Equine endodontic procedures, such as pulp capping or root canal therapy, demand a high level of preparation and precision. Veterinary nurses are essential in creating a clean, efficient, and well-organised workspace that supports successful outcomes for both patient and clinician. Key

Preparation Steps:
1. Dental Unit and Handpieces
• Ensure the dental unit is fully functional, clean, and serviced.
• Check air/water supply, suction, and foot pedal operation.
• Fit sterilised slow-speed and high-speed handpieces. • Select and lay out sterile burs (round, fissure, diamond) in order of use.
2. Patient Preparation • Set up general dental equipment:
- Full-mouth speculum: clean, intact, and securely fitted
- Mouthwash syringe or flushing unit: flushed and working
- Speculum light (if available): charged or with fresh batteries
• Sedate and position the horse with the head supported comfortably.
• Thoroughly rinse the oral cavity with water or chlorhexidine to remove debris and reduce bacterial load.
3. Clean Working Area • Prepare a clean or sterile draped trolley or table.
• Arrange instruments in logical order of use.
• Use separate trays to distinguish sterile and non-sterile areas.
4. Endodontic Instruments and Materials
• Hand and rotary endodontic files
• Irrigants: sodium hypochlorite, saline, EDTA • Syringes, paper points, gauze
• Pulp capping materials: calcium hydroxide, MTA, bioceramics
• Obturating materials (if required)
• Loupes, headlamp, and dental oroscope for magnification
• Intraoperative radiography equipment
5. Restorative Materials • Acid etch, dentine conditioner
• Unfilled resin, bonding agents
• One-step bonding systems
• Light-curing unit
• Composite restorative materials - dual cured, light cured, compactible
• Other materials according to operator preference - self etching resin cement, resin modified glass ionomers, MTA or analogues 6. Support During the Procedure
• Maintain sterility and anticipate instrument needs.
• Handle irrigation, radiography, and instrument exchange smoothly.
• Assist with timekeeping, monitoring, and records.
• Use suction and/or flushing of the oral cavity to avoid material contamination of soft tissues
7. Post-Procedural Care
• Clean and flush the mouth post-op.
• Clean, lubricate (handpieces), sterilise and store all instruments and handpieces.
• Complete records and assist with recovery monitoring. A veterinary nurse’s careful preparation directly contributes to the success and professionalism of equine endodontic procedures.