Dr. Kirsten Jackson
BSc BVMS (Hons) PhD MANZCVS (Equine Dentistry)
Dr. Kirsten Jackson is a trailblazer in equine dentistry, recognized for her expertise, research, and dedication to improving the dental health of horses in Western Australia and beyond.
After graduating with honors from Murdoch University in 2007, Kirsten began her career as an equine veterinarian, gaining hands-on experience in a wide range of cases. It was during this time that she discovered the significant and often overlooked issue of undiagnosed dental pain in horses, inspiring her to specialize in equine dentistry.
In 2010, Dr. Kirsten Jackson founded Dental Vet, Western Australia’s first and only equine veterinary dentistry clinic, to address the growing need for advanced dental care.
Her commitment to excellence led her to achieve Membership with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Equine Dentistry in 2012, marking her as one of the few veterinarians in the region with this distinction.
Driven by a passion for research and innovation, Dr. Kirsten Jackson embarked on an eight-year PhD program at the University of Western Australia, focusing on equine peripheral dental caries – a prevalent yet under-researched condition.
Her groundbreaking research uncovered key risk factors and effective management strategies, earning her a PhD in 2021. Kirsten’s findings have been published in leading international veterinary journals, influencing equine dentistry practices worldwide.
Under her leadership, Dental Vet has grown into a state-of-the-art facility, offering advanced dental procedures such as endodontics (root canals) and restorations (fillings), making it one of the few clinics in Australia equipped to handle such complex cases.
Kirsten is also dedicated to sharing her knowledge, regularly lecturing at national and international conferences and workshops, as well as mentoring fellow veterinarians.
Beyond her clinical and academic achievements, Dr. Kirsten Jackson is committed to animal welfare. She volunteers with Animal Aid Abroad, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of working animals worldwide. Despite her busy professional life, the Murdoch Universitygraduate treasures time with her family and remains dedicated to her mission of advancing equine dentistry, ensuring horses receive the best possible care.
Dr. Kirsten Jackson’s work continues to push the boundaries of equine dentistry, combining cutting-edge research, advanced clinical care, and a passion for teaching to leave a lasting impact on the field.
Three Things Every Veterinarian Should Know About Equine Dentistry
When asked about the essentials of equine dentistry, Dr. Kirsten Jackson highlights three critical points:
Dentistry is More Than Floating Teeth
“There’s more to dentistry than rasping sharp points,” Dr. Jackson emphasizes. She urges veterinarians to go beyond the basics and understand the full scope of equine oral health.
The Importance of Proper Tools
“Please use a light and a mirror,” she advises. “There is so much pathology that you cannot feel – you can only see it.” Dr. Jackson stresses the need for thorough examinations to identify underlying issues.
Look Before You Diagnose
Quoting a familiar adage, Dr. Kirsten Jackson notes, “More pathology is missed by not looking than by not knowing.” She encourages veterinarians to take a closer look and seek help if something doesn’t appear right.
Dr. Kirsten Jackson On Learning German and Her First Pony
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Jackson is attempting to learn German – a challenging endeavour inspired by her Swiss husband and her mother, a German teacher. “I’ve been trying for years,” she shares, “but I’m still pretty hopeless.”
Her first pony, Little Pageboy, was a Welsh pony with a penchant for bolting. “We’d go for a nice little toddle, and then he’d suddenly turn the corner and bolt home,” she recalls fondly.
Reflecting on Her Career
If given the chance to go back 10 years, Dr. Kirsten Jackson admits she would have started her research earlier. While she initially envisioned a clinical-focused career, she discovered the transformative impact of research.
“You can actually help a lot more horses by doing research,” she explains.
Her work has reached veterinarians worldwide, offering guidance and improving patient outcomes on a much larger scale.