Equine dental technician Christine Griffin’s most essential tool is her new Enova Medical Technologies cordless headlamp. The device cost $800 and enables her to see inside a horse’s mouth better than any other lamp she’s used. "The lamp is brighter and it doesn’t get hot," she says. "You can really see so you won’t miss anything. And that’s much better for the horse." Griffin works in Ramona, Calif., with veterinarian Lisa Grim, who purchased a mobile dentistry unit from veterinarian Tom Allen of Missouri when he upgraded. The mobile unit allows horses to be treated more safely. They can be placed in stocks, which they can lean against. "They stay calmer, so you need less sedative," Griffin said. Horses are kept cleaner during procedures, as opposed to when services are performed in the stable or in the field. Exams are easier because the unit can be darkened so the veterinarian or technician can better see problems. Among the other benefits of the mobile unit are a state-of-the-art periodontal unit and a digital radiography machine. The rigs are custom-built by trailer manufacturers working with veterinary equipment companies. Turnbow Trailers is one company that works with veterinarians and dental technicians to design these mobile units. World Wide Equine offers an array of instruments and tools, including a heavy-duty RA-250 series HorsePower hand tool. Its low-profile 3/4-inch head is advantageous in reaching upper 11 buccal cusps and points in the back of the horse’s mouth. Practitioners report that they have maintained the teeth on 60 to more than 200 horses using one diamond disk, depending on the amount of tooth removed. PowerFloat offers halters supported from above to eliminate risks seen with floor head stands should a horse react negatively. Heavy-duty webbing and hardware provide durability. A rope and cleat system on the nose band allows the veterinarian to easily adjust the horse's head to a comfortable position unassisted. The horse's head can be quickly released if an emergency occurs. <HOME>
