Equine Dentistry: Safety Considerations for Practitioners

Motorized instruments and profound sedation are invaluable to the practice of equine dentistry. They do, however, present multiple safety challenges. It is essential to understand and mitigate these hazards for the welfare of veterinarians, assistants, and patients. This manuscript explains effective and safe restraint and positioning of the horse for dentistry. It also makes practical recommendations that will help protect the operator and assistants from electrocution, hearing damage, pulmonary illness, and ocular insults.