To register for the certification examination as an Equine Dental Practitioner certified by the IGFP e.V., you must first become a member of the IGFP.
All requirements and details regarding the examination process are outlined in the official examination regulations available on our website under Statutes and Regulations.
Below is a brief overview of the examination process and key regulations.
Examination Dates
The certification exam is typically held twice a year. All non-certified IGFP members are notified by E-Mail once registration opens. Early registration is essential, as examination slots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis and tend to fill quickly. Late applicants are placed on a waiting list.
Examination Structure
The IGFP certification exam spans two days and includes both theoretical and practical components. Candidates should expect waiting periods, as each individual is given sufficient time to examine a horse and discuss findings with the examiners.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the IGFP certification examination, the candidate must:
• Be a registered member of IGFP.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Provide documented proof of three days of internship with three different IGFP-certified Equine Dental Practitioners (PDP/IGFP).
Alternatively, participation in practical IGFP workshops may be recognized in place of internship days.
In case of a failed examination:
A retake is permitted after a minimum of four months and requires:
• Proof of five additional internship days, including at least one day with a PDPP/IGFP (an examiner-level practitioner), and
• Participation in at least one full day of a guided, hands-on IGFP workshop.
Requirements
The examination consists of two parts: the theoretical examination and the practical examination.
1. Theoretical Examination
This written test assesses foundational and applied knowledge in the following areas:
- Anatomy of the equine head and gastrointestinal tract
- Vascular anatomy of the oral cavity
- Age estimation via dentition
- Dental structure and function
- Normal vs. dysfunctional masticatory biomechanics
- Dental terminology and nomenclature
- Common malocclusions and deviations in the dental arcades
- Methods of dental correction
- Basics of equine nutrition relevant to dental health
- Instrumentation and equipment knowledge
- Basics of equitation science and bit/bridle impact
- Legal framework (Animal Welfare Act, Drug Regulations, etc.)
- Equine behavior and handling
- Husbandry systems and their implications for oral and digestive health
- Basic pharmacological understanding of veterinary-administered sedation (mode of action and risks)
2. Practical Examination
a. Clinical Examination
Each candidate examines three horses drawn by lot, ideally representing three age groups:
• One horse in dental transition (e.g., under 5 years)
• One adult horse (up to approx. 15 years)
• One senior horse (over 15 years)
b. Practical Dental Treatment
From a pool of pre-selected horses, appropriate clinical cases are randomly assigned to the candidates.
Tooth extractions are currently excluded from the examination due to the ongoing legal uncertainty surrounding this procedure under the Animal Welfare Act (TSchG).
Assessment and Certification
1. The examination is considered passed if the candidate achieves at least 70% in both the theoretical and practical parts.
2. The final result is given as either “passed” or “not passed.”
3. Upon successful completion, the candidate receives an official certificate and is granted the right to use the professional title:
Equine Dental Practitioner certified by the IGFP
and to display the IGFP logo for professional and marketing purposes.
These rights are revoked upon termination of IGFP membership.
Recommendation
We strongly encourage candidates to participate in at least one hands-on workshop led by an official IGFP examiner. These workshops offer valuable practical preparation for the certification exam and help reinforce essential techniques.