Who We Are

Faculty

Dr. Brenda Mulherin

Brenda L. Mulherin, DVM, Diplomate AVDC
Small Animal Dentistry
Clinician

Dr. Mulherin returned to Iowa State University, her alma mater, in 2008. She began her appointment with the Primary Care Service where she practiced general small animal medicine and dentistry.  In 2010, Dr. Mulherin began a dual appointment with Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine in a Dentistry and Oral Surgery Residency. She completed her residency with the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine in July of 2014.  Since then she completed all the requirements of the American Veterinary Dental College and became a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College in August of 2015. Dr. Mulherin’s interests include feline tooth resorptions, endodotic therapies, and periodontal disease.

Professional Organizations  
AVDC American Veterinary Dental College, Diplomate, Examination Committee member
Phi Zeta Member
AVMA American Veterinary Medical Association, member
IVMA  Iowa Veterinary Medical Association, member
AAHA American Animal Hospital Association, member
AVDS  American Veterinary Dental Society, member
SCAVDS Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Dental Society-Advisor
Veterinary Accreditation

USDA, APHIS, VS

Recent Publications
Mulherin BL, Snyder CJ, Soukup JW.  Retrospective evaluation of canine and feline maxillomandibular trauma cases; a comparison of signalment with non-maxillomandibular traumatic injuries (2003-2012).  Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol.  2014;27(3):192-7. doi: 10.3415/VCOT-13-06-0074. Epub 2014 Feb 26.

Mulherin BL, Snyder CJ, Soukup JW.  Retrospective evaluation of canine and feline maxillomandibular trauma cases; comparison of lunar cycle and seasonality with non-maxillomandibular traumatic injuries (2003-2012).  Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol.  2014;27(3):198-203. doi: 10.3415/VCOT-13-06-0075. Epub 2014 Feb 26.

Soukup JW, Mulherin BL, Snyder CJ.  Prevalence and nature of dentoalveolar injuries among patients with maxillofacial fractures.  J Small Anim Pract. 2013 Jan;54(1):9-14.

Mulherin BL, Snyder CJ, Soukup JW.  An alternative symphyseal wiring technique.  J Vet Dent. 2012 Fall;29 (3):176-84. 

 

Technician

Tara Akers, RVT

Tara Luher, RVT
Small Animal

Tara is originally from Ames, Iowa and currently reside here with her family. She received her associate’s degree from DMACC in Ankeny in May of 2006 and became an RVT in Aug of 2006.

Prior to working at Iowa State, Tara worked part time at an emergency clinic in Des Moines and then took a full time position as head technician in a general small animal practice for 5 years.

Tara began working at ISU College of Veterinary Medicine in May of 2011 in the surgery department primarily working in the orthopedic surgery department. She then transferred to Dentistry in Jan 2015. Tara and her family currently have 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 birds, and 2 fish. When not providing excellent care to your furry friends she enjoys the outdoors, reading, listening to music and spending time with her family.