Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 23rd January 2013
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
New standards for equine dental technicians
Tooth care standards to come into force next month

New standards coming into force in February aim to transfer some tooth care from the vet to equine dental technicians (EDTs).

Currently all dental work except basic tooth rasping should only be carried out by vets according to the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. In reality however, EDTs undertake a large amount of dental work with the agreement of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA).

The new standards will help horse owners decide who to contact in order to care for their horses' teeth. Gemma Lilly, chairman of the British Association of Equine Dental Technicians (BAEDT) said: "It's good news for EDTs, owners and horses."

The national occupation standards have been drawn up with training organisation Lantra, and will clarify those procedures that can be carried out by a qualified EDT, and those that must be carried out only by a vet. The standards will also define the qualifications required by EDTs.

BEVA president Keith Chandler said: “There is a misconception that vets want to stop dental technicians from undertaking tooth care, but this could not be further from the truth.

“We and the British Association of Equine Dental Technicians [BAEDT] have been working for a number of years with Defra to create an exemption from the Act for suitably qualified EDTs.”

Mr Chandler concluded that he believes the exemption will be achieved within two years.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."