Frequently Asked Questions

It may surprise you to hear that equine dentistry doesn’t focus solely on rasping teeth (and for most patients that is the straightforward part). Much the same as human dentistry concentrates on preventative care and management, an equine dental care plan must start with a thorough examination to diagnose any problems present and then carry out any treatments necessary.  It may also surprise you to know that a “diagnosis” can ONLY be made by a qualified veterinary surgeon according to the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966).

So if you can’t look, you can’t see and if you can’t see, you can’t do.

It stands to reason therefore, that the more in depth the examination, the better…which in all but the very best behaved horses means a light sedation before resting on a padded headstand to perform a thorough examination and efficient treatment. For those of our patients with painful dental conditions requiring treatment such as diastemata (gaps between the teeth where food gets stuck) you only have to imagine the discomfort of having something stuck in your own teeth for weeks to appreciate why pain relief, local anaesthetic and a light sedation is recommended. ONLY a qualified veterinary surgeon can administer treatments such as oral sedatives, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories (such as “bute”.)

V.E.T. can also work with your qualified Equine Dental Technician (for instance to perform veterinary restricted category 3 procedures see below) https://www.beva.org.uk/Portals/0/Documents/Working%20For%20Change/AlliedProfCom/Current_Regulations_on_Equine_Dental_Procedures-final.pdf 

A full list of BAEDT Members is here http://www.baedt.com/?c=543

V.E.T. works with in conjunction with your regular veterinary surgeons and has close links with practices in the area. Please note that in the event of a non dental emergency you should contact your primary care vet as V.E.T. does not provide an out of hours emergency service for non dental issues.