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Mountain Star Veterinary Specialists vs Goodheart Animal Health Center for veterinary dentistry

Updated 2026-07-08 · 1,063 reviewed · 177 listed · How we rank ›

Mountain Star Veterinary Specialists
Mountain Star Veterinary Specialists
Goodheart Animal Health Center
Goodheart Animal Health Center

Both practices score well by our methodology, but they fit different dental needs. Mountain Star is built around board-certified specialists (ophthalmology, dermatology) with high-tech diagnostic capacity, while Goodheart's dental work shows up in its surgical record as extractions performed on senior pets during general practice visits, backed by Fear Free handling for anxious animals.

Side by side

Google rating
Mountain Star Veterinary Specialists: 5 (516 reviews)
Goodheart Animal Health Center: 4.9 (486 reviews)
Services
Mountain Star Veterinary Specialists: equine livestock vet, dental vet, general vet, surgery vet
Goodheart Animal Health Center: equine livestock vet, low cost vet, general vet, dental vet
Best for
Mountain Star Veterinary Specialists: Complex or referred dental-adjacent cases needing specialist-level diagnostics
Goodheart Animal Health Center: Routine to moderate dental extractions handled as part of ongoing general care
Senior pet dental work
Mountain Star Veterinary Specialists: Not specifically documented in the data
Goodheart Animal Health Center: Directly referenced: extractions performed on senior pets
Nervous patient approach
Mountain Star Veterinary Specialists: Patient, empathetic staff handling anxious animals case by case
Goodheart Animal Health Center: Structured Fear Free system with dedicated cat/dog spaces and treat menus
Verification
Mountain Star Veterinary Specialists: Listing checked (30)
Goodheart Animal Health Center: Listing checked (30)
Composite score
Mountain Star Veterinary Specialists: 94
Goodheart Animal Health Center: 93

Within 3 points of each other, so treat them as effectively tied on overall quality. The choice below is about fit, not the score.

What reviewers say

Mountain Star Veterinary Specialists

Mountain Star Veterinary Specialists

Reviewers consistently report exceptional outcomes from specialist care. Doctors like Conway, Chavkin, Hoppers, and Bendlin spend time explaining complex conditions, study records beforehand, and handle anxious or difficult animals with patience. The facility is described as high-tech and spotless. Pricing is communicated upfront, follow-up emails summarize treatment plans, and staff from front desk through techs prioritize the animal's comfort and the owner's peace of mind. Some travel an hour because the quality justifies the distance.

Mountain Star positions itself around ophthalmology and dermatology expertise, with board-certified specialists on staff. Referrals from primary vets are common. Reviewers note scheduling efficiency, text alerts for earlier appointments, and the team's genuine empathy during stressful or complex diagnoses. No negative patterns emerge across 17 recent five-star reviews.

Goodheart Animal Health Center

Goodheart Animal Health Center

Reviewers consistently describe walks into an office where every question is written down and answered, where anxious dogs relax, and where veterinarians spend time thinking through options rather than rushing through appointments. Named doctors Spring, Moreman, Porta, and Court appear across stories of complex surgeries (mass removals, dental extractions on senior pets), palliative care, and euthanasia handled with dignity-all supported by staff who send handwritten thank-you cards and custom welcome gifts.

The practice uses Fear Free techniques, maintains separate spaces for cats and dogs, and stocks exam rooms with treat menus and tissues. Reviewers note costs run higher than competitors, yet they drive long distances to return. The whiteboard system of noting concerns ensures nothing gets missed. Most praise centers on feeling genuinely heard rather than sold unnecessary tests.

Which should you pick?

Pick Mountain Star Veterinary Specialists if

  • Your pet has a complex condition needing a board-certified specialist alongside dental concerns
  • You've been referred by a primary vet for advanced diagnostic workup
  • You want a high-tech facility built around specialty referral care

Pick Goodheart Animal Health Center if

  • Your pet needs a dental extraction as part of ongoing general veterinary care
  • Your animal is anxious and benefits from Fear Free techniques and separated waiting spaces
  • You want a consistent primary care relationship where the same vets handle surgery, dental work, and follow-up

Verdict

The choice comes down to what kind of dental problem you're solving. If it's tied to a specialist-level condition or you've been referred for complex diagnostics, Mountain Star's board-certified team and high-tech setup fit that job. If you need a dental extraction handled by a vet who already knows your pet, especially an anxious or senior animal, Goodheart's Fear Free approach and documented extraction experience make it the more direct fit, even at a higher price point.

FAQ

Which practice has more direct experience with dental extractions?
Goodheart's data specifically mentions dental extractions performed on senior pets, while Mountain Star's documented strengths center on ophthalmology and dermatology rather than dental procedures.
Which is better for an anxious pet needing dental work?
Goodheart uses Fear Free certified techniques with separate cat and dog spaces, giving it a more structured approach to anxiety, though Mountain Star's staff are also praised for patience with difficult animals.
Is one of these clearly cheaper?
Neither is described as cheap, but reviewers specifically note Goodheart runs higher than competitors on cost, while Mountain Star is praised for upfront, clearly communicated pricing.
Do I need a referral for Mountain Star?
The data indicates referrals from primary vets are common at Mountain Star, consistent with its specialist, referral-based positioning.

Last updated 2026-07-08