In South Africa a wide variety of people (from very inexperienced people with minimal training to highly trained and experienced people) perform equine dental procedures.
This article is not to advise you to contact only a certain type of EDT but rather to help you as an owner to be aware of the standard of work your horse is receiving.
It is difficult for owners to know what dentistry they are receiving. Not many owners have ever looked into their horse’s mouth or compared the appearance of the horse’s mouth before and after dental work. Incorrect dentistry is a waste of time and money. Dentistry done incorrectly can negatively affect a horses health and may even be life threatening. Whom do you trust and believe?
Many veterinarians have heavy caseloads and this has led to the development of this profession. Many are very happy for proficient EDT's to carry out dental work. I feel in order to gain the best results an EDT needs to work alongside a veterinarian.
EDT’s gain knowledge in various ways and achieve different levels of expertise. Some do an apprenticeship, some travel aboard to attend a short course and receive a certificate of attendance, and others sit for internationally recognized examinations after participating in extensive training .
An internationally certified and recognized EDT (through the International Association of Equine Dentistry [IAED www.iaedonline.com]) gives your horse treatment of an internationally recognized standard. These EDT’s have spent a large amount of time and money becoming highly qualified and skilled. Their equipment is similar to that of a human’s dentist in both structure and price.The IAED is not a school or training institution but an association which sets the goals for the achievement of a high standard of work. In order for an EDT to practice in certain states in the United States of America IAED certification is a requirement. The IAED is also recognized in the UK, in Europe and other countries throughout the world. The IAED is the oldest and largest Equine Dental association in the world and membership consists of veterinarians and non-veterinary dental technicians from twenty four different countries. Certified members are required to attend conferences in order to retain their qualification and keep up to date with new advances in dentistry. The IAED has 10 South African members and of these only five are recognized by the IAED as being qualified.
Recently a South African Association of Equine Dental Technicians was established. Formalities of establishing such a association are currently being worked on. The ultimate goal is to increase the standard of practice offered to horses and to increase awareness amongst owners.
So now I bet you are thinking whom do I use?
Well that is up to you to make the judgment!
Put yourself in your horse’s shoes.
So you have had your horse's teeth worked on, but you are not really sure what was actually done or why it was necessary.
However, you do know how much it costs!
Follow this link for the answer to your question.
Education Videos About Equine Dentistry Making It
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