THE importance of equine dentistry has long been underestimated by many owners and breeders and indeed many in the equine veterinary profession. Fortunately, this trend has reversed significantly in the last decade or so, with an increasing awareness of the many dental conditions which affect our equine patients and the ways in which we can treat and manage these conditions.

One of the significant developments in the equine veterinary profession in recent years has been a much more comprehensive education in equine oral and dental pathology, both to undergraduate and postgraduate vets. Coupled with improved dental and diagnostic equipment in many practices, it is now possible to identify and treat oral problems which would previously have gone undiagnosed. Intravenous sedation, legally permitted to be performed only by veterinarians, allows a horse to be relaxed and consent to have their mouth examined in a comprehensive manner not otherwise possible.