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BEVA clarifies equine dental care regulations
Horse dental care
All treatment and diagnostic procedures in the horse's mouth are Acts of Veterinary Surgery under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.

Many vets unaware of the techniques that equine dental technicians are permitted to carry out

BEVA has put together a new information leaflet explaining the regulations surrounding dental care and describing where recommended practice differs from the letter of the law.

The announcement of the leaflet follows a recent poll of BEVA members which indicated that more than half are unaware of the dentistry techniques that equine dental technicians (EDTs) are permitted to carry out and the levels of veterinary supervision required.

All treatment and diagnostic 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, a limited number of procedures, despite being considered Acts of Veterinary Surgery,  may be delegated safely to suitably qualified EDTs without compromising the welfare and safety of the horse.  In 2009, the RCVS listed these processes and categorised all dental procedures into three groups:

  • Category one:  Procedures that are not Acts of Veterinary Surgery
  • Category two: Procedures that are Acts of Veterinary Surgery but can be safely delegated to suitably qualified EDTs
  • Category three: Procedures that are Acts of Veterinary Surgery and cannot be safely delegated
     
Although there is no legal basis supporting non-vets performing category two procedures, the RCVS has said that there would be no public interest in prosecuting vets who collaborate with suitably qualified EDTs to perform non-invasive procedures (categories one and two).

For their own protection, BEVA recommend that all vets who deal with horses:
  • Are familiar with category one and two procedures
  • Ensure they know whether or not any EDT that they are working with is qualified to carry out category two procedures
  • Report to the VMD any instances of non-vets supplying oral sedatives or other prescription only drugs

Vicki Nicholls, chair of BEVA council’s Paraprofessional Committee and member of the British Association of Equine Dental Technicians, said: “The lack of awareness is alarming and clearly emphasises the need to make vets and equine dental technicians fully conscious of current regulations regarding equine dentistry. Non-adherence to the regulations is a serious matter and could lead to prosecution of the veterinary surgeon, EDT and/or owner.”

To download copies of the dental regulations information leaflet, visit www.beva.org.uk

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BEVA gives RVNs right to vote

News Story 1
 The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is to allow its registered veterinary nurse (RVN) members the right to vote.

RVN members will now be able to take part in key decision-making processes and stand for BEVA council.

Marie Rippingale, chair of BEVA's Nurse Committee, said: "I am very proud to be a part of BEVA.

"This change will help to empower nurses to speak up and contribute, but more importantly, it will give them an opportunity to collaborate with other members of the equine veterinary profession to bring about change that is positive for all." 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.