Could your tools be costing you more than you realise?
Could your dental tools be costing you more than you realise?
Motorised instruments can make equine dentistry safer, faster and better. But poor technique, maintenance and infection control can also damage patients, equipment — and veterinarians.
I recently joined three international equine dental specialists for a fascinating 2.5-hour VetPD discussion about what we've learned — including some things I think every equine practice should reconsider.
MOTORISED TOOLS IN EQUINE DENTISTRY Benefits, Best Practice & What We’ve Learned
Featuring:
Dr Naomi Chiero – USA Dr Sam Hole – UK Dr Rob Pascoe – UK Dr Oliver Liyou – Australia
One thing I’d particularly like our profession to think about…
Over the years, I’ve seen far too many motorised dental instruments that are dirty, poorly maintained or potentially capable of spreading bacteria and viruses between horses.
And there’s another patient we sometimes forget about:
YOU.
After years — or decades — of equine dentistry, what are the effects on your:
Hearing? Lungs? Eyes? Hands? Back? Neck? Knees? Shoulders? Wrists?
How can we perform excellent dentistry today without unnecessarily damaging our bodies for tomorrow?
These are conversations I believe our profession needs to have.
Make it a team night
Rather than watching this one by yourself, I’d suggest doing something different.
Order some pizzas. Grab a few beers or drinks. Put it on the big screen and watch it with your veterinary team.
You have around 6–8 weeks to watch the replay, so use it as an opportunity to ask:
What are we already doing well — and what could we do better?
Take notes. Look at your current protocols. Examine how your equipment is cleaned and maintained. Think about infection control, instrument longevity, technique and workplace health.
If the discussion helps your practice make even two or three permanent improvements, the 2.5 hours will have been well spent.
I guarantee it will pay for itself 10 x's over in time and repair costs saved, let alone reputational damage you may be ignoring?
And if it raises questions…
Send them to me at oliver@evds.net.au.
If I know the answer, I’ll happily help.
And if I don't, I can put the question to Naomi, Sam or Rob and see what our panel can come up with.
That’s how we all get better.
SAVE 10%
VetPD has kindly provided the EVDS community with a 10% discount.
Use voucher code: 10PD470
when registering for the on-demand panel.
Better dentistry. Better equipment care. Better infection control. Longer careers.
Because ultimately, motorised dentistry isn't simply about which tool you buy.
It’s about understanding how, why and when you use it — and how you look after the horse, the equipment and yourself while doing it.
I hope you and your team enjoy the discussion.
Oliver Dr Oliver Liyou BVSc (Hons), MANZCVS Equine Veterinary & Dental Services
Because horses need doctors too!
160 Old Lilypool Rd, South Grafton, NSW, Australia, 2460
+61 266 424 700
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