The Dental Coalition for Conservation is a global nonprofit led by board-certified human and veterinary dental professionals. We unite to tackle a silent epidemic: dental disease in exotic species living in sanctuaries, zoos, and conservation centers.
Our mission is simple: no animal should suffer in silence when the knowledge and care to help exists.
Lacy Michelle Dyer is a dynamic force in business, animal welfare, and global conservation. With over two decades of proven leadership, Lacy has successfully built and managed a multi-million-dollar enterprise, demonstrating exceptional acumen in strategic growth and operational excellence. For the past seven years, she has also owned and operated a thriving land development company, expanding her entrepreneurial
reach while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible and
sustainable development.
Lacy’s professional path has long intersected with her deep passion for animals and the natural world. As the former Managing Director of the Peter Emily International Veterinary Dental Foundation, she played a pivotal role in supporting advanced veterinary dental care for animals in sanctuaries and conservation centers around the globe.
Her unwavering dedication to animal conservation is rooted in childhood—an early compassion that has only grown stronger over the years. This lifelong commitment ultimately led her to become one of the founding members of the Dental Coalition for Conservation, a groundbreaking initiative uniting human and veterinary dental professionals to improve the lives of exotic species and advance global conservation efforts.
Despite her many professional achievements, Lacy’s most cherished role is being a mother to three children. Balancing motherhood with executive leadership and international conservation work, she exemplifies what can be achieved through vision, purpose, and compassion.
With heart and drive, Lacy Michelle Dyer continues to lead with integrity—shaping industries, empowering communities, and helping to build a more humane and sustainable future.
Charles E. Dyer IV is a distinguished dental professional whose career blends clinical excellence, academic achievement, leadership, and a deep commitment to animal welfare and global conservation. Graduating cum laude from Texas A&M University, Dr. Dyer earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology with minors in Biology and Chemistry. He went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Houston Dental Branch, where he graduated third in his class and served as class president, demonstrating both scholastic mastery and strong leadership.
Pursuing advanced specialty training, Dr. Dyer earned a Master of Public Health and a Certificate in Periodontology from the University of Kentucky. This unique combination of public health perspective and periodontal specialization has informed his comprehensive approach to patient care and his vision for global oral health initiatives.
For over 20 years, Dr. Dyer has maintained a thriving private practice, providing exceptional care to his patients while continuing to serve the broader professional and conservation communities. His leadership extends beyond private practice; he has served as President of the Peter Emily International Veterinary Dental Foundation and as its Director of Public Relations, promoting the organization’s mission to improve the lives of animals worldwide through advanced veterinary dental care.
Dr. Dyer’s passion for animal well-being began in childhood and has evolved into a steadfast belief in the One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This philosophy inspired him to become a founder of the Dental Coalition for Conservation—a collaborative platform where dentists, veterinarians, and veterinary dental professionals come together to learn advanced dental techniques and apply them toward the advancement of global conservation.
Through his professional expertise, leadership, and advocacy, Dr. Dyer continues to champion the integration of dental medicine and conservation, guided by the conviction that a healthier planet begins with compassionate, knowledgeable care for all living things—both human and animal alike.
Dr. Buiting is a wildlife veterinarian, conservationist, and author with a special interest in community-led conservation and wildlife health. She serves as a consultant for Fauna & Flora – one of the world’s leading conservation organisations – and sits on the Board of Zoos Victoria. Through her platform, Jungle Doctor, Chloe runs educational programs, mentorship, and field opportunities for aspiring conservationists, helping others find their pathway into this work. Her veterinary work has taken her across Australia, Africa and Asia, where she’s supported species recovery and frontline conservation efforts. Chloe is also an Advocate for The Earthshot Prize and author of The Jungle Doctor, a book sharing stories from the field, with proceeds going directly to conservation projects. Her early years spent on Lord Howe Island sparked a deep love of the natural world.
Brittany is a wildlife/emergency veterinarian and passionate conservationist with a strong interest in research, one health, and conservation storytelling. She has several research publications focused on endangered gopher tortoises and sea turtles, and is currently conducting microplastic research with sea turtles in Florida.
