A Hitchin-based veterinary referral hospital, Davies Veterinary Specialists, has appointed a new head of dentistry.

Specialist Maura Lazzarotto has joined the Linnaeus-owned service in Hitchin, and will be overseeing the expansion of the service and help train specialists.

Ms Lazzarotto, who has an interest in endodontics and oral surgery, said: “I am looking forward to working with residents on exciting new research in the field of dentistry and oral surgery.”

Her love for animals started at a young age when she was inspired by James Herriot stories and her visits to farms in rural western-Canada helping her father.

The Comet: Ms Lazzarotto obtained her veterinary degree at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the

Living back and forth between India and Canada during her teens, Ms Lazzarotto obtained her veterinary degree at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan after gaining a Science Bachelor's in Global Resource Systems.

She conducted her residency training in Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery in New Zealand, before moving to Seattle to finish her training and lead a department.

Ronan Doyle, hospital director at Davies Veterinary Specialists, said: “We are delighted to welcome Maura to lead our dentistry and oral surgery team.

“Having such an experienced specialist on board will also be of great benefit to the on-going growth of our services at Davies.”

Services such as endodontic, prosthodontic, restorative, orthodontic, periodontic, diagnostic and advanced extraction procedures are available at the veterinary.