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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 306
Location: Albany, Georgia | Any advice, pros, cons?? |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 886
 
Location: Where its cold and hot | I loved the school I went to and I learned a ton but it is no longer available. Laws are strict on a layman administering a sedative and in some states strict on a layperson even operating a power float as it's considered oral surgery. Do your research on your states laws and if you have a vet that will back you. I love doing dentistry, it's been very eye opening but it is not for everyone. |
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 Expert
Posts: 4121
Location: SE Louisiana | Anyone know if that school in Glens Ferry ID. is still open? That used to be a very good one.
Edited by komet. 2015-06-18 2:02 PM
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 Hugs to You
Posts: 7551
Location: In The Land of Cotton | What about the one in Texas? I do know that there is a huge need for one in your area. So, getting business should not be a problem. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 454
Location: Decatur, Texas | The Texas one is closed. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 306
Location: Albany, Georgia | He's actually going to go to the one in ID! We've heard it's the best! |
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Red Bull Agressive
Posts: 5981
Location: North Dakota | My dad's best friend has been an Equine Dentist for at least 20 years now. He's built up quite a clientel, especially at the race tracks in the Carolinas. He makes good money and has never not had some business. You definitely need to network though. I've gone and helped him before and it was very interesting. I enjoyed it. BTW-lucky you! Free dental work for your ponies! Now if I could just find a nice, single vet. |
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 Special Somebody
Posts: 3951
Location: Finally horseback again.... | As some one who has done this maybe I can give you some insight..
1. Check the laws in your state before you go and spend the exorbant amount of money to go to school. do they require licensing and certification? Most are going to these days if Dental Provders are even allowed in the state. Arkansas is one that only allows vets to float teeth. Texas and Oklahoma require licensing.
2. Do you have vet who is willing to supervise you?
That is the only way you will be able to work as a Dental Provider
3. Find a person to apprentice under before attempting a licensure test. Just because you graduate a school will not mean that you can pass a licensing exam. It takes alot of time and alot of horses to become proficient with your tools and doing exams to be able to do this. Literally, working on 500 plus to get to the point of passing in most cases.
4. be aware of what tools will cost you.
Mine were in excess of 15k for a starter set and now I probably have close to 40 k in tools.
5. Find out what kind of continuing education is required in your state. And be aware of the cost associated with that. Travel, classes, food, ect. It will be a yearly expense
6. Most people I talk to think that being an Equine Dental Provider is a easy little course and whalaaa, Im making money.. Far from it. Your expenses far exceed the gain for several years. He is best to start part time and keep a full time job until the point he builds enough business to maintain a steady income. They generally suggest 3-4 years and the courses are far from easy.
I definitely do not want to seem like a downer on the parade but when I got into this, no one told me what to expect and I wish they would.
It is by no means easy but I will tell you it is very rewarding.
I love being able to help someone and their horse to perform better, eat better and overall keep both owner and horse happy and healthy.
When I went to school , my instructor gave us this statement and it has stuck with me...
If you are here to help horses and educate the public, you can stay.
If you are here because you want to make a quick buck, LEAVE, we dont want you.
Base your business off of that and he will do fine.
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