The Midwest Equine Dental Academy instructors are skilled EqDT practitioners and veterinarians who welcome the opportunity to instruct our students. Our hands-on environment and small instructor-to-student ratio provides individual attention. Because of Dr. Hildebrand’s valuable relationship with horse owners in the area, our students are able to explore the dental requirements of several hundred live horses. This gives students valuable experience while working alongside some of the best equine dentistry trainers available.
Instructors will be included here as soon as bios and photos are collected.
Ron Hildebrand, DVM
“Doc” is the founder of the Midwest Equine Dental Academy, which began in 2003.
Having graduated from the University of Michigan as an undergrad, Doc joined the Peace Corps and worked as a Volunteer in Quito, Ecuador, in the early 1970’s.
After several years living with horses of all kinds, Doc’s interest in Veterinary Medicine led to him attending Virginia Tech to achieve his DVM. As a practicing Veterinarian with special interest in Equine Medicine, Doc owned and operated the All Equine Clinic, the only practice in the area to specialize in horses only. He soon saw the need for qualified Equine Dental Technicians in the Mid-Michigan area, where there are an estimated 35,000 horses.
As the Academy grew, the school began to attract horse-lovers wanting to pursue this career path from around the country and the world. Watching this program grow over the years has been a source of satisfaction to Ron as he continues to provide a healthier life for horses everywhere.
Starr Brown, EqDT
Head Instructor
Starr owns and operates “Open Wide Equine Dentistry, located in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. Her clientele can be found throughout northern Michigan and the eastern part of the Upper Peninsula.
Having the most experience teaching at MEDA as well as working as an EqDT, Starr is the Head Instructor for the program.
Nicholas Brazil, EqDT
Danielle Costa, EqDT
Danielle is a recent graduate of the Midwest Equine Dental Academy and has been practicing as Danielle Costa Equine Dental Services at Chipaway Stables in Acushnet, Massachusetts, as well as for other clients in the area.
Having grown up with horses in her life, she was inspired by her father’s love of horses and their care. He founded the Stables where she works doing everything horse related, from mucking stalls, hauling food, and braiding manes.
Danielle looks forward to being able to teach and encourage students at MEDA to find the same passion for equine dental work that she has.
Betsy Berriman, Administrative Assistant
Betsy is the Midwest Equine Dental Academy’s Administrative Assistant. Although not truly a horsewoman … yet … she is a life-long educator, most recently a professor at Central Michigan University, and enjoys interacting with students.
Her organizational skills keep everyone on target from …
… the application process and the procuring of housing for students and instructors (and even daycare when appropriate) to …
… the scheduling of farm visits and haul-in clients, and on to …
… the coordination of graduation activities and the creation of certificates of completion of the course, and
… assisting Dr. Hildebrand in his interactions with, and COGGINS testing for, local horse owners.
Life for Betsy has been enhanced by horses and the wonderful people who own them.
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