02/21/2026
A little perspective from my view point and experience.
When Pride Gets in the Way of Progress in Equine Dentistry
I truly appreciate honesty and a genuine concern for the horse’s best interests. Throughout my career in equine dentistry, I’ve been blessed to work with some incredibly thoughtful and logical veterinary professionals. I entered this profession before the competitive attitudes that sometimes exist today, and I’m grateful for the people who shaped my early years.
My journey began in my hometown equine clinic, where I assisted three veterinarians with every dentistry procedure they performed for seven years. Those years were invaluable. I learned the hands-on skills, but I also learned how important teamwork and communication are when caring for horses.
One of the veterinarians I worked with had a true passion for dentistry. He traveled frequently to learn from both lay dentists and veterinary practitioners. He was always searching for better knowledge and better techniques. His enthusiasm encouraged me to pursue dentistry more seriously by getting formal training and continuing my apprenticeship.
We were both excited about the future. Our clinic had the potential to build a dentistry program based on the most up-to-date knowledge available, and we shared the same goal: doing the best possible work for our clients and their horses.
However, I quickly learned that pride and money can sometimes change even the best intentions.
When I returned from school, I was energized and excited to share what I had learned through a wonderful dentistry program. I truly believed the new knowledge could help strengthen our clinic and improve the care we provided.
Instead, I ran into an unexpected wall.
A veterinarian I had worked alongside for years became very guarded. She didn’t want me looking in the mouths of the horses she was treating and found ways to keep me from assisting. Opportunities I once had were suddenly gone, and my attempts to help were often dismissed.
Thankfully, the senior veterinarian continued to be supportive and encouraged me to stay, even though it was clear there was resistance on the other side. Still, it was heartbreaking. My only desire was to come back and help the people I respected so much.
I felt confused and hurt. I had put so much effort into learning and improving my skills because I believed it would benefit the clinic and the horses we served. Instead, I was facing what felt like a wall built from pride and insecurity.
I kept asking myself a simple question:
Why couldn’t we accept help and work together for the good of our clients and their horses?
Even though no one said it directly, I began to understand that I was being viewed as a threat within the clinic.
Eventually, I made the difficult decision to give my notice and move on. Going out on my own was never my intention. I had always believed in working alongside veterinarians as part of a team.
What happened next, however, changed everything.
As I began working with other veterinarians, I realized that many well-intentioned professionals simply had not been exposed to advanced dentistry techniques. Instead of judging them, I saw an opportunity. I was eager to share what I had learned with anyone who was open to improving their approach and providing better care through teamwork.
It’s true that when one door closes, another opens.
After working behind a couple of veterinarians whose cases showed clear signs that help was needed, I contacted them. I explained what I had observed in the horses’ mouths and shared my perspective. To my relief, they were open to the conversation. There were no pride issues. They genuinely wanted to know what they could do differently and how they could improve.
From that point forward, we began working together.
Our clients benefited, but more importantly, their horses did. Horses that had been struggling were finally receiving thoughtful, thorough dental care. That experience reinforced something I’ve always believed: when professionals set aside pride and focus on learning from each other, everyone wins—especially the animals depending on us.
