With a degree in Chemistry, Dr. Fagan began his scientific career as a Research Chemical Engineer with NASA on the Apollo Lunar Exploration Project. Later he attended Dental School at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, received his Degree in Dentistry, and still maintains a part time active human dental practice.

His association with Veterinary Dentistry began with a cantankerous camel in 1970 at the Sacramento Zoo, while working with the large animal surgery staff at the University of California - Davis, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital in the capacity of guest lecturer, clinical consultant and associate researcher.

Subsequently he has been involved with the treatment of a wide variety of exotic and domestic animals.

Dr. Fagan works as consultant / clinician / researcher with numerous zoos, private practice veterinarians, and private or off-exhibit animal collections around the world. He is well published, and travels and lectures extensively. He has been Veterinary Staff Consultant to the world famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park since 1974, and since 1981 has been the Executive Director of The Colyer Institute - a center for the study of oral disease and nutrition in exotic animals.

Dr. Fagan, a member of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, shared his thoughts looking ahead to the approach of the new millennium. Additionally, he presented two short videos presentations concerning "The Laser Assisted Oral Surgery on a Lowland Gorilla", and "The Extraction of an Impacted Molar Tooth in an Asian Elephant in Alaska."

"We recognize the many influences and changing dynamics at work in our society, as well as their impact upon all forms of animal life", Fagan said. "We deal with the effects of this flux in both the working/business environments, as well as the natural habitat/resource environments. To continue to be able to meet these ever changing challenges, The Colyer Institute is in the process of expanding the scope of our primary mission statement objectives of Clinical Care, Education and Research, to include greater use of Internet resources in all capacities, as well as enlarge our Continuing Education program. The Tustin Base Reuse Project and directed computer utilization will be the backbone of this expansion effort".

For more information about Dr. Fagan or The Colyer Institute, call (619) 566-9297.