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Standards for equine dental treatment
National Occupational Standards set for equine dentists

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and the British Association of Equine Dental Technicians (BAEDT) have set regular standards for equine dental treatment.

National Occupational Standards (NOS) for equine dental treatment will make it safer and easier for owners to source the most suitable dental treatment for their horses.

The two associations have worked alongside other organisations, including the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), British Veterinary Association (BVA), the WorldWide Association of Equine Dentistry (WWAED) and Lantra to develop the standards.

Under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA), all equine dental care currently should only be carried out by veterinary surgeons. However, the new NOS will allow equine dental technicians the freedom to work within the law under an Exemption Order.

It is hoped that the NOS will be formalised by Lantra in early 2013.

BEVA President Keith Chandler said: "After many years of working closely with the BAEDT on the continuing education and qualification of its members, we are thrilled that progress is finally being made towards an Exemption Order."

Martin Brookes, equine dental technician and member of WWAED, said: "This will be a really important step forward for responsible equine dental technicians. It will further improve the working relationships between [equine dental technicians] and vets and help to protect the welfare of the horse."

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.