Performing a tooth extraction on a bear might intimidate many.

But for someone who successfully completed complicated surgery on a lion, it could seem like old hat.

Steven D. Spitz, DMD, a resident of Needham, Massachusetts, is one prosthodontist who would know first hand.

Recently interviewed by  for his efforts at the Peter Emily International Veterinary Dental Foundation (PEIVDF) dental/veterinary mission to Noah’s Ark Rehabilitation Center in Locust Grove, Georgia, Dr. Spitz Dr. Steven D. Spitzweighs in.

“Working with the [Peter Emily] foundation is a literally a dream come true,” Spitz told Patch.com. “Through my undergraduate training, I was deciding between vet and dental school. I chose dental and it was the right decision for me, but this allows my dental experience to work in an amazing way for animals who need my expertise.”

With the aforementioned lion, Spitz utilized the BioLase Dental Laser for the very first laser surgery on large animals. And a bear was among his patients at the Peter Emily International Veterinary Dental Foundation.

Hear tale of his adventures at the Exotic Feline Rescue Center in Indiana, recent partnerships with the zoos in New England and his practice, Smileboston Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry at:

https://patch.com/massachusetts/needham/needham-dentist-fixes-teeth-tigers-bears-lemurs#.U_DkosaMX1r