Meet the 2026 Veterinary Heroes: Heather Duncan, DVM, DAVDC

“I’ve always loved surgery and working with my hands,” said Heather Duncan, DVM, DAVDC, “but what first drew me to dentistry was how dramatically we can improve an animal’s quality of life.”

Duncan graduated from Purdue University in 2005, and 2 years into general practice, she found herself drawn to the cases where she could make an immediate difference. She went on to complete a residency at the Animal Dental Center in Baltimore, Maryland, before cofounding CROWN Veterinary Dental Specialists in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Duncan channels that same drive to help and teach into The Whiskered Dentist, an educational platform she created for veterinarians, veterinary teams, and pet owners. “I firmly believe that education has the power to improve the lives of countless animals, because when we empower veterinarians, veterinary teams, and pet owners with knowledge, everyone benefits,” she told dvm360.

When she learned she had been named a 2026 Veterinary Hero, Duncan said the recognition reflected far more than her own journey. “It reflects . . . the many people who have supported and inspired me along the way— my mentors, colleagues, technicians, assistants, referring veterinarians, clients, friends, and family,” she said.

Congratulations to Duncan from dvm360! You can check out the rest of our 2026 recipients and learn more about Duncan here.