BSc BVMS (HONS II) AVA Fellow

Dr. Warwick Vale doesn’t do things by halves. If he’s in, he’s all in. And for the past 30+ years, he’s been deeply committed to improving the lives of horses and the standards of equine dentistry across Australia.

A 1992 graduate from the University of Queensland, Warwick Vale started in mixed practice in Western Australia but quickly carved a path into equine work. By 1998, he had opened his own practice in Byford, where his focus on quality care and community became the foundation of a thriving equine-only business.

Warwick Vale has always been known for doing what’s right for the horse – whether it’s through clinical work, advocacy, or education.

He became a Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Equine Dentistry) in 2009 and has contributed to training the next generation of veterinarians ever since. His practice regularly took students and new graduates under its wing, providing critical hands-on experience in equine medicine and dentistry. For those early in their careers seeking structured, practical development, the equine vet CPD for new graduates offers an accessible way to continue building confidence and competence alongside experienced clinicians.

Vale’s been deeply involved with the AVA for over two decades and served as AVA President from 2017–2019.

He’s never been afraid to speak up when things aren’t working, and his leadership has made a lasting impact – particularly when it comes to supporting equine veterinarians and raising the standard of dental care delivered to horses.

Today, Dr. Warwick Vale is one of only a small group of veterinarians in Australia legally registered as a dental specialist. He’s spent years advocating for better recognition of specialist qualifications and clearer scope of practice, particularly around equine dentistry.

His commitment to excellence in equine dental care is backed by thousands of hours in the field, a huge caseload, and an unwavering belief that veterinarians are the best-placed professionals to manage oral health in horses.

He now works alongside Dr. Olivia James in teaching advanced equine dentistry techniques in our Dentistry Program, where his calm, practical teaching style has become a favourite among practitioners wanting to sharpen their skills.

What Most People Don’t Know About Dr. Warwick Vale

Dr, Warwick Vale is the kind of person who’ll show up early, stay late, and quietly fix the thing no one else noticed was broken. He’s not loud, but when he speaks, people listen – because they know he’s speaking from experience.

What you might not know is that Warwick Vale is a qualified farrier. Before he even started veterinary school, he’d already trained in hoof care, giving him a head start on understanding the horse from the ground up.

That practical background has always shaped the way he approaches veterinary work – never losing sight of what matters to the horse.

He’s also a pilot. And true to form, he didn’t learn to fly for the fun of it – he learned because it meant he could reach horses and clients in remote parts of Western Australia when no one else could.

Away from the clinic, Dr. Warwick Vale is a dad, a mentor, and a keen student of history. He’s known for his dry sense of humour, his ability to teach without making anyone feel small, and his deep loyalty to the profession.

And if you’ve ever trained under him or worked alongside him, you’ll know this: he doesn’t cut corners. Dr. Warwick Vale teaches the full picture, insists on doing it right, and genuinely wants veterinarians to walk away more capable than when they arrived.

Advance your clinical expertise with the Practitioner’s Program – an immersive professional development experience created by equine veterinarians, for equine veterinarians. Learn from internationally recognised experts such as Dr. Sue Dyson, Dr. Wendy Perriam, and Dr. Bri Henderson, who bring decades of hands-on experience and evidence-based insight to every session. Whether you’re refining diagnostic skills or enhancing treatment strategies, this program empowers equine vets to deliver higher standards of care and achieve greater professional confidence in every case.