EqDT is the abbreviation for equine dental technician. I chose to become an EqDT when I researched school curriculums and found that not much if anything specifically about "equine" dentistry is taught through those programs, but outside classes or labs are available to learn that speciality.
Most of the focus is on small companion animal dentistry such as dogs and cats. But equine teeth are hypsodont teeth that continue to erupt (grow) throughout their lifetime and their maintenance is very different from small animals. You don't clean horses teeth like you do a dog or cat and you don't maintain a dog or cats teeth like you do those of a horse.
I wanted to focus on horses. I spent years (more years that I want to admit) in health insurance marketing and consulting and I needed a change. I finally felt I could change occupations to work with horses like I had dreamed of for years.
So I chose to start my education with the specialty classes and labs that focus specifically on equine dentistry and have added to my overall equine medical knowledge by completing the certification program through the AAEVT (American Association of Equine Vet Techs - a sister organization to the AAEP), received my international equine dentistry certification, an intense testing process, through the IAED (International Association of Equine Dentistry) and am currently completing the alternate route to become a Registered Veterinary Technician. Additionally I attend annual conferences offered by the IAED and AAEP to broaden my depth and overall knowledge. I take my education very seriously.
I have the utmost respect veterinarians and many vets admittedly know the basic "floating" a horses teeth with power tools but they prefer to specialize in other areas like reproduction, lameness, acupuncture, etc. It's understandable when they focus on their time and resources on those specialty areas, that they don't also have the time to dedicate to learning every aspect of equine dentistry too.
That's where I come in. My education specialty and experience is as an equine dental technician which allows me to spend my time and resources on the most current education and equipment needed for more advanced and complete dentistry. Much like your dentist uses a technician to provide much of the services they recommend.
Times are changing and with the shortage of veterinarians nationwide technicians are becoming an intregal part of your horses overall health care. Much like chiropractors, equine massage therapists, and other practitioners. A good team with a variety of practitioners has become the norm in horse care.
As a technician I work with veterinarins in the manner that each states laws require.
I can work with individuals/ranches or barns through your vet or if you are a veterinarian/clinic and want the assistance of a skilled and knowledgable EqDT. I am mobile and can work nationwide depending on the workload.
I hope you find this site informative and welcome you to contact me with any questions you may have I can be reached at 760-703-4860 or christine@WhyFloatTeeth.com .
Certified by the International Association of Equine Dentistry www.iaedonline.com
Completed the Certification program - American Association of Equine Vet Techs www.aaevt.org
and currently completing the requirements for my RVT.
Member of NAVTA and CaRVTA
What is involved in Complete Dentistry - not just a Float?
I think people are realizing the importance of dentistry for all ages of horses and mules. When you compare the cost of complete dentistry for your horse compared to your dog or cat, it is far more affordable. According to the vets I work with, complete equine dentistry averages around $225-$300, which compared to a dog or cat that runs between $500-$1000, is substantially cheaper.
What should be included in a complete dentistry appointment (in CA a vet on-site, in AZ under the direction of a vet and other states vary):
- General exam including heart rate, respirations and temperature,
- sedation
- complete oral examination with a head lamp or other source of bright light so you can see inside
the mouth easily,
- explanation of what work needs to be done,
- correction of mal-occlusions (ramps, waves, hooks, etc.)
- removal of the sharp enamel points (float),
- correction of incisor mal-occlusions,
- remove tarter/calculus from the teeth,
- reversal of sedation,
- bute to help with any minor pain from the dentistry,
- and complete dental chart showing the work completed.
The owner should look before the work and after the work so they can see and feel the difference for themselves.
If additional work, like extraction of wolf teeth, deciduous caps, fractured or abscessed teeth, cavity filling, etc. there are usually additional charges.
A study showed that regular dental maintenance can save 10-15% on your feed bill. Vets I work with have told me that the regular dentistry has reduced colics in their clients horses almost completely. I am not aware of a scientific study, just what they have observed.
With good dental care through out a horses lifetime, a healthy horse can live into their 20's, some even into their 40s. As medical technology cures many illnesses that shortened a horses life, horses are living longer than ever before. For that reason you need to be sure your horses teeth will last throughout their lifetime.
If you have any questions we may be able to help answer please don't hesitate to send an email.
Christine Griffin
Certified by the International Association of Equine Dentistry (IAEDonline)
Certification completed in the American Association of Equine Vet Techs (AAEVT)
760.703.4860
Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian and nothing on this web-site is to be construed that I practice veterinary medicine. Pictures on this web-site were taken during services provided with the appropriate veterinary supervison.
