What You’ll Learn
Premier Equine Dental Institute »Students at Premier Equine Dental Institute gain hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge in a range of critical skills essential to practicing equine dentistry professionally and ethically.
What You’ll Learn
Premier Equine Dental Institute »Students at Premier Equine Dental Institute gain hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge in a range of critical skills essential to practicing equine dentistry professionally and ethically.
Equine Dental Anatomy
Students begin by mastering the fundamentals of equine oral anatomy, including the structure and function of the teeth, jaw, and surrounding tissues.
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Understanding normal vs. abnormal dental development is crucial for identifying issues such as malocclusions, sharp enamel points, wave mouth, and other dental pathologies.
Sedation Protocols
Understand when and how sedation may be used (where permitted) to ensure the safety of both the horse and practitioner during dental procedures.
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This includes understanding pharmacology, dosage calculation, safety protocols, and monitoring the horse’s response during the procedure to ensure a stress-free and humane experience.
Floating Techniques
Floating—the process of smoothing and balancing a horse’s teeth is one of the core skills taught in our program.
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Students learn to safely and effectively use different tools and perform thorough oral exams and apply different floating techniques tailored to each horse’s needs, all while prioritizing comfort and precision.
Client Communication
Professionalism extends beyond clinical skills, which is why we emphasize strong client communication.
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Students are trained to explain procedures clearly, educate horse owners about preventive dental care, build trust, and handle concerns with confidence and compassion.
IAED Certification Requirements
At Premier Equine Dental Institute, we are committed to preparing our students for professional excellence and long-term career success. For those seeking to elevate their credentials, the International Association of Equine Dentistry (IAED) offers a respected certification that reflects a high standard of skill, knowledge, and ethical practice in the field of equine dentistry.
What It Takes to Become IAED Certified
Formal Education
Candidates must complete a minimum of 240 hours of equine dental training from a qualified educational program. Licensed veterinarians may qualify with a reduced threshold of 80 hours, given their existing clinical background.
IAED Membership & Recommendation
Applicants must be members in good standing with the IAED and obtain a recommendation from a current Certified Member. This peer review helps maintain the integrity of the certification process and ensures that each candidate is prepared for professional practice.
Written Examination
Candidates must pass a rigorous written exam covering dental anatomy, physiology, pathology, instrumentation, safety protocols, and procedural standards. A minimum score of 80% is required.
Practical Examination
Hands-on proficiency is assessed through a practical exam administered by two IAED evaluators. Candidates must demonstrate correct techniques and sound judgment while performing procedures on a designated test horse, again scoring 80% or higher.
Continuing Education
IAED-certified professionals are required to complete at least 24 hours of continuing education every two years. This ensures that practitioners stay current with evolving best practices and innovations in equine dental care.
Preparing for Certification at Premier Equine Dental Institute
Whether you’re starting your equine dentistry career or advancing your professional credentials, Premier Equine Dental Institute equips you with the foundation to succeed.
Welcome, First-Time Students
Your Path to Certification
To meet the 240-hour education requirement for certification through the International Association of Equine Dentistry (IAED), first-time students must attend three instructional sessions in sequential order:
- First Class – $5,500
- Second Class – $3,650
- Third Class – $2,650
- Optional Anatomy Class – $1,200: A deep understanding of equine oral anatomy is essential for effective dental work. We offer a specialized Anatomy Class, taught by our experienced instructor Shauna, to help students build this critical knowledge base. This class is offered every other session and is strongly recommended for those seeking IAED certification or pursuing equine dentistry as a career.
- Weekend Training Opportunities: In addition to the core Monday–Friday instruction, weekends are open for additional practice and one-on-one instruction. This optional training time is ideal for students who want to gain extra hands-on experience, ask questions in a smaller group setting, or refine specific techniques with instructor guidance.
- Supportive, Hands-On Learning: From day one, you’ll be immersed in practical learning. Our curriculum covers the fundamentals of equine dentistry, including safety, anatomy, proper floating techniques, and instrumentation usage—all taught with live horses under expert supervision. Whether you’re starting with zero experience or transitioning from another part of the equine world, we meet you where you are and help you grow with confidence.
At Premier Equine Dental Institute, you’re not just a student—you’re part of a learning community that values professionalism, respect for the horse, and a passion for excellence.
Contact Us to Build Your Foundation in Equine Dentistry.
