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AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 ISSUE
EQUINE MATTERS
18
Nursing has provided a great foundation for
moving forward into equine dentistry. I find I
am constantly applying my nursing
knowledge on a daily basis and feel this
helps me stay aware of both my clients’
and their horses’ needs.
Unlike other non-veterinary Equine Dental
Technicians (EDTs), being a registered
veterinary nurse allows me to provide
sedation to my patients under veterinary
direction. Sedation allows for greater visibility
in the mouth with fractious or fidgety patients,
ensuring I provide the best care in every
case
(figure one)
.
EDTs learn about various oral problems, and
at times we are faced with substantial
pathology, e.g. fractured teeth
(figure two)
,
overgrowths affecting soft tissue and in some
circumstances underlying bone involvement.
My experience and knowledge gained
working in a veterinary environment has
given me greater insight into how to explain
these problems to owners without causing
panic. Additionally, my nursing skills give
me the ability to undertake full physical
examinations where necessary, further
reassuring owners. Many dental issues come
with huge financial implications and there
may not be a rainy day fund to put things
right. These situations must be approached
with compassion and kindness, seeking the
veterinary input promptly to get a clear
diagnosis and treatment plan in place.
I work with a great team of vets and have
an incredible support structure around me.
If I find something on oral assessment that
gives cause for concern, I can make
arrangements at the time for the horse to
come into our clinic for further work. When
I pack up and leave there will be a plan in
place, appointments made and the horse’s
notes and dental chart on the clinic’s system
(figure three)
. Being part of the team allows
me to see things through and be involved
with the whole process.
The continuity of follow up appointments and
routine checkups gives me a great deal of
job satisfaction! What's not to like on a
sunny day, driving around the countryside
(figure four)
, meeting up with vets and
seeing all my clients
?
I love catching up with
people and hearing their news, especially
when punctuated with a good coffee!
Having said that, I try not to dwell on our
wet and muddy days, in unsheltered fields,
with less than enthusiastic patients and
persistent driving rain...definitely an
occupational low point!
I enjoy teaching, encouraging good working
techniques and stimulating discussion of
pathologies seen with reference to veterinary
referral. Having already had an apprentice
who has gone on to pass the BEVA/BVDA
exams and set up her own business, I take a
proactive role in preparing other students in
the run up to their exams and am proud to
be part of the BAEDT examining team.
I am a strong believer in fostering and
promoting good working relations between
qualified EDTs and their local veterinary
practices - this is the only way to ensure
excellent welfare standards for the horses
we all see on a daily basis.
Penny Brownings RVN BAEDT
, Cliffe Equine Clinic, East Sussex
Although I loved my role as an equine veterinary nurse, working my way
up through the ranks over the years to head nurse, I wanted to go on and
specialise further. Inspired by a veterinary surgeon within the clinic, I saw
an opportunity in equine dentistry.
A day in the life of... an Equine Dental Technician:
the progression from nursing into dentistry
Figure one. Not all patients
need sedating - some are
naturally relaxed!
Figure two. An obvious fracture
in the first cheek tooth
Figure three. Having a little help
with my dental charting
Figure four. Taking advantage of
a sunny day on the Sussex
Downs!
A DAY IN THE L I FE