EDAA does not endorse the use of power tools for equine dentistry.

EDAA does not consider there has been a suitable tool produced that is humane to the horse. Due to the need for sedation of the animal and the heat created by work done with non water-cooled power tools, we see no proven scientific benefit and a potential for disastrous consequences the Horse. Therefore we do not condone the use of power tools for routine maintenance.

• Please refer to the articles:

  Rotary Dental Instruments and Equine Teeth
  Pamela J.G. Craig Oral Anatomy, Medicine and Surgery Unit School of Dental Science
  The University of Melbourne read: part 1 part 2
   

  S-B Power Tool Company
  Letter from Jennifer Uzumcu
  Associate Safety Engineer read article
   

  An in-vitro study of Heat Production in Equine Teeth From Power Reduction.
  Scientific Presentation Abstracts. The Eleventh Annual American College of Veterinary Surgeons Symposium October 2001, Chicago, Illinois-ML Allen, GJ Baker, DE Freeman, K Holmes, S Manfra, RD Scoggins University of Illinois, Urbana IL

  read article
   

  In-Vitro Study of Heat Production During Power Reduction of Equine Mandibular Teeth.
  ML Allen, GJ Baker, DE Freeman, KR Holmes, SM Marretta, RD Scoggins, P Constable
  Firethorn Equine Services, Lancaster, OH, USA

   read article

   

• The Unversity of Melbourne short report on temporomandibular disorder in humans prepared for the Animal welfare Action Committee
• read: part 1 part 2

It is illegal for Equine Dentists to tranquillise a horse.

There are cases when a very difficult horse requires sedation for the safety of everyone. As Equine dentists are not legally allowed to dispense these drugs and this can have insurance issues, a vet is required to work in conjunction with them to administer and monitor any tranquillisation