Choosing an Equine Dentistry Provider: The Basic Facts
Animal owners are interested in doing what is best for their animals - including providing the best medical care. More and more it is becoming clear that good dental health is one of the key elements to good overall health. Unfortunately, determining who should provide dental services has become very confusing. As is true when choosing anyone to provide medical services, it is important to understand the qualifications of the individuals who are providing dental services to your equine companions. TVMA is providing the following information to assist the public in understanding the difference between the care provided by a licensed veterinarian and an equine dental technician (a lay person).
Licensed Veterinarian |
Equine Dental Technician (EDT) |
|
|---|---|---|
Education Requirements |
High School Graduate College Graduate (4 years) Veterinary School Graduate (4 years) |
None |
| Licensure Requirements | Take and pass North American Veterinary Licensing Examination and Texas Licensing Examination |
None |
| Annual Continuing Education Requirements | Minimum of 17 hours |
None |
| Regulated By | State of Texas - Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners | None |
| Sedation | Veterinarians are licensed to administer both prescription and controlled drugs to animals before performing dentistry - a necessity in most cases. | It is illegal for EDTs to administer either prescription or controlled drugs to another person's animal. |
| Prescription Drugs | Veterinarians are licensed to prescribe and administer prescription drugs, such as antibiotics, to an animal. These drugs are often critical to an animal's recovery. | It is illegal for EDTs to administer or prescribe prescription drugs, including antibiotics, to another person's animal. |
| Complaint Process | File complaint (free) with Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners; Board investigates; violators are punished by Board | None |
