Description

Arizona Veterinary Dental Specialists (AZVDS) operates out of 4 locations (Gilbert, Peoria, Scottsdale, Tuscon) in Arizona with 6 Board-certified veterinary dentists on staff, making it an excellent team to host an outstanding Dental & Oral Surgery Residency. As part of Thrive Pet Healthcare, we have extended support for our House Officers as well. We look forward to reviewing your application and arranging a time to share the details.

About the Residency
Residents will be based primarily at one location, and also spend clinical time at each office during the residency program. For the 2026 starting resident, the home base will be Gilbert, AZ with the primary mentor being Mike Balke, DVM, DAVDC, F-OMFS.

We offer a very strong caseload and committed mentorship. Our equipment is current, including cone beam CTs. The program also has didactic support and open access to cadaver labs. There are several residents in the Phoenix area and with our other partners, offering a peer group for support and board study.

Applicants must be self-motivated, energetic, bring a naturally positive attitude, have a passion for veterinary dentistry, and be prepared to complete the arduous AVDC training requirements. In addition, Thrive resident applicants must be able to secure United States work authorization upon the residency start date in the application which extends through the entire residency, as well as the 3-year post-residency employment obligation to the Thrive network.

About Thrive Pet Healthcare

Arizona Veterinary Dental Specialists is part of Thrive Pet Healthcare, a growing community of 370+ hospitals in 38 states that delivers the highest quality general practice, emergency, and specialty care. This community of colleagues allows us to provide additional support, perks and opportunities for you! Surrounded by those who understand you, your work, and what you’re experiencing day-in and day-out, your local hospital and other unique Thrive support systems like our Specialty Directors Board, are here to support and guide your professional journey.

Like you, for Thrive “care” isn’t just a word. It’s present in everything we do, driven by a dedication to the animals and families we serve. We nurture an emotionally intelligent workplace that values your well-being, goals, and individuality. We take actions to empower you to provide the best care for pets, the people who love them, and yourself - through progressive career & learning options, benefits, and the company of people focused on your success. Throughout our hospitals across the country and with our university partners, Thrive is committed to supporting the education of veterinarians through externships, internships, and residencies that further what we can do for Animals and for one another.

You can learn more about all our Medical Excellence & Education programs at - https://careers.thrivepetcare.com/us/en/home#medical-exc

Thrive Pet Healthcare, provides a comprehensive benefits package including:

-Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage

-Continuing Education Opportunities including the Annual Thrive House Officer Symposium

-PTO

-Professional Liability Coverage

-Thrive U for unlimited, no-cost, RACE-certified CE

-Eligibility for Life and

-Eligibility for Long-Term Disability Insurance and participation in 401(k) retirement savings plan

-Paid Parental Leave & Purr-ental Leave

-Pet Care Discounts and More

At AZVDS / Thrive Pet Healthcare, we celebrate and embrace the uniqueness and diversity of all our team members, pet parents, and pets. We strive to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture where all team members belong and feel empowered.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Residency Director, Lisa Fink, DVM, DAVDC at Lisa.Fink@thrivepet.com with additional questions regarding the program. To be considered for the position, please apply through this job posting.

You take care of Animals. We take care of YOU!