Graeme Martin
Equine Dental Services

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 encourage 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.  

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 muiltiple 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. 

IAED certification assures that your equine dental maintenance is accomplished by an individual learned and capable of producing quality results.

My work is done to international standards and I am certified through the IAED.