Certificate of Recognition
We are providing better care for horses overall and dental challenges that we see as horses age requires an
acquired skill set. By mastering these skills, we have an opportunity to raise the standard of care for our aging patients. Elevating the standard of care is part of the mission of the EDPA.
Currently, the EDPA provides approved certification for entry-level skills as required for licensing. In addition,
the EDPA provides annual education programs as a commitment to lifelong learning; which is the obligation of every licensed professional regardless of their profession.
The EDPA is committed to providing focused and competent dental care for the horses we serve. Our older
geriatric horses require additional education, training, and experience in order to meet their needs. Therefore,
as we strive to raise the standard of care, we are required to meet those goals.
The EDPA is offering a Geriatric Certificate Recognition testing process for those members who have already
completed the EDPA Certification Testing. This testing process will require a 2-year commitment for testing
completion. At the end of the testing process, the candidate will receive a….
Certificate of Recognition in Geriatic Equine Dental Studies and Testing
You will be able to display or advertise the certificate as part of your credentials.
** NOTE: You cannot use the term “Specialist or Specializing”. That term is reserved for Board Certified
individuals by recognized specialties within the American Veterinary Medical Association
(AVMA) and subsequently reserved for veterinarians.
Payment Breakdown for EDPA Certified Members: Total fee for Geriatric Testing is $300
1. $50 Evaluation Fee; due when submitting the first set of case studies
2. $50 Evaluation Fee; due when submitting the second set of case studies
3. $200 due prior to final Testing. An invoice will be sent
Payment Breakdown for EDPA Certified Non-Members: Total fee for Geriatric Testing is $500
1. $100 Evaluation Fee; due when submitting the first set of case studies
2. $100 Evaluation Fee; due when submitting the second set of case studies
3. $300 due prior to final Testing. An invoice will be sent
To begin the Geriatric Equine Certificate of Recognition testing Online Application is Preferred IF You Can Not Apply or Submit Forms Online Please Download the Geriatric Certificate of Recognition Testing for instructions to complete the process by mail.
To begin the Certificate of Recognition testing by the EDPA, the candidate must start by completing and submitting the following with the Application:
Credential Documents (copies of):
- EDPA Certification Certificate
- License(s) held in State you work in. (if state requires)
- Continuing Education Documentation (last two years)
- Reference Letters: 2 clients and 2 Veterinarians
PRACTICAL LIVE HORSE TESTING – SET 1
- Submission of the FIRST SET of 4 Geriatric Cases of various ages starting from 20 years and up AND
with various ranges of difficulty. - Each case study MUST be submitted with the following:
a. A DETAILED dental chart with Recommendations
b. Veterinarian Evaluation Form
c. LABELED Before and After Photos
i. Incisors: Left, Central, and Right Views
ii. Intraoral: Clear Views of All Arcades!!!
1. 100 and 200 arcades together or separate
2. 300 and 400 arcades separate
d. Photos of Tooth Extractions and any pathology that you note
e. Side Picture of the entire Horse
• FLUSH ORAL CAVITY BEFORE ALL TAKING PHOTOS!
Unclear photos will be disqualified!!!
The first set of 4 cases will be reviewed by the evaluation team within 60 days.
The candidate will be notified by the Certification Director via email, if they passed or failed
PART 2- PRACTICAL LIVE HORSE TESTING -SET 2
Submission of Second Set of Case Studies Required:
The same horse will be photographically documented, charted, and Vet Evaluation Form as before, upon its
next annual evaluation/ scheduled maintenance exam.
Exception: If any of the horses in your case studies pass away before your next maintenance visit, please submit a written statement from the owner. We will only excuse 2 cases that were submitted with your first set of case studies.
Additions: If any of the horses submitted in your first case studies were referred to another clinic for further dental evaluations or procedures, IF POSSIBLE BUT NOT REQUIRED, include documentation from owner describing the diagnosis and treatment procedure.
The second set of 4 cases will be reviewed by the same evaluation team within 60 days. The candidate will be notified by the Certification Director via email if they passed or failed.
Candidates that pass will be able to move forward to the next two parts.
If you pass please signup and pay for your testing spot at least 2 weeks prior to testing.
PART 3 WRITTEN TEST
The written test will be given at the annual conference in Katy Texas. Time to be determined. Testing candidates will be given a testing number. Only the office will have the name of the testing candidate. Candidates will be notified of the testing time.
The written test will be in the form of multiple choice and true/false questions. The candidate will have 1 hour to complete the written test. Testing questions will pertain to the following information:
Anatomy and Physiology
Geriatric Aging and its markers
Recognition of Oral Pathology
Management of the geriatric mouth
Nutritional knowledge needed with geriatrics
The candidate must pass with an 80% or better score to move on to Part 4.
PART 4- SKULL CASE- BASED EXAMINATION TEST
The examination testing will take place on Sunday morning immediately following the annual October conference in Katy Texas. Candidates will be notified of the testing time. The testing candidate will be assigned a testing number.
The case-based examination will be designed to present 3 geriatric skull cases the candidate will be asked to chart the pathology, course of management, and recommendations.
Each candidate will have 30 minutes to complete each skull evaluation. For a total testing time of 90 minutes.
Candidates must pass with an 80% or better score.
**The evaluation team will NOT know the testing candidate’s name. Only the office will have the name of each candidate for the testing portions Once the testing is completed, candidates can leave.
Notification of results will be sent via email. Candidates who pass will receive their Certificates in the mail.