As a mobile equine dentist from Mustang, Okla., Chickasaw citizen Jackie Whitney examines a horse during a regular day at work.

The Chickasaw Nation Vocational Rehabilitation program assists hundreds of clients every year. Most clients secure successful employment in traditional and familiar career fields.

However, one client in particular works in a field that might be termed “a horse of a different color.”

Chickasaw citizen and vocational rehabilitation client Jackie Whitney is certified in equine dentistry and works as a mobile equine dentist in Mustang, Okla. Ms. Whitney travels to Mustang, Okla., and surrounding areas, and at times out-of-state, to tend to the dental needs of horses.

As a Chickasaw citizen with a documented disability, Ms. Whitney qualified for training assistance through the Chickasaw Nation Vocational Rehabilitation and Delaware Nation Vocational Rehabilitation programs. With the assistance of each program, along with grants and scholarships, she joined the Academy of Equine Dentistry in Glenns Ferry, Idaho, in 2006.

Through the academy, Ms. Whitney gained experience while interning with an equine dentist in New York. She obtained equine dentistry certification on November 16, 2007.

“Getting certified as an equine dentist was very important to me,” Ms. Whitney said. “I really love being a horse dentist and having the ability to help horses and educate owners on the importance of equine dentistry.”

Ms. Whitney’s interest in equine dentistry developed after discovering her barrel horse needed dental work to help the animal perform to its potential. Learning the importance of equine dentistry first-hand, Ms. Whitney decided to explore the opportunities within the equine dental industry.

Discovering no equine dentistry schools exist in Oklahoma, she began exploring options out of state. She learned most equine dentistry schools have a waiting list, as well as an involved enrollment process and competitive admission standards. Equine dentistry training is also relatively expensive.

Ms. Whitney is one of only four Academy of Equine Dentistry graduates working in Oklahoma. She has more than 23 years of experience with horses. From running barrels and poles to team roping and goat tying, Ms. Whitney has been involved in many aspects of horses and the rodeo arena.

In high school, she was a member of the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) and a three-year rodeo finals qualifier in breakaway, roping, pole bending and cutting competitions. After high school, she joined the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA), making the WPRA finals three years and winning the Breakaway and Heeling Horse of the Year in 2005.

“Jackie is a very dedicated, inspired and driven individual who has achieved her ultimate employment goal of becoming certified in Equine Dentistry,” said Chickasaw Nation Vocational Rehabilitation counselor Charlotte Dudgeon. ”I found it a real pleasure to work with her through the Chickasaw Nation Vocational Rehabilitation Program and to observe her performing the skills she obtained.”

The Chickasaw Nation Vocational Rehabilitation program is designed to help American Indians with disabilities obtain or maintain successful employment. Counselors and consumers work closely to create an individualized plan to help meet the needs of the consumer while working toward the goal of employment.

“I would not have been able to achieve my dreams and goals without the help of the Chickasaw Nation and the Delaware Nation,” Ms. Whitney said. “I give a special thanks to all the people who took their time to work with me so I could achieve my dreams and career goals.”

Vocational Rehabilitation program requirements include documentation of mental or physical disability which limits one from obtaining employment; documentation of residency within the Chickasaw Nation service area; and documentation of membership in a federally-recognized tribe. Interested individuals must also provide household income, Social Security number, age, current residence and other applicable information.

For additional information, contact the vocational rehabilitation office at (580) 436-0553 or visit www.chickasaw.net.