Equine Dentistry Schools and Certification
Equine dentistry is emerging as a specialty within established veterinary schools. A number of veterinary colleges offer programs focusing specifically on equine health, and may offer paths for specializing in equine dentistry. Schools offering Animal Care degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
What Is Equine Dentistry?
As an equine veterinarian, you provide all of the necessary veterinary services for horses. This includes any dental work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were about 59,700 veterinarians in 2008, and the field is expected to grow 33% by 2018. Veterinarians earned a median annual income of $82,040 as of 2010.
Where Do I Start?
You need a veterinary license to work in equine practice, which can be achieved after you earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers accreditation to 28 veterinary schools in the U.S. where you can earn a D.V.M. (www.avma.org). To enter one of these schools, you need to take one of a wide range of tests, including the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), the Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT) and the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). You also need to complete undergraduate college coursework in biology, biochemistry, zoology, microbiology, animal science or a related field. Only about one in three applicants was admitted to veterinary school in 2007, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Where I Can I Become Recognized as an Equine Dentist?
You need a very specialized skill set to work in equine dentistry. Veterinarians work in a variety of settings, including zoos and laboratories, but only a minority work in equine health. The BLS reported as of 2012 that about six percent of veterinarians in private practice work exclusively with horses (www.bls.gov).
Professionals from veterinary dentistry colleges have only recently begun to consider making equine dentistry a recognized specialty within veterinary medicine. The AVMA recognizes 40 veterinary specialties in which you can earn accredited training courses at veterinary colleges. This list of programs does not include equine dentistry, but does include both veterinary dentistry and equine health. For the time being, you can find courses focusing on this area within existing veterinary schools. Many veterinary colleges also offer equine health programs and courses.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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