How to Approach Field Studies on Dentistry from General Practice

Within the modern era of equine dentistry the vast majority of the published literature is made up from cases presented to referral institutes. The ‘science of equine dentistry’ has improved markedly with studies detailing both the basic anatomical characterisation of equine teeth and the physiology of mastication being performed. This increased anatomical knowledge has led to more sophisticated and detailed oral examination techniques being performed; with an oral examination involving a light source and a dental mirror slowly becoming the most accepted technique. Dental charts are becoming more detailed with most now allowing recording of occlusal pathology with some practitioners embracing modern technology with electronic recording onto a dental chart on a tablet. This enables easy archiving of charts, review of previous charts and dissemination of these to owners and other veterinary surgeons via email.

Although the majority of studies have come from single referral institutes, involving relatively small numbers, treatment techniques have been developed for many dental conditions. Many of these treatments were originally only performed in referral institutes, but some are now in widespread use in first opinion practice. Examples of this include treatment of periodontal disease and treatment of fractured and apically infected teeth. [...]