About

As a horse owner, you are entitled to expect that the person you are paying to practise dentistry on your horse is properly trained, accredited, insured, regulated and represents value for money

Equine Dental Vets are:

Educated, Trained, Qualified, Experienced

A veterinarian has obtained a degree in veterinary science after undertaking a minimum of five years of study at a University. During these five years, vets study subjects including:

• Equine Anatomy & Physiology (the study of the form and function of the WHOLE horse (not just its head) and how different body systems work together physically and chemically)
• Equine Behaviour & Handling – (vets are in a unique position to be able to tell if your horse’s behaviour - e.g. whilst being ridden - is normal or potentially due to pain or discomfort. Vets are also highly trained in the correct and safe way to handle your horse to ensure you and they are safe at all times during examination and treatment)
• Pharmacology (the study of medicinesand their effect on the body. Medicines are commonly required to manage your horse’s safety and comfort during treatment (e.g. sedatives and pain relief), manage infection – a common problem in dentistry (e.g. antibiotics and anti-inflammatories) and in the rare event that an animal reacts to a drug, only vets have the knowledge and skill to manage that safely. Equine medicines can only be legally prescribed by veterinarians)
• Surgery (the treatment of disease, injuries and deformities via manual means, commonly called ‘operations’. Extraction of teeth is an example of a common surgical procedure performed in equine dentistry. Veterinarians are the only people legally allowed to undertake any form of surgery on an animal.)
• Radiography (Commonly called x-rays. Veterinarians are the only animal professionals who can legally take an x-ray and have the skills to interpret the resulting radiograph. Radiography is a fundamental diagnostic tool used in both human and animal dentistry.)
• Veterinary Dentistry In later years of the degree, veterinarians learn the fundamentals of veterinary dentistry, including specifics of equine dentistry.
  

EDVs then complete further post-graduate study purely in Equine Dentistry

In order to remain registered (link here to the section below on regulation) each year, vets are legally obliged to demonstrate that they have undertaken Continuing Education

EDVs can undertake further examination in Equine Dentistry

After a minimum of four years further study and practical experience, vets can choose to sit exams in Equine Dentistry to achieve Membership to the prestigious Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANCVS - http://www.anzcvs.org.au/info/home/)

The examinations are rigorous and the veterinarian must demonstrate a high level of interest and competence in equine dentistry. This is judged by that standard of knowledge and understanding, practical skills, attitude, methodology and communication which would make the person suitable to give professional advice to veterinary colleagues not similarly qualified on problems or procedures often encountered or used in general practice, in the relevant area of veterinary endeavour

You can recognise a member of the college as they will have MANZCVSc or MACVSc after their name.

Value for Money

There is a lot more to equine dentistry than filing sharp points. See our articles (click here) on different equine dental conditions.

An EDV can diagnose and treat manyof these equine dental conditions and for more complex conditions, an EDV has a ready network of professionals to consult and can refer you to an Equine Dental Surgeon.

Regulated

A veterinarian must practice in accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act in force in the State/Territory in which they practice.

In order to practice, a veterinarian must be registered with the Veterinary Surgeons Board (VSB) in the State/Territory in which they practice the VSB ensures veterinarians are complying with the law and can investigate potential breaches.

In order to maintain their registration with the VSB, vets must demonstrate that they have undertaken Continuing Education.

Insured

From time to time things don't go to plan when managing disease or an injury. You should inquire as to whether your service provider is insured.

The horse equivalent of a human dentist

Like veterinarians, human dentists undertake a minimum of five years of study at a University.

Who do you see for your dentistry?

Who will you trust to undertake dentistry on your horse?

Get the FACTS. Choose WISELY

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