How To Become An Equine Dentist In South Africa

An equine dentist is a veterinarian who specializes in the oral health of horses. They use specialized tools to conduct procedures such as floating, bit seat creation, incisor realignment, wave and hook correction and tooth extraction.

What qualifications do you need to be a horse dentist?

Qualifications and Salary There is a 3-year degree course available that covers the theory side of horse dentistry. Although there are apparently no legal qualifications required, at present, regular work with an experienced equine dentist is recommended in addition to the degree course.

What is a horse dentist called?

Equine dental technicians (also known colloquially as equine dentists, although this is not reflective of their official title) are veterinary paraprofessionals who specialize in routine dental work on horses, especially procedures such as rasping the sharp edges of teeth, also known as ‘floating’.

Should horses teeth be cleaned?

A horse, just like a human, needs to have his teeth checked by a professional, either a veterinarian or an equine dentist, once a year, even every 6 months when the horse is younger because it will be losing baby teeth. Cleaning horse teeth is something that can be done, but is not necessary.

Below are steps to Become An Equine Dentist In South Africa

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree. Those interested in becoming equine dentists need to first earn bachelor’s degrees.

Step 2: Complete a Doctoral Program.

Step 3: Test for Licensure.

Step 4: Acquire Specialized Training.

Step 5: Obtain Certification.

The OVAH is the only veterinary hospital is South Africa where veterinary specialists of so many different disciplines practice under one roof. Our scope of services is very broad and includes:

Medical and surgical oncology for dogs and cats

Critical care (including ventilation) for dogs and cats

Tracheal stenting in small breed dogs

Total hip replacement and other implant-driven orthopaedic procedures for dogs and cats

Dentistry, all species (including specialised maxillofacial reconstructive surgery)

Ophthalmology, all species

Horses, medical and surgical colic management

Horses, standing tie-backs

How long does it take to be an equine dentist In South Africa?

To become a board-certified equine dentist, you’ll need to complete a 3- to 4-year residency program in an South African Veterinary Medical Association-recognized dentistry program.

What skills do equine dentists need?

Skills Required

Equine dentistry, whether performed by veterinarians or technicians, requires compassion and a love and understanding of horses. Excellent communications skills are needed to explain procedures and their risks and possible outcomes to a horse’s owners and trainer.

Is an equine dentist a vet?

But as demand increases, their practice has now put them directly at odds with licensed veterinarians who believe equine dentistry is fundamentally veterinary in nature, and therefore, in the best interest of horses’ welfare, should only be performed by an actual veterinarian.

What is the highest paying equine jobs?

Top Paying Equine Careers

Farrier.

Equine Veterinarian.

Equine Pharmaceutical Sales Representative.

Equine Dental Technician.

Mounted Police Officer.

Feed or Product Sales Representative.

Equine Insurance Agent.

How much does it cost to get a horse’s teeth floated In South Africa ?

The average horse teeth floating costs between R 1171876.77. The cost will vary based on your location and the type of veterinarian you hire. Most vets will charge a first-time float fee and travel fees. If your horse requires extractions it could add R 292.24-R1168.95 and sedation fees are usually R146.12-R438.36.

What do you call a horse dentist?

Equine dental technicians (also known colloquially as equine dentists, although this is not reflective of their official title) are veterinary paraprofessionals who specialize in routine dental work on horses, especially procedures such as rasping the sharp edges of teeth, also known as ‘floating’.

Can an equine dentist give sedation?

Often when a horse has dental work done, he is sedated before the procedure begins, whether hand floats or power tools are used. This drug also offers sedation, but stabilizes the horse while he stands.

Do wild horses need their teeth floated?

Wild horses don’t need their teeth floated because their diet incorporates more forage and minerals that accomplish the grinding naturally. Domestic horse diets are more based in grain, which is chewed and processed by teeth differently than grass.