Equine dentistry within Ireland has evolved enormously over the last 15 to 20 years. The dental health of equines has long been recognised as playing an important role in the health and well-being of horses. Regular dental visits are now part of horses’ health schedule, along with veterinary, farriery and physical therapies.

Most performance and leisure horses nowadays are checked by their dentist on a regular basis, varying from six to 12 month intervals between visits, depending on the patient’s dental needs. Even shorter periods between visits are sometimes necessary, where animals may have issues that require close attention.

The Equine Dental Association of Ireland (EDAI) was formed in 2007. Equine dentists in practice in Ireland have trained in establishments worldwide - America, Britain, Australia and New Zealand. The EDAI gives a platform for these dentists to come together and share their knowledge, as well as staying abreast of the current developments in the field of equine dentistry.

The Association is not a school and does not train equine dentists. Its members have trained worldwide in recognised schools and apprenticeships to gain their experience. As part of the application process, charted dental procedures must be submitted. There is a symbiotic relationship between members, as the EDAI  aims to promote the highest standards of equine dentistry through the conveyance of knowledge between members and the hosting of Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

Current members are obliged to fulfill a set number of CPD hours, through attending practical and theory training days, as well as contributing to the development of the equine dental profession as a whole. One of the more recent CPD days was held at the ISPCA’s Victor Dowling Equine Rescue Centre in Mallow, Co Cork, where the horses benefited from treatments carried out by EDAI members. Members are expected to adhere to the EDAI’s code of conduct and standard of practice, where the health and well-being of the horse is of paramount importance.

Since its inception, the EDAI has been liaising with the Department of Agriculture in regards to the equine paraprofessional act in relation to equine dentistry. Members of the EDAI have a very good working relationship with the veterinary community and indeed the equine community as a whole.

Members work within the remit of the Animal Remedies Act and the pending Veterinary Practice Act 2005 (procedures carried out by Animal Health Professionals) Regulations 2014. As dentists are not permitted to carry or admininster sedation, should an equine need to be sedated for a procedure to be carried out, the client’s veterinary surgeon is contacted to sedate the animal.

Should any practicing dentists like to find out more about the Association, they can contact Mick Dillon, EDAI chairman (087)2477633, Brian Coonan, EDAI PRO (087)2533793, EDAI Registrar Adrian Sutherland (086)2585082.