She has a passion for global conservation work and empowering local communities to conserve their own wildlife. She has worked extensively in Florida with Everglades wildlife, and endangered sea turtles, as well as endangered species in South Africa.
Her love of the natural world is deeply rooted in her childhood spent exploring Florida waterways and the Everglades ecosystem, and through her earliest veterinary work at her local wildlife hospital. With every conservation project she is involved in, her love for this work, and the community it creates, continues to grow. She believes conservation work empowers human reconnection to not only the natural world, but also to each other – a key component to creating lasting change for our planet.
Dr. Kristi Crow is a passionate small animal veterinarian and wildlife conservationist who has been working with animals her entire life. She graduated from Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020 but discovered her deep love for wildlife and conservation in 2016, which has shaped the course of her career ever since.
Beyond the clinic and the field, Dr. Crow is a prominent voice on social media, where she shares compelling animal stories, behind-the-scenes glimpses into veterinary life, and engaging educational content for pet owners and wildlife lovers alike. Her platforms have become a trusted resource for those looking to better understand the animals they love and the conservation issues that matter.
With a mission to protect, educate, and inspire, Kristi blends medical expertise with storytelling to advocate for the wellbeing of animals everywhere from family pets to endangered wildlife.
Jamie Berning, DVM, DAVDC, is a board-certified veterinary dentist renowned for her expertise in zoo and wildlife dentistry. With a career defined by innovation, compassion, and leadership, Dr. Berning combines extensive clinical experience with a deep commitment to advancing animal oral health across species.
She began her veterinary journey in small animal general practice, where she quickly discovered a profound passion for dentistry. This passion led her to complete a rigorous residency in dentistry and oral surgery in private practice in southeast Michigan, an experience that also marked the beginning of her work with zoo and exotic animals.
Today, Dr. Berning is the owner and medical director of Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery of Ohio, a premier stand-alone dental referral practice in Columbus, Ohio. For nearly a decade, she has also served as a trusted dental consultant for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, while traveling nationwide to provide advanced dental care for zoological institutions. Her work spans over 70 species, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to excellence in both companion and non-domestic animal dentistry.
A respected educator and speaker, Dr. Berning has delivered engaging lectures and hands-on labs to veterinarians, technicians, dentists, and students at professional conferences, veterinary schools, and dental institutions. She has been a lecturer for the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians and is passionate about empowering others through education. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that by sharing knowledge, she can amplify her impact and elevate the standard of care for animals worldwide.
Driven, generous, and deeply motivated, Dr. Berning brings a unique blend of scientific precision and heartfelt compassion to every aspect of her work. Whether she’s mentoring colleagues, treating a lion with a fractured tooth, or running a state-of-the-art specialty hospital, she remains steadfast in her mission to improve animal welfare through exceptional dental care.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Berning is a devoted mother to her daughter and enjoys spending time with her miniature poodle, embracing the same care and compassion at home that she brings to her practice every day.
Roberto S. Fecchio is a Brazilian veterinarian internationally recognized for his pioneering contributions to veterinary dentistry, particularly in the care of zoo and wild animals. He holds a postgraduate degree in Veterinary Dentistry, a Master’s degree (2011), and a PhD (2016) from the Department of Surgery at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (FMVZ) at the University of São Paulo (USP). Dr. Fecchio is also a Founder Fellow of the American Veterinary Dental College in Zoo and Wild Animals Dentistry, reflecting his leadership and lasting impact in this emerging specialty.
Dr. Fecchio served as President of the Brazilian Association of Wild Animal Veterinarians (ABRAVAS) from 2009 to 2011, where he played a key role in advancing clinical standards, education, and conservation-focused veterinary care in Brazil. A prolific academic and clinician, he is the author of numerous peer-reviewed scientific articles published both nationally and internationally, as well as 33 book chapters covering a wide range of topics in veterinary dentistry, surgery, and wildlife medicine.
