04/07/2025
One of the questions I hear all the time is: “Can you really do a full, thorough dental check and treatment without sedation?”
And the answer is — yes, absolutely! It takes a lot of training and a calm, patient approach, but it’s absolutely possible to reach the back of the mouth, check every detail and pick up on small pathologies without sedation for many horses.
Of course, there are always exceptions. Some horses simply can’t cope — sometimes because of past trauma, discomfort, or they just don’t like the process — and that’s when sedation is absolutely the kindest and safest option for everyone involved. There’s no shame in that at all. Just like some people hate the dentist’s chair (I’m one of those people!) some horses do too!
When more advanced issues are found, things beyond normal sharp points or minor overgrowths, these often do need sedation to get a closer look (sometimes with an in-mouth camera) or to carry out more complex treatment. That’s where your vet or a specialist dental surgeon steps in and we work closely together to get your horse the best possible care.
For us personally, we love working with all kinds of horses — every single one is an individual with their own beautiful personalities! We spend the majority of our time working on unsedated horses because, with the right horse and a patient, calm approach, it works brilliantly for most.
However, we will always do what’s best for the horse.
Our priority is that everyone — me, us, the horse, and the handlers — stay calm, safe and comfortable. No two horses are the same, so no two appointments are ever exactly the same either.
✨ Calmness, skill and kindness go a long way in this job.
✨ Sedation is never a failure — it’s a tool we use when needed.
✨ Every horse is treated as an individual. Always.
Here’s to skilled horsemanship, happy horses and healthy smiles! 🐴💙
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.
