BEVA Clarifies Regulations On Equine Dental Procedures
10 years ago
1572 views
Despite the plethora of information available there still appears to be confusion amongst some horse owners, veterinary surgeons and equine dental technicians (EDTs) over who can do what in a horse’s mouth. A recent poll of BEVA members indicated that more than half are unaware of the dentistry techniques that EDTs are permitted to perform and the levels of veterinary supervision required. In response, BEVA has put together a new information leaflet explaining the regulations surrounding equine dental care and describing where recommended practice differs from the letter of the law.
All diagnostic and treatment procedures in the horse’s mouth are Acts of Veterinary Surgery under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. The only exception is the manual removal of small dental overgrowths and sharp enamel points with hand instruments.
However it is acknowledged that there are a limited number of procedures that, despite being considered Acts of Veterinary Surgery, may be delegated safely to suitably qualified EDTs without compromising the horse’s welfare and safety. In 2009 the RCVS, with assistance from BEVA, BVDA and BAEDT, listed these processes and categorised all dental procedures into three groups:1572 views
Posted
20th October, 2014 22h12
- Category 1 – Procedures that are not Acts of Veterinary Surgery
- Category 2 - Procedures that are Acts of Veterinary Surgery but can be safely delegated to suitably qualified EDTs
- Category 3 - Procedures that are Acts of Veterinary Surgery and cannot be safely delegated
- Are familiar with Category 1 and Category 2 procedures (see below and http://www.beva.org.uk/_uploads/documents/current-regulations-on-equine-dental-procedures.pdf)
- Ensure they know whether or not any EDT that they are collaborating with is qualified to perform Category 2 procedures (i.e. has a “Defra approved” qualification - BEVA/BVDA or WWAED).
- Report to the VMD instances of non-vets supplying oral sedatives or other prescription only drugs.
More from
- IVC Evidensia assembles expert team to run new £10m referral hospital
- Home delivery service can increase pet health plan sign-ups by 25%
- Research reveals vital clues to help fight anthelmintic resistance
- Lifetime Achievement Award recognises Harrogate vet’s dedication to improving the health and welfare of rabbits
- Bake sale at Leicestershire vet practice for good cause