Close-up of a horse's muzzle.
Horse. Photo: Lisa Chröisty

Equine Oral Health (Equine Dentist)

Page reviewed:  31/03/2025

SLU’s continuing education course in Equine Oral Health is open to veterinarians with equine practice and dentists working in equine clinics under veterinary responsibility.

About the course

The course consists of three modules (1-3) where groups of up to 24 participants gather for theoretical and practical exercises. In addition, there are practical home assignments that the participants carry out between the sub-courses and the possibility of an examination. It takes about 3 years to go straight from module 1 to examination - where after examination, you will be awarded the title of "equine dentist". 

Anatomy and physiology of the masticatory system, bite development and age changes, clinical examination of the oral cavity, normal findings and common pathological oral changes and their treatment.

X-ray, ultrasound and scintigraphy as diagnostic aids in oral cavity investigations, tumors and malformations, stomatitis, gingivitis, periodontitis and other pathological changes in the soft tissues of the oral cavity, medical treatments, sampling for bacteriology, PAD, virology, masticatory mechanics and basic principles of orthodontics. In addition, practical training on working with rotary dental instruments in equine mouths is included. Safety considerations for practitioner and patient when working with electrical instruments in a humid environment, service and maintenance of instruments. Presentation of homework assignment.

Dental caries, endodontic treatments, tooth fractures, jaw fractures, tooth extraction and tooth decay. Presentation of homework.

Examination

The examination consists of both theoretical and practical sections. The examination takes place at the earliest 1 year after completion of course 3 with an approved course certificate. For people who have obtained their knowledge of the horse's chewing system in another way, the examination is offered as below after presentation of Curriculum Vitae, Curicculum Veritas, documented knowledge corresponding to the content of the three modules. 

Those who wish to participate in the examination must submit 3 case descriptions of approximately one A4 size no later than one (1) month before the examination date. The 3 cases, which should not be the same as those presented by the participants during the modules, must be written as case reports (short history, clinical picture, diagnosis, treatment with justification of what has been done, prognosis and intended or performed follow-up) and not be pure journal extracts. Access to the theoretical examination is only offered after the case reports have been approved.

Questions in flipchart exam form based on the content of the 3 different modules. Writing time is 120 minutes. 

LUNCH BREAK

To be admitted to the practical part, a passing grade in the theoretical part is required.

Part 2 and Part 3 consists of two parts: 

  • Practical tasks on fresh preparations with diagnoses related to the 3 modules (40 minutes).
  • Three dry preparations with simulated oral cavity changes. Assessment of clinical diagnosis and prognosis, propose treatment and give suggestions for follow-up (40 minutes).
See list of Equine Dentists (in Swedish) (PDF)

Register for the course

Facts

To pass the examination, 70% of the questions must be correctly answered and approximately 70% of the practical tests must be correctly performed/answered. The grading scale is fail (1) and pass (2).

During the examination, an independent supervisor appointed by SVS is invited to attend both the theoretical and the practical part of the examination.

The results of the examination are reported on the same day as the examination.

Examination of persons who have not completed the courses at SLU will be charged **** SEK.

Examiner: Ove Wattle

Examining teacher: Torbjörn Lundström