Dr. Stephen Galloway
DVM, Diplomate AVDC (Small Animal & Equine), Equine Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry
Dr. Stephen Galloway has forged a distinguished career as one of the few Veterinary Dentistry Specialists with dual board certifications in Small Animal and Equine Dentistry.
With over two decades of experience in veterinary dentistry, Dr. Galloway has treated a wide range of species, from domestic pets and horses to exotic zoo animals, bringing exceptional expertise to his patients’ oral and systemic health.
A proud Memphis native, Dr. Stephen Galloway began his journey at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Energy Systems Engineering in 1986.
Following his graduation, he served as a U.S. Army Infantry officer, earning prestigious distinctions, including the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, and Ranger Tab.
After completing his military service, he shifted his focus to veterinary medicine, obtaining his DVM from North Carolina State University in 1996.
Dr. Stephen Galloway’s commitment to advancing veterinary dentistry has been a cornerstone of his career. He is a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) in both Small Animal and Equine Specialties and an Equine Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry.
His passion for equine dental education has led him to teach at international conferences, author peer-reviewed publications, and contribute to veterinary textbooks. As a past Chair of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Dentistry Committee, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the standards and scope of veterinary dentistry practice.
Dr. Galloway’s achievements extend beyond his clinical work. He is a past President of the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association (TVMA) and the Tennessee Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.
Recognized for his outstanding contributions, the United States Military Academy graduate was named Tennessee Practitioner of the Year in 2012 and received the TVMA Distinguished Service Award in 2017.
Residing on a farm in Fayette County with his wife, Dr. Melanie Galloway, and their triplets, Dr. Stephen Galloway balances a busy professional life with a love for outdoor activities. He continues to inspire his peers and advance veterinary oral healthcare through education, research, and leadership.
Dr. Stephen Galloway’s illustrious career in veterinary dentistry is a testament to his unrelenting pursuit of excellence and his passion for advancing oral healthcare in equine and small animal medicine.
With a background that combines military discipline, academic rigor, and clinical expertise, Dr. Galloway has become an influential leader in his field.
Recently, he shared his insights into the essentials of equine dentistry, his most memorable cases, and the lessons he’s learned throughout his remarkable journey.
Three Pillars of Equine Dentistry From Dr. Stephen Galloway
When asked to identify three crucial principles all veterinarians should know about equine dentistry, Dr. Galloway emphasized the importance of a methodical and evidence-based approach:
Perform a Thorough Exam
“Every case begins with a thorough examination,” Dr. Stephen Galloway stressed. He believes that without a comprehensive assessment, critical issues can be overlooked, leading to improper treatments or missed opportunities to address underlying problems.
Establish a Definitive Diagnosis
Dr. Galloway underscored the need for precise diagnostic work. “You need answers,” he explained. A definitive diagnosis, grounded in clinical evidence and imaging, ensures that treatments are tailored to the horse’s specific condition and not just based on assumptions.
Treat Based on Evidence
Treatment, Dr. Stephen Galloway noted, should always follow a clear diagnostic pathway. “Without a diagnosis, you’re just guessing,” he said, highlighting the importance of diagnostic-driven care to achieve optimal outcomes for equine patients.
Memorable Cases: Yankee’s Remarkable Journey
Reflecting on his most memorable case, Dr. Galloway shared the story of Yankee, a thoroughbred with a complex dental and sinus issue that spanned two years. “He had a 109 with drainage into the ventral conchal sinus,”
Dr. Galloway recounted. Despite consultations with multiple specialists and visits to three veterinary schools, Yankee’s condition—a proliferative sinus tissue problem – remained unresolved.
Dr. Stephen Galloway took on the challenging case and worked tirelessly to manage Yankee’s granulation tissue and sinus complications. “I tried to give that case away to every vet at the Veterinary Dental Forum,” he admitted with a laugh.
But his dedication paid off, and after two years, Yankee made a full recovery, returning to his life as a healthy, active horse.
“It was a testament to the owners’ commitment and the horse’s resilience,” he reflected. “Yankee’s case reinforced the importance of perseverance and the value of collaboration in veterinary medicine.”
Lessons in Retrospect
If given the chance to go back in time, Dr. Galloway shared that he would have started his formal dental training earlier in his career. “I began my training after 10 years in practice,” he said. “I’ve been training for the last 20 years, but starting earlier could have expanded my knowledge and capabilities even sooner.”
This sentiment underscores Dr. Galloway’s lifelong commitment to learning—a trait that has been pivotal to his success as both a clinician and an educator.
Balancing Adventure and Relaxation
When it comes to holidays, Dr. Stephen Galloway now opts for tranquil escapes over adrenaline-fueled adventures. “Tropical island now,” he admitted. “I’ve had a lot of adventures in my life. My wife kind of cut most of those out. Now we sit on the beach and read books.”
Why Stephen Dr. Galloway Loves What He Does
Dr. Galloway’s passion for equine dentistry lies in its complexity and its potential to make a profound impact on a horse’s health and quality of life. From routine examinations to solving intricate cases like Yankee’s, he finds immense satisfaction in the transformative results of his work.
With his expertise spanning small animals, equines, and even exotic zoo animals, Dr. Galloway continues to push the boundaries of veterinary dentistry.
His dedication to education, research, and mentorship ensures that his legacy will shape the future of the field for years to come.
Dr. Stephen Galloway’s career exemplifies a perfect blend of clinical excellence, strategic leadership, and a passion for education. His influence extends far beyond his practice, inspiring veterinarians to approach dentistry with the same rigor and care as other critical areas of veterinary medicine.
Through his work, Dr. Stephen Galloway has left an indelible mark on the field of equine dentistry, ensuring better outcomes for patients and setting new standards for equine practitioners worldwide.