Dr. Travis Henry
DVM, DipAVDC (Eq)
Dr. Travis Henry is a distinguished equine dental specialist and educator who has dedicated his career to advancing the field of veterinary dentistry.
Growing up in Central Michigan, Dr. Henry developed an early appreciation for animals and their care, which led him to pursue his veterinary degree at Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1993.
Shortly after entering practice, Dr. Henry established his first clinic in Neenah, Wisconsin. Over the next seven years, he built a reputation for exceptional veterinary care before selling the practice to focus exclusively on his passion: veterinary dentistry.
This shift marked the founding of Midwest Veterinary Dental Services, where Dr. Henry continues to provide innovative dental solutions for equine patients.
Dr. Henry’s professional journey has taken him across the globe. He has shared his expertise with veterinarians in the U.S., Europe, and Australia through workshops, lectures, and consulting engagements.
Known for his approachable teaching style, Dr. Henry has become a trusted mentor, empowering practitioners to incorporate advanced dental techniques into their practices.
In 2015, Dr. Travis Henry completed his residency in veterinary dentistry at the University of California, Davis, earning board certification with the American Veterinary Dental College.
The following year, he achieved additional certification in the Equine Specialty of the American Veterinary Dental College, underscoring his commitment to excellence in equine dentistry.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Travis Henry is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fishing, snowmobiling, skiing, and restoring antique John Deere tractors.
He and his wife, Amy, reside on a hobby farm with their two sons, Joshua and Noah, along with their beloved dogs and chickens.
Dr. Henry’s work is defined by a rare combination of clinical expertise, innovative thinking, and an unwavering dedication to education.
His influence extends well beyond the clinic, shaping the future of equine dentistry and inspiring veterinarians around the world to pursue the highest standards of care.
Three Things Dr. Travis Henry Wishes All Equine Veterinarians Knew About Dentistry
- The Anatomy of Equine Teeth
Dr. Travis Henry emphasizes that horses only have infundibulae in their maxillary teeth, and the central hole in the infundibulum is not a pulp horn.
Misinterpreting this anatomy can lead to unnecessary treatments, as he has seen cases where issues like a stage 1 infundibular caries were misdiagnosed as open pulp horns.
- Essential Tools for Every Dental Visit
According to the Michigan State graduate, the most important tools for equine dental care are a high-quality headlight and a reliable mouth mirror.
These instruments are indispensable for performing thorough exams. He adds that a speculum is also crucial, as it allows proper use of the mouth mirror and ensures accurate diagnoses.
- The Role of Knowledge and Critical Thinking
Dr. Henry highlights that no tool can replace the importance of an engaged and well-informed mind. Veterinary education and critical thinking are the foundation of successful equine dental care.
Without these, it’s impossible to conduct a thorough exam or deliver effective treatment.
Dr. Henry’s Favorite (and Funniest) Moment with a Pet
One of Dr. Travis Henry’s fondest memories involves Jasmine, a German Shepherd Dog he adopted during a late appointment early in his career. Although she was poorly socialized, Jasmine was exceptionally smart and quickly became his loyal companion.
Dr. Henry recalls how Jasmine would join him on veterinary calls and loved being outdoors. One evening, while he was working on records, she repeatedly nudged his arm, trying to coax him outside.
When he refused, she disappeared momentarily, only to return with his boots – knowing he wouldn’t go out without them.
Her persistence and cleverness left him laughing so hard he had no choice but to set aside his work, put on his boots, and take her outside.
This endearing moment exemplifies the unique bond between Dr. Travis Henry and his beloved companion and is a cherished reminder of the joys pets bring to our lives.