1. INTRODUCTION
2. PRIVATE TRAINING
3. COSTS
4. BENEFITS
5. FOOD FOR THOUGHT
6. AUTHOR'S BACKGROUND

1. INTRODUCTION

There are a number of ways to learn equine dentistry.  Please be aware of this important information when making a training choice:

• Equine dentistry may be a suitable career for caring, fastidious and reputable people.  The industry needs those who base their career on methods that are sound and proven by the test of time.
• Different courses teach different methods.  Some are science based, some are not.
• Equine dental treatment is not always carried out correctly.  Often this is due to the use of bad equipment or to 'advanced' or 'over' treatment, frequently with power tools.  Owners of horses are not aware of the hazards of removing substantial amounts of dental material especially when burrs or grinders are applied without water cooling.  More information with pictures on the Main Page.
  
• Operating a dental practice requires more than just a basic knowledge of dentistry. There are ethical and business matters to be dealt with as part of the operation of a practice.
• Manual treatment equipment may appear basic but has been designed for good oral access with a minimum of stress to the horse.  Efforts by some to introduce crude power tools goes contrary to good practice and consideration of the horse.  The need to sedate a large percentage of horses must also be questioned.
• In some cases water-cooled diamond coated high speed equipment is useful to correct certain abnormalities. 
  
• Quality work is regarded highly by clients who have had the opportunity to examine the dentist's work.  However, some succumb to peer group pressure when it comes to selecting an equine dentist.
  
• Membership of most associations is not a guarantee of continuous quality control.  Clients are left to learn from bad experiences and often the horse's health suffers.

2. PRIVATE TRAINING

Training with the Australian Equine Dental Practice consists of distance education after which there is an intensive on-site teaching and training period. Much new material has been introduced since 2004. Twelve months of coaching support follows the training period.

There are two types of training:

• Postgraduate training for Veterinary Surgeons
• Certificate for persons with suitable education, knowledge and horse skills
  

The element of observation to learn procedures and techniques is very important during the on-site portion of the  training.  Dissections are done at abattoirs and business practices are also taught.  These subjects and many others allow trainees to get a fundamental grasp on the subject of equine dentistry and conduct their own business.  Upon successful completion you will receive a certificate from the Australian Equine Dental Practice.

3. COSTS

Upon acceptance of your training application, you become a Trainee of the Practice.  Following successful training you become a Certified Equine Dentist III.

The Distance Education part of the course has been enlarged by 3 weeks of lectures and 2007 fees reflect this change. Fees for CED III training are:

-an initial fee of AU $5,300 is payable 60 days before commencement of training. (Initial fee of $2,900 for veterinary Postgraduate training)
-a second fee of AU $5,300 is payable on or before the commencement date. (Second fee of $2,900 for veterinary Postgraduate training)

Potential trainees should note that a set of standard treatment equipment costs an additional AU$5,400 (a recent increase reflects the increased cost of stainless steel and manufacturing).  Allow about AU$500 for books, stationary and your printing of lecture notes.  Accommodation and meals in Melbourne can be arranged at a modest charge. ( for more course information, click here.)

4. BENEFITS

Included in the Grade III fees are:

• Theoretical and practical tuition in equine dentistry.
• Study notes for personal use.
• Certification to Grade III for successful trainees
• Support via E-mail; this supplements your study and provides assistance to your practice for 12 months.

5. FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Some of the AEDP views and observations:

• Good work practices avoid the use of drugs and tranquillizers but when they are necessary they must be administered by a veterinary surgeon.  Many 'dentists' routinely sedate many horses because of the agressive methods used.   The use of drugs other than by veterinary surgeon or under direct instruction from a veterinary surgeon is illegal in virtually every country of the world.
• Filing is a delicate matter and too much filing may cause the horse to: spill feed when trying to chew, wash out its mouth in water and excrete an excessive quantity of whole fibre and oats in the manure.  These factors have the potential to cause weight loss.
• Removing material off the molars by filing can diminish the horse's chewing ability.  For example, one tooth completely smoothened on the left and the right molar arcade such as done by some to create a bit seat, means the loss of more than 15% of the total feed grinding surface of the horse.
  
• The 'bit seat' concept is not supported by this practice as this implies the bit is seated on the teeth, where it should not be.  Proponents of this treatment will file the first bottom molar teeth down to the gumline.  This will lead to:
• Loss of essential dental material for grinding the feed (see previous paragraph)
• Encouraging the horse to clench and grind the bit at will as the bit can be easily pulled between the teeth by the rider or driver.  This can make the horse a 'puller' which who not responsive to the bit.
It is important that the bit rests in front of the first lower molars which ensures the horse will be much more responsive to the bit and therefore the rider.  Injury will be prevented and the horse will be very comfortable if the corners of these molars are moderately rounded by the dentist.

• The Australian Equine Dental Practice considers methods such as cutting any teeth with forceps unacceptable due to the risk of causing longitudinal fractures in the teeth.  Using power grinders to grind down the first molar teeth is not necessary.  Substantial grinding of teeth without application of a cooling medium may cause teeth to overheat which may result in the loss of the tooth.  The impact of burrs may cause small fractures of the teeth.  Experienced dentists can accomplish most reductions by manual filing without causing excessive discomfort or trauma to the unsedated horse.
• The cutting or grinding down of the incisors in horses with a normal molar bite is incorrect as nature itself adjusts their level provided molars are not excessively filed; exceptions are the treatment of incisor shearmouth, correction required due to absent incisors and a limited number of other conditions.

6. EDUCATOR'S BACKGROUND
If you would like to read more about the author, Peter Borgdorff, click this link: About the Author