 1995 expansion of Lynn Hall at least included a designated dentistry area. “Prior to that, there wasn’t even space for dentistry.”
Dr. Thompson also reviewed curricular changes that expanded veterinary dentistry education for DVM and veterinary technician students, and highlighted the important contributions of current Small Animal Primary Care team members. He also recognized another Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumnus, Dr. Matt Lemmons, of Indianapolis, who has regularly visited the college since Dr. Lantz retired, to teach students through lectures and labs. In addition, Dr. Thompson acknowledged Patterson Veterinary’s role in helping to complete the new suite.
Dr. Thompson said the new facility features the necessary space, equipment and design to enhance veterinary dental care for patients and dentistry education for students.
The suite is housed in an area of the Small Animal Hospital in Lynn Hall that became available after the new Brunner Small Animal Hospital opened. “This used to be the anesthesia prep area, so it’s wonderful that we can take this over,” Dr. Thompson said.
Turning to Dr. Houghton, Dr. Thompson said it was remarkable how quickly the facility was completed and opened. “Between your support, the hospital opening, and converting this space – this has been amazing. So for us already to be moved in and seeing cases here is great!”
Congratulations and thank you Dr. Houghton!
