As a dental student you will be educated in identifying patterns of asymmetry that are often seen in the feet and the body/posture as well as in the mouth. The story is told over and over through out the animal. Balanced equine wellness dentists will be able to assess the whole horse and truly know what would be the best course of action to take for the good of the horse. You will have direct contact with the bodywork and hoof care instructors.

ANATOMY is not taught at this class, however you will be required to have knowledge of the major muscles of the head and neck including the hyoid apparatus and its functioning. Also, an appreciation of the skull (including cranial sutures), the teeth and the temporomandibular joint, is required prior to coming to class. We recommend a review of the neurology of the head. Much of this will be discussed throughout the week.

We teach a paradigm of dentistry that focuses on restoring biomechanical function and comfort to the temporomandibular joint. For many this is an entirely new way of approaching dentistry and it may take several classes to fully understand our approach. For others, especially if they have not been doing dentistry incorrectly according to our standard, it is simple and readily achieved.

Basic outline:
1) Full understanding of the TMJ (neurology, biomechanics, acupuncture meridian convergence point, and function) and why we consider it the “Master Link” in a horses’ way of going.
2) Understanding the benefits of hand instrumentation: handling, placement and appropriate sequence of use.
3) Balancing the incisor tables to create guidance for the molars and therefore proper posture and function of the TMJ. Proper adjustment of the incisor length and angles is key to balanced mouth dentistry .
4) Understanding the positive pitch of the molar tables and how to address them as conservatively as possible to maximize surface to surface contact of the cheek teeth. (we are not advocates of power instrumentation as it often takes away too much clinical crown and can also cause thermal damage to the tooth) We use power tools only under extreme circumstances with a watchful eye.
5) Post dental techniques in soft tissue and myo-fascial releases, cranial work, stretches, acupressure or acupuncture to those qualified, pertinent homeopathy and essential oils are taught.