Overview
The configuration of this school is for the bookwork (what we call the coursework) to be online and the hands on training to be done in Florida. This is similar to the way I was trained in veterinary school. There is always a vocabulary and theory part taught in the classroom followed by the application of that information in the clinic and hospital.
The coursework is divided into 5 modules with each module split into units. After each unit there is a quiz which needs to be passed with a minimum of 80% before being allowed into the next unit. There is no time limit for the coursework and quizzes with the exception of the final exam. The final is made of 100 quiz questions picked at random by the computer with a 2 hour limit and a minimum of 80% for successful completion of the coursework. You are not considered a “graduate” but only someone who has completed the coursework.
We have come to realize that learning dentistry in horses takes a lot of time – years and thousands of horses. You must be committed to learning both horsemanship and equine dentistry. We give you all the fundamentals needed to work to become excellent at Horsemanship Dentistry. Completing the coursework will give you all the information needed to actually effectively float horses.
The “Hands-on” module (Module 6) is structured around 1 to a maximum of 4 students (1 to 2 students per instructor). The first day is a review day, the second day is observing and questioning while also learning to safely work around horses, learn the oral palpation technique and learn the etiquette of working with horse owners. The next 3 days are when you actually work on 2 horses each day. This number is low because in our experience, the student is challenged both physically and mentally. The learning curve is steep but not impossible. The goal is to give you confidence and to know what the end result should feel like inside the mouth of the horse.
The schedule for the hands on portion is being limited to twice a year. The exact dates are unknown but should probably be the January and the July months.
The certification portion of the training is a 1 to 3 day event here in FL. Graduates can elect to ride along for 2 days before the testing date just to “settle in.” Then on one day you will float 3 horses on your own with the instructor feeling the mouth before and after. The goal is for you to show us that you are confident in all aspects of working with horses and getting the job completed in a satisfactory way. You are not expected to be able to do a perfect job at Level 1 but you should be able to at least identify your weaknesses and explain how you are going to improve on them.
COVID-19 is a concern for many. In Florida we are an open state where masks are not required but are recommended in several counties (not this county. Social distancing is not possible because 1) we are in a car together and 2) we are very close in the stall. If this or any physical ailment is of concern, you should not enroll in the hands on or certification modules. If you or anyone including the instructor become ill with a fever then we will rearrange the schedule.
It is also required by all students enrolling in the hands-on training that they show proof of medical insurance and they sign a waiver stating that they recognize the dangers in working with horses. You will get cuts, scrapes and bruises. We will keep you safe because that is part of the training process. However horses are unpredictable.
Below are listed the 3 Bundles which saves money over the individually priced modules that are listed below them.
Note – all modules must be completed in order. Advancement to the next module can only be done after completing the previous module. Also note that the hands on training cannot be taken until all payments are made.
The online modules you purchase (1 through 5) are available for the life of the school.
Military discount (Thank you for your service), Veterinarians and actively enrolled vet students and Members of any official dentistry certification program. Call for a discount code before purchasing and get 25% off the bundle price!
| Bundle | Cost | Click to enroll |
|---|---|---|
| The Coursework bundle includes Modules 1 through 5 | $2497 | Enroll |
| The Graduate Bundle includes the online course plus the 5 days hands-on training | $6797 | Enroll |
| The Certification Bundle includes the coursework, the hands-on training and the certification visit at some point after you have gained confidence in your work | $7497 | Enroll |
| Individual Course Modules | Cost | Click to enroll |
|---|---|---|
| Module 1 – The Essentials of Equine Dentistry Introduction to the school and equine dentistry | $47 | Enroll |
| Module 2 – Anatomy and Terminology | $735 | Enroll |
| Module 3 – Basic and Advanced Fundamentals | $735 | Enroll |
| Module 4 – Applying Horsemanship To Equine Dentistry | $735 | Enroll |
| Module 5 – The Process, Equipment, Techniques | $735 | Enroll |
| Module 6 – Hands on training 5 days in FL (not including travel) | $4997 | Enroll |
| Module 7 – Certification – after all modules plus about 100 floats | $947 | Enroll |