Myth #2

I just had my horse's teeth floated by someone that was at my barn and only paid $75.00.  I am assuming that was all my horse needed.

This is a very critical mistake made far to often by horse owners!  First, keep in mind that floating is just the knocking off of sharp points and has nothing to do with proper dental care.  Second, most people that charge $75.00 are considered just floaters, are not certified practitioners, are not educated and are not qualified to practice equine dentistry.  Third, in order for your horse to get the best of care, a comprehensive exam, diagnosis of dental abnormalties, and to have areas of concern such as health and performance addressed, a horse owner must use a Certified Equine Dental Practioner.

NTED - Choosing a Dentist

When choosing a Certified Equine Dental Practitioner there are several things that a horse owner must keep in mind.

1. What is the educational level of the dentist (basic, advance or master)

Not all persons practicing equine dentistry are qualified to do so! Whether the person is a non-veterinarian or veterinarian wishing to practice equine dentistry, attending an equine dentistry school is imperative to getting the education, experience and understanding necessary to practice in this specialized field and should not be practiced by an uneducated, unskilled, unqualified individual.  If a practitioner is certified to practice at a basic level, then they will have completed a minimum of 280 - 300 hours in education and passed a basic level certification test through an equine dentistry association. If a practitioner is certified to practice at an advance level, then they will have completed a minimum of 480-500 hours in education and passed an advance level certification test through an equine dentistry association.  If a practitioner is certified to practice at a master level, then they will have completed a minimum of 980 to 1,0000 hours in education and passed a master level certification test through an equine dentistry assocation.

2. What equine dentistry school did the dentist graduate from?

The two most comprehensive equine dentistry schools are the Texas Institute of Equine Dentistry located in Weatherford, Texas and the Academy of Equine Dentistry located in Glenns Ferry, Idaho.  The educational background of a dentist can be checked by calling the schools directly.


3. What equine dentistry association is the dentist certified through?

There are two main equine dentistry associations that provide the certification exams.
The National Association of Equine Dentistry and the International Association of Equine Dentists. To check the certification status of a dentist, the association can be contacted directly.

To reduce the risk of harm and improper dental care being provided to your horse, it is extremely important for a horse owner to check the background of the dentist and not just assume that he/she is qualified.