- New specialty clinic: Dentistry and Oral Surgery for Animals Chattanooga has opened at 3205 Broad St., expanding access to advanced veterinary dental care in Southeast Tennessee.
- Improved regional access: Many pet owners previously traveled hours to larger cities for complex dental procedures.
- Specialist-led care: Board-certified veterinary dentist Dr. Kayla Steffes leads the practice.
- Comprehensive dental services: Treatments include complex tooth extractions, root canals, periodontal therapy, oral mass surgery and jaw fracture repair.
- Regional referral hub: The clinic accepts referrals from veterinarians across Tennessee, North Georgia and Northeast Alabama.
Dog and cat owners in Chattanooga now have local access to advanced veterinary dentistry and oral surgery following the opening of Dentistry and Oral Surgery for Animals Chattanooga, a new specialty clinic from Thrive Pet Healthcare.
The clinic, located at 3205 Broad St. in Chattanooga, shares space with Veterinary Care and Specialty Group and focuses on treating complex dental disease and oral conditions in companion animals throughout Southeast Tennessee.
Tennessee remains a strong pet‑owning state, with roughly 62% of households owning a pet, including about 47% with dogs and 31% with cats. In the greater Chattanooga region, many families depend on veterinary care to keep pets healthy and comfortable. Until recently, pet owners needing advanced dental procedures often had to travel to larger metropolitan areas for specialized treatment.
“Pet owners here love their animals and want the best care for them, but until now, many had to drive hours for advanced dental procedures,” said Dr. Kayla Steffes, board‑certified veterinary dentist at Dentistry and Oral Surgery for Animals Chattanooga. “Our goal is to provide comprehensive dental and oral surgery services closer to home so pets can receive timely care and recover near their families.”
Specialist background
Dr. Steffes, a Minnesota native, earned her undergraduate degree with honors from the University of North Dakota and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. She later completed a veterinary dentistry residency in North Carolina before becoming board‑certified in veterinary dentistry.
Advanced dental services
Dentistry and Oral Surgery for Animals Chattanooga provides specialized treatments for dogs and cats, including complex tooth extractions, root canal procedures, periodontal disease treatment, oral mass evaluation and surgery, and jaw fracture repair.
“Helping pets achieve optimal oral health is deeply fulfilling,” said Dr. Steffes. “Providing relief from oral pain and restoring comfort for all animals emphasizes the meaningful impact advanced veterinary dentistry can have on overall health and quality of life.”
Referral network and appointments
The clinic accepts referrals from veterinarians throughout Tennessee, North Georgia and Northeast Alabama while also providing dental services directly to pet families.
“Pets rely on us to advocate for their comfort and long‑term health,” Dr. Steffes said. “By partnering closely with referring veterinarians, we’re able to help families address dental issues early and keep pets feeling their best.”
Pet owners concerned about their pet’s dental health can contact the clinic directly or speak with their primary veterinarian about referral options. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 423-407-7906. The clinic is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Common dental issues in pets
Periodontal disease, fractured teeth, oral infections and oral masses are among the most common dental problems affecting dogs and cats. While primary care veterinarians typically perform dental exams, cleanings and routine extractions, advanced dental care may be recommended when specialized imaging, complex surgery or treatment of oral tumors and jaw fractures is required.
Veterinary dental procedures are performed under anesthesia to allow thorough evaluation, dental imaging and safe treatment.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
