The role of the equine dentist / dental technician developed in America.
Ensuring a horse’s teeth are sound is essential for both a happy horse and rider.
Given that the mouth, via the bit and bridle, in one of the main was we communicate with our horses, it is only common sense to ensure that there are no issues here.
This is also a key area to check, to ensure your horse is not in pain should you be experiencing issues with behaviour.
Training As An Equine Dentist
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is a body for qualified vets who have a specialist interest in horses.
BEVA also set out their expected relationship between qualified vets and dental technicians. You can see more here.
In recent years, DEFRA introduced the approved British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) equine dentistry exam (Level 2) to become qualified as an equine dentist in the UK.
BEVA sets the examinations for Dental Technicians and recognises BAEDT.
A full list of dentists who have passed the exam and joined the British Association of Equine Dental Technicians is listed at www.baedt.com
This qualification can be gained working alongside an experienced practitioner and later sitting the recognised BEVA/BVDA level 2 exam.
Recommended Reading
If you are interested in becoming an equine dentist, you can get a good idea if you would like to pursue this by looking at the site links above and, of course, by reading a quality publications.
Regulation
Surprisingly, there is little regulation at the moment for performing very basic tooth procedures.
There are 3 key areas or categories:
| Category 1: No Regulation | Category 1 procedures are very basic procedures that, in theory, anyone can perform. People offering these services are sometimes known as ” Raspers”. Category 1 procedures include basic examination, calculus removal and limited shaping on defined teeth and to a limited depth, using manual tools |
| Category 2: Dental Technicians Only | Only qualified Equine Dental technicians are legally allowed to perform category 2 procedures. These procedures include all items in category 1, defined extractions and the use of motorised tools. |
Qualified Vet Only | Not really a formal category, as defined by BEVA, but this relates to medical procedures only qualified veterinary surgeons are legally allowed to perform |
Further definition of prescribed procedures can be found here
If you are looking for a dentist, then membership of BAEDT is a good place to start, together with a good local reputation.
We believe that, as well as technical competence, a very calm demeanour, is essential for this type for work which can be stressful for horses.
Equine Dentists & Dentistry Sites
Richard Halls has over fifty years horse experience. He trained for dentistry under the instruction of Dr Ray Hyde at the American School of Equine Dentistry in Maryland in the United States. In 2001, he passed the BEVA / BVDA dentistry examination with distinction. The examiners were Prof Paddy Dixon, Dr Jack Easley and Prof Leon Scrutchfield the worlds leading experts in equine dentistry. Founder member of the British Association of Equine Dental Technicians. For more information go to: www.horsedentistry.co.uk
Victoria Hammond trained in Idaho at the Academy of Equine Dentistry. Victoria is also fully UK BEVA/BVDA (British Equine Veterinary Association/British Veterinary Dental Association) qualified and a member of the BAEDT (British Association of Equine Dental Technicians). Based near Chard in Somerset she covers a 30-40 mile radius of that area (Somerset, East Devon, Dorset). Victoria travels once or twice a month to the following areas: Hampshire/Surrey/Berkshire/Wiltshire/Gloucestershire/Avon. www.equinedental.co.uk
Equine Dental Services have four equine dental technicians who have all passed the rigorous BEVA examination and have many years of experience in the field. Based in Somerset, Equine Dental Services cater for a wide range of clients and horses for all disciplines. For more information: www.equinedentalservices.org
Mary Kate Humphreys Equine Dentistry Services for Horse Owners in Leicestershire, Derbyshire & The Midlands. Visit the website: www.equinedentistderbyshire.co.uk
