Trident Equine Dental Conference 2025

Lucinda Stockley MRes, BSc (Hons), Adv. Cert. Equine Dentistry (Academy of Equine Dentistry, U.S.A.)

Lucinda Stockley is an equine dental anatomist and biomechanist with over 25 years of clinical and educational experience in equine dentistry and performance.

Her work focuses on the relationship between incisor alignment, mandibular symmetry, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function, exploring how oral structures influence whole-horse biomechanics, proprioception, and long-term soundness.

Incisor Malocclusions in the Equine Athlete: A Functional Review
Incisor Insights into Cranio-Vestibular Function in the Equine Athlete

Souel Maleh, German Veterinarian

IGFP Certified, IGFP examiner, Vet accretion speciality equine dentistry, Authorization vet education equine dentistry, First president IGFP from 2010 till 2020, Member of the Altano Dentistry Task Force, Deputy Managing Director of the Veterinary Competence Center & an equine dental conference presenter for 20 years!

EOTRH – an illness or a syndrome

The presentation discusses Equines Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis (EOTRH), a dental condition increasingly recognized in horses. The piece delves into the definition, clinical signs, and suggested treatments, emphasizing the complexity of the syndrome. It outlines various clinical presentations and the importance of radiological evaluations in diagnosing the condition. The presentation advocates for a subdivision in the classification of EOTRH cases to better address the treatment needs and variations in clinical signs. It also presents case studies demonstrating the potential for recovery under proper management, highlighting the significance of both clinical signs and radiographic findings when making treatment decisions.

The presentation provides a comprehensive analysis of EOTRH, emphasizing its complexity as a syndrome rather than simply an illness. It advocates for a differentiation in diagnosis and treatment, highlighting real-life case studies that demonstrate potential for recovery. Understanding the condition’s nuances, from clinical signs to treatment protocols, underscores the importance of a holistic and individualized approach in equine dental care, which ultimately enhances the welfare of affected horses

Incisor adjustment – a fashionable trend or a necessary part of dental treatment. Guidelines and science

The presentation by DVM Souel Maleh explores the nuances of incisor adjustment as a common practice in equine dental treatment. It discusses whether incisor adjustments are simply a fashionable trend or a crucial aspect of dental health for horses. It emphasizes that nearly every equine dental treatment necessitates an adjustment of the incisors, correlating this with the treatment of molar regions. Variations in feeding practices across different countries lead to differing rates of wear and malocclusion in horse teeth, which necessitates individual approaches to adjustments. The presentation also reviews scientific studies and publications related to occlusal angles, anatomical specifics of incisors, and methods of adjustment, emphasizing the importance of proper inclination to ensure joint health. Additionally, the implications of incorrect occlusion and the potential for adjustment to alleviate discomfort in horses are discussed, providing a thorough examination of the current guidelines and practices. The presentation concludes with a strong recommendation for incisor adjustment tailored to individual dietary and management conditions of horses.

The presentation underscores the critical role of incisor adjustments in equine dental care, substantiated by empirical evidence. It reveals that incisor health directly correlates with overall equine wellness, necessitating a thorough understanding of feeding practices and dental anatomy. As the knowledge base continues to evolve, equine practitioners must be diligent in applying scientific insights while considering individual horse needs. The insistence on personalized approaches, driven by research and adaptation to regional differences, reinforces the importance of incisor adjustments as fundamental to veterinary dentistry. The conversation surrounding this practice will likely continue to develop, making it imperative for professionals to engage with ongoing research and scientific literature.

Dr. Christina Fritz

EOTRH and Organic Selenium – The Missing Link?

Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis(EOTRH) remains a poorly understood condition with limited treatment options beyond extraction. However, emerging evidence points toward a systemic component behind this localized dental pathology – and organic selenium may be the missing link.

This lecture presents clinical observations and biochemical data suggesting a connection between organic selenium intake and the onset or aggravation of acute EOTRH. Organic selenium, widely used in equine feed supplements, can substitute for key amino acids like methionine and cysteine. These substitutions may lead to structural damage in connective tissues and bone-related proteins, potentially contributing to periodontal inflammation, hypercementosis, and resorptive lesions seen in EOTRH.

Drawing on field data, and insights from mineral and protein metabolism, this session highlights a novel perspective on EOTRH as a possible indicator of systemic selenium overload. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how nutrition – specifically trace element selection – may play a pivotal role in preventing or mitigating this painful condition.

Bio

Dr. Christina Fritz holds a PhD in Animal Physiology and Neurobiology from the Free University of Berlin and a Master’s degree in Biology. With a lifelong passion for horses and over two decades of hands-on equine care, she combines academic depth with practical experience in the field.

After founding her own equine therapy practice in 2006, she specialized in chronic and metabolic disorders. Her approach integrates methods such as osteopathy, craniosacral therapy, TCM, and nutritional therapy. Christina is the founder of Sanoanimal, a knowledge platform and training hub for equine nutritionists, and she has authored several books and courses on equine health. Today, her focus lies on knowledge transfer and scientific education for professionals in the equine sector. Her core interest is understanding how modern feeding practices affect equine metabolism and health – with a growing emphasis on the risks of trace element mismanagement.

Incisor guidance for optimal biomechanics and neural regulation

Practical implications for movement, balance and neural stimulation

Abstract:

Incisor guidance plays a pivotal guidance in equine biomechanics, influencing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function, postural alignment and neural regulation.

Incisor pathologies and subtle imbalances affect not only mastication, but also proprioceptive and vestibular input, balance and overall movement efficiency. This presentation explores the link between incisors, TMJ mechanics, neuromuscular pathways and postural alignment.

Bio:

Martine Groeneveld is an equine osteopath with a special focus on the intricate relationship between equine dental health and the overall well-being and optimal functioning of horses.

Soon after graduating from equine osteopathy school, she started studying equine dentistry to get a deeper understanding of how dental health impacts the body’s biomechanics and neurological pathways.

Through her studies in both osteopathy and dentistry, she realized that the incisors and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are a crucial link in achieving and maintaining overall health and optimal performance of every horse. Her aim is to gather data on the connections between the teeth, body and hooves through ongoing research.