Eric M. Davis, DVM, Dipl. AVDC

A Syracuse native, Dr. Davis graduated with Honors and Distinction from Cornell University in 1975, and received his DVM degree from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1979. He then worked as an associate veterinarian at two different veterinary practices in the Syracuse area before establishing his own veterinary hospital, Lyndon Veterinary Clinic in 1985.

Early in his career, Davis began to realize that after providing quality oral care for his animal patients, the owners would report of improvements noted in the overall health of their pets, frequently describing increased activity and playfulness following dental treatment.  Recognizing the importance that oral care had on the quality of life of his patients, Davis began attending numerous continuing education meetings and seminars on dental subjects throughout the U.S. As his interest grew, Dr. Davis decided to pursue the goal of becoming a Board Certified Veterinary Dentist^TM. Thus, after nineteen years practicing as a veterinary general practitioner, Davis began his formal training in dentistry when he was accepted as a Resident in the American Veterinary Dental College in 1998.

During his residency, Davis also satisfied the credential requirements and passed the examination to become a Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry in 2001. That same year, Dr. Davis joined the medical staff of the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, traveling to Ithaca twice a week in order to teach students and perform dental procedures on a wide variety of animal patients.

After six years of intensive training and study, which culminated in a rigorous three-day examination, he achieved the distinction of becoming a Diplomate of the AVDC, one of six in New York State, and one of approximately 110 practicing in the entire United States. Dr. Davis ended his service to Cornell in December of 2005. In early 2006, he established Animal Dental Specialists of Upstate New York, a specialty practice limited to dentistry and oral surgery on animal patients referred by other veterinarians. He is the author of many articles on dental subjects and has published a number of articles in scientific journals.

Dr. Davis has been married to his wife Hannah since 1991 and in addition to two lovely daughters, Briana and Lauren, and five grandchildren, the family also includes two dogs, two cats, three birds, one horse, one pot-bellied pig, two goats, and two aquaria, one of which is a reef tank. He used to be a long-distance bicyclist and brew his own beer.  Now he drinks craft beer made by others, and cycles between the easy chair and the sofa.  New hobbies include making wooden toys and furniture for his grandchildren and writing articles for peer-reviewed journals on a variety of oral health topics in animals and humans.

Why is board certification for veterinary dental specialists important?

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Board of Veterinary Specialties recognizes only medical and surgical specialists that have completed board certification through their specialty organization. In North America, there is only one AVMA recognized specialty college for veterinary dentistry in horses and pets: the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC).

A Board Certified Veterinary Dentist^TM and Board Certified Equine Veterinary Dentist^TM are titles reserved only for veterinarians who have successfully completed residency training through the AVDC and have passed the AVDC’s certifying examinations.

These dental specialists, called diplomates, are uniquely qualified to perform advanced dentistry and oral surgery for patients, teach in veterinary schools, and provide continuing education in dentistry to veterinarians in general practice.

How do I know that my pet’s dentist is a Board Certified Veterinary Dentist^TM?

Every Board Certified Veterinary Dentist^TM and Board Certified Equine Veterinary Dentist^TM can be found in the AVDC directory provided on this website. Diplomates of the AVDC are proud to serve our communities.  To view this directory, click here.

Caitlin, LVT, CVBL, Elite FFCP (Veterinary), Practice Manager

Caitlin graduated from SUNY Canton, earning her Associates degree in Veterinary Science Technology and Bachelors in Veterinary Practice Management and joined our team in 2011.  Hailing from Fulton originally but now calling LaFayette home, she's gained experience with a wide range of patients while working at a variety of practices in the Central and Upstate New York areas.  Caitlin shares her home with her husband Carl, son Devin, a Chihuahua mix named Delilah (Lilah), her spunky cat, Guinevere (Gwen), and a Brittany named Albert.  You can contact Caitlin directly by emailing her at caitlin@adsuny.com.

Kara, LVT, VTS (Dentistry)

Kara is a graduate of Alfred State's Veterinary Technology program and joined our team in 2013.  She then earned her VTS in Dentistry in 2020.  Originally from Central Square, she has spent time living in both Albany and Rochester.  She is now back in the Syracuse area and is happy to be home again.  Her background includes 8 years as a dog and cat groomer.  Kara shares her home with her husband, her cat Muenster, her two dogs, Shooter and Harry, and her hedgehog Hoggle.  She is passionate about animals and can't wait to meet your pets!

Laura, LVT

Laura joined our team in 2016 as a graduate of SUNY Canton, where she earned both her Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Science Technology and her Bachelor’s in Veterinary Services Management. She grew up in the Rochester area on a family farm and gained experience working in a small animal general practice before moving to the Syracuse area and joining our team. Laura shares her home with her husband, Seth, their Lab Rose, their black Lab Fern, and their Lab mix Mia looking over them. She enjoys spending most of her spare time outdoors hiking, swimming, or skiing depending on the season, and looks forward to getting to know you and your furry family!

Janette, LVT

Janette joined our team in November 2020 as a graduate of SUNY Canton, where she earned her Associate of Applied Science in Veterinary Science Technology. She is also a member of the American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians (ASVDT). Her background includes over 12 years of experience working in general practice in the Syracuse area. She has a special interest in anesthesia and is also looking to obtain her VTS in dentistry. Outside of the veterinary world, Janette enjoys artistry, reading and spending time with her family. She shares her home with her husband (Gary), two children (Claire and Zachary) and three cats (Mojo, Monk and Bam Bam).

Kate, LVT

Kate joined our team in May 2022. She earned both her Associate and Bachelor degrees in Veterinary Technology from SUNY Delhi. Kate has worked with a wide variety of animals ranging from elephants and giraffes to dogs and cats. Kate has two cats of her own, Max and Lila. She enjoys most outdoor activities (especially in the summertime) and spending time with family and friends. Kate hopes to see as much of the world as possible one day but for now is excited to meet your fur babies!

Chelsea, LVT

Chelsea joined our team in January 2024.  She graduated from SUNY Canton in 2020 and worked in a general practice near her hometown, where she gained experience working with common household pets along with exotics and wildlife. She moved to Syracuse with her boyfriend so he could attend Syracuse University and brought along her fluffy family. She has two cats (Tippy and Tiny), a Shih-Tzu mix named Amara and two bunnies (Hoppy and BunBun). She enjoys painting/drawing, hiking, reading, traveling and playing basketball and tennis.  She loves animals and is excited to meet you and your fluffy family as well!