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Meet Our Veterinarians

Chris M. Carter, DVM, FAVD, DAVDC

For Dr. Carter, Whiskers Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery is the culmination of his veterinary career, spanning from his experiences as a volunteer at a small animal hospital at the age of 16, a mixed animal practitioner in rural communities, a small animal practitioner discovering a passion helping animals have a mouth free of pain and infection, and all the excitement in between. He envisioned a relaxing practice environment surrounded by exceptional support staff to provide thorough, safe, and effective dental care for companion animals with emphasis on clear communication and personalized service. This vision became Whiskers Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery.

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Dr. Carter knew he wanted to be a veterinarian from a young age.  After graduating high school in Oklahoma City, he attended Oklahoma State University, earning Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees in 1995 and 1999 respectively. He was a mixed-animal rural practitioner for 5 years in Oklahoma and Alabama before recognizing the overwhelming number of animals in his care that had painful mouths.  In 2004, he started pursuing training in this underserved area. In 2008, he moved to Texas where he was able to increase his dentistry caseload enough to complete a 3-year certification program and was awarded the title of Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry in 2010.  In 2016, Dr. Carter joined VCA Animal Care Center of Sonoma County in Rohnert Park, California treating only dental and oral conditions in dogs and cats and an occasional bear, gorilla, or tiger.  He became a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College in 2019, which earned him the title of Board-Certified Veterinary DentistTM. He embarked on the journey to create Whiskers at the end of 2021 and opened the doors in 2023.

Hannahbess Thomson-Laing, BVSc

Hannahbess is originally from New Zealand, where she graduated from Massey University. She has worked with cats, dogs, farm animals and exotic pets in New Zealand, Canada and the United States. During her 14 years in general practice, she experienced the profound impact good oral healthcare could have on the quality of life of her patients. She has embarked on a three-year dental residency with the goal of being board certified by the American Veterinary Dental College. In addition to dentistry, Hannahbess enjoys rock climbing, baking, and hiking and backpacking with her partner and her two dogs.

Martin Kennedy DVM, DACVAA

Dr. Martin Kennedy is a Board-Certified Veterinary Anesthesiologist™ who recently joined the Whiskers Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery team. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at Cornell University and graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin. After graduation, he completed a residency program in Anesthesia & Pain Management at the University of Wisconsin and a rotating internship at the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Kennedy gained valuable experience in the field of veterinary anesthesia as he headed the anesthesia service at a busy multi-specialty referral practice in Cincinnati until December 2019. He then worked as an associate professor of anesthesia & pain medicine at the University of Minnesota before joining the Whiskers Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery team. He has a keen interest in various aspects of anesthesia, including total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), high-risk patient management, and multimodal pain control. Dr. Kennedy also enjoys mentoring young anesthesiologists and sharing his knowledge and experience with them.

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