A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program usually takes four years to complete, with the first three years covering general veterinary science and the final year consisting of a specialization. Students can choose to specialize in equine care dentistry, where they learn about equine science and maintaining healthy teeth in horses.
10 Schools with Equine Dentistry Programs
The following 10 schools are among those in U.S. that offer equine or large animal care specializations. All programs are at the doctoral level.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Tuition (2016-2017, in-state)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University | Columbus, OH | 4-year, Public | $31,148 |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 4-year, Public | $28,787 |
| Texas A & M University | College Station, TX | 4-year, Public | $24,842 |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing, MI | 4-year, Public | $29,804 |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | 4-year, Public | $26,768 |
| University of Wisconsin - Madison | Madison, WI | 4-year, Public | $22,762 |
| VT-MD College of Veterinary Medicine | Blacksburg, VA | 4-year, Public | $23,617 (years 1-3) |
| University of Georgia | Athens, GA | 4-year, Public | $19,010 |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Raleigh, NC | 4-year, Public | $18,516 |
| Oklahoma State University | Stillwater, OK | 4-year, Public | $20,780 |
*Source: School websites
School Selection Criteria
Consider the following when looking for equine dentistry schools:
- Some programs may have greater focus on horses, while others might consider a broader range of animals.
- Look for programs whose equine science clerkships place vet students at medical centers or clinics that focus on varying aspects of the health and diseases of horses and ponies.
- Prospective equine dentistry students should consider the types of clinical experiences offered in the clinical components of the program.
- Students should look at faculty members and select a program that can offer instruction from skilled professionals in the field of equine dentistry.
Becoming an equine dentist starts by choosing a university that offers a DVM degree program. As you progress through the program, you will gain both classroom and hands-on instruction in veterinary medicine and, eventually, specialize in equine dentistry.
