Biology

Western Kentucky University Agriculture students recently presented original research on equine dentistry at the renowned Internationale Gesellschaft zur Funktionsverbesserung der Pferdezahne e.V.  Kongress (IGFP), held March 21-22, 2025, in Wiesbaden, Germany. This international conference draws veterinary professionals and researchers from around the world and is also considered a premier event in the field by the Horse Dental Equipment (HDE). 

The IGFP Congress provides annual workshops, lectures, and opportunities for certification through the International Association of Equine Dentistry (IAED), offering attendees the chance to stay on the cutting edge of equine oral health care. 

Three WKU students - Remi Hensley, Lily Jones, and Savanna Arnold - were selected to present their research based on data collected from the WKU Equine Herd, housed at the WKU Agriculture Research and Education Center.

· Remi Hensley presented “The Impact of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Sensitivity on Ridden and Ground Behavior in Horses,” an investigation into how TMJ sensitivity affects equine behavior and performance.

· Lily Jones introduced the “WKU Temporomandibular Scoring System,” a structured approach to evaluating TMJ sensitivity in horses.

· Savanna Arnold shared her findings from “Resolution of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Sensitivity One Week After Equine Dental Procedures,” a study focused on how equine dental treatments impact TMJ sensitivity over time.

These students worked under the expert guidance of a multidisciplinary team of faculty and equine industry mentors. Mentorship was provided by Dr. Debbie Shoulders, DVM, Associate Clinical Animal Science Professor; Jim Koostra, MS, Koostra Equine Services; Dr. Luiz Silva, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Animal Science; and Dr. Martha M. Day, Ed.D., Professor of Science Education, SKyTeach.

“Our students not only demonstrated a high level of academic excellence but also contributed meaningful insights to the global equine dentistry community,” said Dr. Shoulders. “This experience exemplifies the type of applied learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration that defines WKU’s approach to student research.”

By showcasing their research internationally, these students helped raise WKU’s profile as a leader in agricultural and animal science education, while gaining valuable experience in professional scientific communication and networking. The students plan to continue working with their mentors to extend their research in equine dentistry.

For more information about WKU Agriculture and its equine programs, visit www.wku.edu/agriculture.