Dean Smylie was born and raised in Douglas, Wyoming. He received his undergraduate degree from Colorado State University and his DVM from Kansas State University in 1989. After graduating, Dean worked at a mixed animal practice in Gothenburg, Nebraska, before returning to Douglas to join his father and brother in the family practice.
Through continuing education, Dean has been certified in PennHip Evaluation through the University of Pennsylvania College of Veterinary Medicine; Securos Cruciate Ligament repair through Securos Orthopedic Institute; and total hip replacement through Kyon Pharma, Inc. He has also received training through the North American Veterinary Conference in small animal ultrasound and juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (a procedure that is performed on large breed canines that are 12- to 16-weeks-old to help prevent the severity of hip dysphasia).
Dean is a member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners, Society for Theriogenology, Wyoming Veterinary Medicine Association, and American Veterinary Medicine Association.