Recognition Awards

 

Dr. Kenneth M. Capron to receive a 2007 Alumni Recognition Award

Dr. Kenneth M. Capron, Tulsa, Okla., has been chosen to receive a 2007 Alumni Recognition Award by the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine and its Veterinary Medicine Alumni Association. He is being honored for his time and effort dedicated to veterinary medicine and for being an exceptional role model for future veterinarians.

Dr. Capron will receive the award during a reception at the Western Veterinary Conference on Feb. 19 in Las Vegas, Nev.

After growing up in Columbus, Kan., Dr. Capron attended K-State and earned his bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and his doctorate of veterinary medicine degree in 1965. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Air Force Veterinary Corps and served as a captain for two years. In 1967, Dr. Capron opened Capron Veterinary Hospital and Dental Clinic for Pets in Tulsa where he continues to serve as its director and owner. As a specialist in veterinary dentistry, Dr. Capron practices periodontics, orthodontics and endodontics. He also performs a variety of oral surgeries including cancer removal.

Dr. Capron says he became interested in dentistry when he was in the Air Force Veterinary Corps. As a captain, he was required to cross-train and observe dentists and surgeons operate on soldiers.

“I saw a dentist perform a root canal once, and it always stayed in the back of my mind,” Dr. Capron said. “After I opened my veterinary practice, I started reading up on dentistry and found out what an interesting field it was.”

In 1991, Dr. Capron became a fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry and a diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College in 1997. He said 60 to 75 percent of his caseload concerns dentistry.

Having a veterinarian in his family inspired Dr. Capron to pursue the career. His uncle, Dr. Daniel Paradee, K-State CVM class of 1950, owned a dairy practice in Wisconsin.

“My uncle was very instrumental in my interest in veterinary medicine,” Dr. Capron said. “I thought I would have a dairy practice like him, but I saw a small animal surgery my third year of college and decided that was for me.’”

Continuing the family tradition, Dr. Capron’s brother, Virgil “Jack” Capron also graduated with a doctorate of veterinary medicine degree from K-State in 1965. Dr. Capron’s son, Steven, earned his DVM from Oklahoma State University in 1996. Like his father, Steven also specializes in veterinary dentistry.

Dr. Capron and his wife Beverly have three children, Debra, a registered nurse in Tulsa; Mark, a Tulsa police officer; and Steven, a veterinarian in Round Rock, Texas. The Caprons have seven grandchildren.