This is a very controversial topic indeed!
Personally, I think the most important factor
to consider is the patient involved.
For example, if a patient presents with a
clinical problem likely to be associated with
significant disease or injury in the mouth; or
the patient is resentful of dental examination
and/or work being undertaken, then a vet
with further experience and ideally a
qualification in equine dentistry would be
best placed to tackle this particular case.
Only vets are able to offer a complete clinical
package for the client and patient - sedation,
appropriate pain relief, make veterinary
diagnoses and perform advanced treatments,
such as tooth extractions.
However, when considering routine care
of the equine mouth, experienced and
qualified Dental Technicians are appropriately
placed to perform work on these patients.
Many of my clients’ horses are well behaved
and relaxed for dental work; and as I spend
all day every day examining equine mouths,
I believe I can confidently offer a thorough
service. Experienced and qualified dentists
are ideally placed for spotting pathology
and provide an excellent standard of
dental work.
In short, I believe there is a place for both
Equine Dental Technicians and veterinary
surgeons in equine dentistry and it would
be unfair to undervalue the work of either
person, provided they are suitably qualified
and experienced within their field. Of course,
dentists must be mindful of the limitations in
clinical work and so the role of the vet will
always be integral in this area.
Penny Brownings RVN BAEDT
Veterinary Nurse and Equine Dental Technician
VETER INARY HOT
TOP I C!
Dr. Nic Harries BVMS MRCVS BAEDT
Veterinary Surgeon and Equine Dental
Technician
A wide variety of people perform dental
procedures on horses in the UK, including
veterinary surgeons, British Association of
Equine Dental Technicians/Worldwide
Association of Equine Dentistry
(BAEDT/WWAED) qualified Equine Dental
Technicians and others with no formal
qualifications or training.
Certain dental procedures are legally
considered acts of veterinary surgery, i.e.
must only be performed by a veterinary
surgeon. However, it has been agreed that
Equine Dental Technicians who have
passed the BEVA/WWAED exam can
perform some specified procedures.
Currently, there is a high level of equine
dental expertise within the veterinary
profession, and veterinary surgeons have
no restrictions on performing more
advanced procedures, such as extractions,
diastema widening and endodontics (dental
fillings).
Only vets are allowed to sedate horses,
although qualified veterinary nurses may do
so under veterinary instruction. Sedation
allows thorough oral examination with a
mirror and probes, facilitating early
detection and treatment of problems (many
of which have no outward symptoms) and
of course, thorough rasping of the teeth.
As one of several vets in the UK who are
also qualified Equine Dental Technicians, I
feel we are well placed to be performing
routine dentistry; however, whomever you
choose to do your horse’s teeth, the most
important factor is that they are properly
qualified.
A - no treatment
B - yes, by my Vet
C - yes, by an Equine Dental
Technician
XLVets Equine facebook survey
(93 replies) - Have your horse’s
teeth been treated in the last
12 months?
46.6%
50.5%
Hot Potato Topic:
Vet or Dentist -
who should do my horse's teeth?
We asked equine owners about routine
dental care and these are the results from
our survey. We recommend that horses
under the age of six and older than 16
years are checked by your vet or qualified
Equine Dental Technician every six months.
Horses between six and 16 years old
should be examined at least yearly. Horses
that have any difficulties or abnormalities
detected may require examinations and/or
treatment more regularly. Those horses that
experience sudden difficulties eating,
dropping feed, or weight loss should be
examined by their vet promptly.
Karl Holliman BVM&S CertEP MRCVS
Veterinary Surgeon and Equine Dental Technician
Clearly the answer is
‘me‘! But to be
serious, the question
doesn't explain what does ‘do my horse’s
teeth’ mean
?
The title of ‘Dentist’ is a
protected term and can only be used by
persons qualified in human dentistry and
registered with the General Dental Council.
There is far more to equine dental care than
rasping sharp teeth. Dental care can only
be truly effective after careful, thorough
assessment and examination of the oral
cavity and teeth. Only when all problems
are diagnosed and assessed can the most
appropriate treatment be planned and
then carried out. For many horses such
assessment and examination can only be
carried out with sedation and the use of
appropriate equipment, such as lights,
mirrors and oral cameras.
Routine treatment of floating and reduction
of overgrowths should be carried out by a
vet who has an interest in equine dentistry
and ideally has carried out some form of
post graduate training in equine dentistry
(over 500 vets have done so), or by a
suitably qualified Equine Dental Technician,
such as a member of BAEDT, who has
undergone suitable training and examination.
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EQUINE MATTERS