Dr Tara Cashman graduated from the University of Sydney in 1995 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree before entering private equine/small animal practice in regional NSW for 2 years. She then returned to the University of Sydney to complete a Diploma of Veterinary Clinical Studies in mixed animal practice in 1998. Following a keen interest in dentistry, Tara completed the Membership Examinations to the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) in Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery in 2008. After nearly 10 years in private practice Tara started to take a keen interest in dentistry as she wanted to be better at it! She studied and passed the Membership Examinations to the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS) in Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery in 2008. Tara served two terms as the secretary/treasurer for the Veterinary Dentistry Chapter of the College of which she is still a member. Currently the national president of the Australian Veterinary Association special interest group, the Australian Veterinary Dental Society, Tara is also a member of the British Veterinary Dental Association.