FEB 2011
I am back!!!
I returned this week from a month long trip to Europe. During my trip I spent time with Veterinary and non veterinary dental care providers and attended an Equine Dentistry Conference in Germany.
One of my main goals of the trip was to experience European working conditions and to see what my friends across the water were getting up to.
The first 2 1/2 weeks were spent in Holland and one of the obvious differences was evident within the first few hours of my arrival. (Temperature)
We visited some very impressive yards and I was able to meet some very interesting people. Most of the horses are kept in very large barns and most are situated within 5 -15minutes of each other. Indoor arenas were mandatory. There were large numbers of horses around and the quality was amazing. If anyone is interested in a Dutch horse I have a friend who is very well connected. She can source horses depending on a buyer’s budget and specifications. She can also put together a package to try out horses in Holland/Germany.
My next step was the IGFP conference which I needed to attend to gain my CE points.
http://www.igfp-ev.de/166-0-
Some of the topics such as “Posture and dental occlusion” and “Re-implantation of molars” were real eye openers. Some of the latest equipment on the market was on display and it was great to see the new stuff out there. I really enjoyed seeing so many old friends in one place and it was good to make some new contacts.
During the final leg of my trip I spent a week at an Equine Dental practice which specializes in oral extractions and surgical dental procedures. The horses visiting the practice are referred to the practice by veterinarians in Germany and Europe so there proved to be some very extreme and exciting cases. I was simply blown away by what took place and I found it very exciting to see how things are handled on the veterinary side of things. I can honestly say that I believe the Germans are on the front line of the dentistry scene.
I have invited several of my new and old friends to visit me over the course of this year in order for them to have the South African experience.
I do feel that I managed to achieve the trip’s goals and that I have returned home with many new ideas after my experiences. Now that I am back in the area and if there were any horses which required dentistry whilst I was away, please do let me know and I can arrange a visit.
Regards
Graeme
I would like to introduce myself and tell you a little about what I have to offer and enquire whether you would like dental care for your horses.
My name is Graeme Martin and I
practice Equine Dentistry. I am certified through the International Association
of Equine Dentistry and all work is done to international standards. I studied
in the States and have worked with and for veterinarians who have practices
limited to Equine Dentistry. Continual education is vital in this profession
and I have previously spent time over the last 3 years abroad gaining
experience and knowledge. This year I spent 2 ½ months in
I'll be travelling with a vet who specializes in equines. She has worked in South Africa and the UK at equine only practices. I may need a vet to be present for certain procedures and types of work. You can decide whether you prefer to use your own vet or the vet travelling with me to render this assistance. Our reason for visiting is dentistry but if horses require other veterinary care please let us know in advance so we can discuss the matter with your regular vet.
Together we complement each other and offer horses the highest possible standard of care available. Recently we covered 3500 kilometres and provided dental and veterinary care to horses over a period of 3 weeks. This trip also took us to some renowned horseback safari operations in the Waterberg which was a great experience.
The next trip will be between the middle of January to the middle of February 2011 and we plan to pass through your area. If you are interested please send me an email and I can let you have some information regarding dates and typical costs.
Please take a look at my website www.gmequinedental.com
Our goal is to offer affordable high quality dental care in areas where it usually would not be possible.
Regards
Graeme
Dear friends and horse owners,
I spent the last 2 and half months in
I spent time with different friends who are veterinarians and dental technicians, all of whom I have met whilst being a member of the International Association of Equine Dentistry. The goal was to have my work critiqued and to keep up with the new developments in my ever changing profession. I compare it to the situation which occurs when a person takes their driver’s license. The general rules and correct habits change to suits the driver’s particular style and preference. Thus it is vital to have one’s work assessed especially when you work alone.
I worked on 267 horses under direct veterinary supervision. Each and every horse I worked on was assessed and critiqued. Working as a team with a veterinarian, 13 molar extractions were done.
I had the opportunity of using the latest instrumentation, some of which I have purchased and brought home. The new instruments provide for fast and precise work bringing my standards to a higher level. All my records and dental charts are now done on a computer program which helps a great deal in efficiency (and keeping my writing legible)!
Feel free to contact me if your horses are due.
Regards
Graeme