In recognition of his innovative work, Dr. Fecchio was featured in the Guinness Book of Records for his groundbreaking development and application of 3D prosthetic technologies for animals—work that has significantly improved quality of life for injured and disabled wildlife and exotic species.A sought-after speaker at major international conferences and professional events, Dr. Fecchio has extensive global field experience, having worked clinically and educationally in Brazil, the United States, Paraguay, Chile, Peru, Panama, Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and South Africa. His career reflects a deep commitment to innovation, education, and the advancement of veterinary dentistry as a vital component of global wildlife conservation.
Shiloh is a veterinarian specializing in emergency medicine based in Arizona, with a deep passion for wildlife and conservation. She regularly spends time in Africa, where she nurtures her long-standing commitment to conservation medicine. Her primary interests lie in wildlife medicine and surgery, and she is dedicated to advancing the health and protection of wild animals around the world. Conservation has been a driving force in Shiloh’s life since childhood, and she is thrilled to be part of the DCC team—continuing her advocacy for the care and preservation of wildlife.
Dr. Kerry Robson is a retired general dentist based in Palm Harbor, Florida, with a career spanning nearly 40 years in family and cosmetic dentistry. Known for his commitment to high-quality care and patient trust, Dr. Robson built a thriving practice rooted in compassion, precision, and lifelong learning.
Before earning his dental degree from Case Western Reserve Dental School in 1983, Dr. Robson worked as a kidney transplant technician at University Hospital in London, Ontario. His academic journey began at the University of Western Ontario, where he earned a B.Sc. in Biology and an M.Sc. in Anatomy. During this time, he served as a teaching assistant in Oral Histology, General Histology, and Gross Anatomy for both medical and dental students—an early sign of his dedication to education and mentorship.
After relocating to Florida, Dr. Robson completed the Comprehensive Dental Program at the University of Florida and was honored with a Fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry, recognizing his pursuit of excellence in continuing education.
In the final chapter of his dental career, Dr. Robson followed a unique passion: veterinary dentistry. Over the past 12 years, he has collaborated with veterinary and human dental professionals to provide much-needed oral care to a wide range of captive animals. His work in this field reflects a deep commitment to animal welfare and interdisciplinary innovation.
Dr. Robson also volunteers at the Tampa Bay Humane Society, assisting in surgical prep and recovery—further extending his care and expertise to the community.
He and his wife Lori have been married for over 40 years and are proud parents to two children, Kristi and Brent and 3 granddaughters. Whether working with patients, mentoring peers, or caring for animals, Dr. Robson’s legacy is one of service, curiosity, and heart.
I am a wildlife veterinary surgeon from the U.K., graduating from the University of Bristol in 2017 and since then I’ve worked with all sorts of species from domestic ones like dogs, cats & cows in the UK to wildlife ones all across the globe like great apes in West and Central Africa, big cats & rhino in east and South Africa, elephants in Asia and jaguars in the Amazon.I’ve been fortunate to work in so many places with so many of the amazing animals we share the planet with, and being able to join the DCC to help push the boundary for what more we can do as healthcare processionals for them was something I’m really excited to be a part of.
From Autumn – I’m a senior psychology major at Texas A&M University with a passion for capturing the unseen beauty of the world through photography. Growing up with parents who founded the Dental Coalition for Conservation, I developed a deep appreciation for the role dental health plays in animal welfare and conservation.
Through my lens, I strive to highlight what many may overlook—whether it’s the intricate work of veterinary dentistry or the resilience of rescued animals. Photography is more than an art form to me; it’s a way to document the Lord’s creation and share the stories of conservation, compassion, and care that inspire change.
At 20 years old, I’m honored to contribute to the Coalition’s mission by providing visual storytelling that supports education, awareness, and global conservation efforts.
Your donation directly funds treatments, training, and outreach that improve the lives of animals suffering from dental disease. If you have questions about how we use your donations, how you can join our team, or need to contact us for any reason, please fill out this form and someone from our team will reply back to you.
