Who should work on your horse’s mouth?

Who should work on your horse’s mouth?


Keeping our horses in shape includes staying on top of their dental health. That means choosing the right dental team.

Equine veterinarians undergo years of training to examine and treat horses — including performing basic dental procedures, like floating (that’s shortening and smoothing) teeth. They’re also licensed to administer sedatives as needed.

Equine veterinarians can also perform tests if they encounter other problems during examination and dental procedures. If necessary, they can refer to a veterinary dental specialist for more involved treatment.

So-called equine lay dentists can float teeth. However, they’re not qualified to administer sedation or to perform other procedures.

All things considered, equine veterinarians and veterinary dental specialists offer the broadest array of services for horses and their owners, too.

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