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 association.
1. Certified Equine Dental Practitioners - Is a highly trained specialist in all aspects of equine dentistry and oral care, usually certified through an equine dentistry association, graduate of an equine dentistry college, has proper instrumentation to perform all dental procedures correctly and efficiently, is up to date on continued education and current changes to the field of equine dentistry.
2. Equine Veterinarian - May or may not have acquired the specialized training needed to properly perform equine dentistry. May or may not be a graduate of an equine dentistry college in addition to veterinary college. May or may not be certified through an equine dentistry association. May or may not have proper instrumentation to correctly perform dental procedures. May or may not be up to date on continued education and current changes in the field of equine dentistry.
3. Tooth Floater - Usually an individual that has no specialized training in equine dentistry. Usually not certified through and equine dentistry associate. Usually has not graduated from an equine dentistry school. Usually not up to date on continued education or current changes in the field of equine dentistry. Usually does not have proper instrumentation.
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?
One of the main equine dentistry associations that provide the certification exams is, International Association of Equine Dentists. To check the certification status of a dentist, the association can be contacted directly. ***some equine dentists may have been certified through an association other than the IAED or the school itself***
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.