03/07/2025
To sedate or not to sedate
The question of sedation for routine equine dental procedures is one that often sparks discussion, and for good reason. Every horse is an individual, and ensuring their safety, comfort, and welfare during dental work is always the priority.
With the advancements in modern equipment, routine equine dental care has become far more precise and thorough than ever before. Many horses are able to comfortably tolerate comprehensive dental examinations and treatment without sedation, particularly when handled by skilled and experienced practitioners. BAEDT members are highly proficient not only in their dental work but also in equine behaviour and handling, allowing them to work calmly and effectively in a wide range of situations. Our members work day in, day out with unsedated horses, where horsemanship, patience, and handling skills are fundamental to carrying out thorough and precise treatments.
It’s also important to understand that carrying out a routine dental on an unsedated horse requires a different set of skills compared to working on a sedated horse. The ability to assess, reassure, and work with a horse that is fully conscious is a testament to the horsemanship, experience, and sensitivity our members bring to their work.
That said, sedation absolutely has its place, and for some horses sedation is essential to ensure dental procedures are carried out safely and thoroughly. There are a number of reasons why horses may require sedation for dental treatments, including if the horse is in pain, if they are anxious and their behaviour. BAEDT members are able to recognise when sedation is in the horse’s best interest and will always discuss with the owner and their vet to determine the most appropriate course of action.
All BAEDT members undergo rigorous training and examinations to ensure they meet the highest standards of equine dental care. With dental mirrors, high-quality head lights, and dental picks and probes, our members can carry out detailed examinations. When issues are identified that require further investigation or referral, members hold strong working relationships with equine veterinary surgeons and dental referral specialists, ensuring your horse has access to the level of care they need.
We’re proud to have 21 veterinary surgeons among our membership who have completed the BEVA/BVDA examination, further expanding their knowledge, expertise and are dedicated to providing the highest standards of equine dental care.
Ultimately, whether a horse requires sedation should be a case-by-case decision, based on their individual temperament, comfort, and the dental work required. With BAEDT members, owners can feel confident they are in skilled, compassionate, and highly trained hands.
