New standards for equine dental technicians
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.
The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.
