Dr. Jay Clifford, of Advanced Equine Dentistry & Vet Services, Inc., is a graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduating from veterinary school, Dr. Jay (as he prefers to be called) took a position as an associate veterinarian at a busy, multi-doctor, equine practice in the Tampa Bay area. After a couple of years of working as an associate, Dr. Jay decided to move on and open his own equine dentistry practice with his business partner, Mr. Richard Grist, C.Eq.Dt.
Dr. Jay and Rich have been providing The Ultimate Equine Dentistry Experience for horses and horse owners throughout the entire State of Florida since the spring of 2007. During this time, they have designed and manufactured many of their own tools and equipment that they use for their equine dentistry services. Their second company called Equidae Solutions, Inc. originated as a means to market many of these innovative ideas to other equine dentists and veterinarians around the world.
When not working, Dr. Jay enjoys staying active by engaging in many outdoor activities. He plays in several Fútbol (Soccer) leagues in the Tampa Bay region, as well as an adult softball league. He is a terrible golfer and a mediocre fisherman that also enjoys hiking, swimming and Schutzhund Training with his dog Koa. Dr. Jay also has a pretty amazing black and white American Paint Horse named “King” that he occasionally enjoys riding. Dr. Jay could use some motivation to get him out riding more often on this amazing horse.
RICHARD GRIST is Certified Equine Dentist and Partner of Dr. Jay Clifford DVM of Advanced Equine Dentistry & Vet Services, Inc. Richard has been practicing Equine Dentistry for over 11 years.
Richard was originally introduced to Equine Dentistry by his brother in-law Martin Walls of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA). Martin serves one of the Instructors and Examiners for BEVA. Richard has studied in both England and in the USA on Equine Dentistry and Advanced techniques. Some of his special interests include Extractions, Fillings, Endodontics, 3 point balance and advanced corrective techniques. He continues to further his education every year while updating his knowledge and learning new dental techniques.
After his initial training and certification he worked under contract for several local Veterinary Clinics in the Tampa Bay Area. He was often called in by the vets to perform extractions and fillings along with the occasional need for assistance with broken jaws. He was introduced to Dr. Jay over 6 years ago. Richard and Dr. Jay had worked together at one clinic for 2 years and then decided to branch out and set up on their own. Advanced Equine Dentistry & Vet Services Inc was founded over 4 years ago.
For fun Richard enjoys Auto-Racing and Biking along with numerous water sports and the occasional horse riding. He admits to being better in the mouth than on the horse.Richard rescued a little Black Mini Stallion 6 years ago called "Mini-Me" of which he has now found a new home with one of his graduating dental students. The stallion now lives on a large ranch in East Florida. Richard continues to develop new and exciting ideas for their other business Equidae Solutions Inc. Richard also enjoys teaching Equine Dentistry on a one on one basis to students wanting to learn.