Legal or not? Equine Dentists?

[Marty]

I cannot seem to get a straight answer anywhere!

Are equine dentists legal if they are not a licensed vet?

 

[MountainViewMiniatures]

Hi Marty

I believe it varies by state - I know in some states an equine dentist not only doesn't have to be a vet but they don't even need certification or any training can just hang out a shingle so to speak

 

[dgrminis]

Marty

I am not positive but I did a google search and I couldnt find anything that said they have to be a vet -- I found alot of sites that offer courses on becoming an equine dentist and I didnt see prerequisites (sp?) for any of them..

Here is a link that popped up several times in my search http://www.ehow.com/how_4450569_become-equine-dentist.html

Interesting for sure...

Good luck getting a straight answer

 

[Minimor]

Here they don't have to be a vet--they can work on their own IF they don't administer any drugs, sedatives for instance. If they are going to administer a sedative then they are supposed to have a vet also in attendance and the vet is the one to give the drugs. I think that is the same in many other places--not sure all.

I know there is one fellow around here that works on his own and does give sedatives; as I understand it from a friend who has used his services he does work "in association" with a vet friend of his--the vet is in charge of the drugs only to the point of supplying the dentist. he is not in attendance when the dentist is working on the horse. I'm not sure that would "count" if something went wrong with the effects of the sedative and the horse were to die. What vet is going to want to take the responsibility for a dose of drug that he didn't administer--a drug that he didn't even witness being administered? I honestly don't think that one would be hold up in court if someone chose to sue the dentist for practicing veterinary medicine without a license--I suspect the vet would get his fingers slapped for that too.

 

[Jetiki]

Marty, TN is a vet only state, Ga is a vet only state, SC isn't and FL states only a Vet can administer drugs and vets only for power tools. I'm not sure about the others but this information comes from a dentist in FL.

Karen

 

[cretahillsgal]

I just talked to my vet about this yesterday as there is a guy that lives about 3 hours from us advertising in our local paper. He is not a liscenced vet and administers drugs. My vet said that right now he is legal but come November it will be a felony for him to "practice" equine dentistry without a vet's liscence in OK. I know that it bothered her as he does lots of "vet bashing" on his website, but she said that she is just going to try to ignore him and hope that her clients realize that she can do the job just as well and cheaper than this unknown guy. She is an equine specialist and LOVES working with the horses.

 

[Hosscrazy]

In California, an equine dentist can practice as long as they do NOT administer medication (i.e. sedation). That would be considered practicing medicine without a license which is illegal in California.

Liz R.

 

[Shari]

Not sure what the rules are in Oregon? But the Dentist I used in the past,, used to be a State Vet for WA. He semi-retired and instead of the long hours and hard work as a Vet...he just does equine dentistry, with hours he likes.

Other than that...there isn't a Vet in my area that will do mini's teeth period. So I have to wait for the above E.D. to have enough horses to make it worth his while to come down here.

 

[Margo_C-T]

I believe my state is like others already mentioned-legal to 'say' you are an 'equine dentist', though no licensing or other certification requirements--- but, CANNOT legally administer sedation via injection. I have a friend who several years ago, when a young man had 'hung out his shingle' as an 'equine dentist'(first I'd ever heard of in NM), had him out to do her Fjords. He horrified her by using the same needle to inject both horses, and she resolved to never have him back(and I on hearing her story, resolved never to use him!) I have not heard of him since, and kind of think he 'didn't last' around here.

I have some horses who require sedation, some who don't, so I will stay with my good equine vet, who is both willing and VERY able to do the minis(and others).

Margo

 

[wildoak]

Not legal in Texas, but it is being hotly contested. Carl and others have received "cease and desist" letters from the Vet Medical Examiners Board - too soon to tell the outcome.

Jan

 

[chandab]

I do use an equine dentist and thank goodness she is available. The nearest vet that will/can float mini teeth is 160 miles one-way; its not an easy task to haul 8 minis and 3 full-size horses, so I'm glad she is available and travels. The closer vets are small animal vets or livestock vets that do limited equine work, so I don't know that I would want them to do my horses' teeth (not to mention the fact that I get the impression that none of them really want to work on horses from their attitudes around horses). [When we had a local vet that floated teeth, after the one time he did my horses, I said never again; he was rough and I do not think he did that great of a job.]

 

[susanne]

Shari, are you using Dr. Richard Vetter? He's based in Oregon and Washington, and minis are a specialty of his; however, he is extremely expensive.

He gave an excellent presentation on mini teeth and mouths at the 2007 NWMHC Schooling Clinic. He and his wife work out of a high tech mobile clinic trailer.

 

[Shari]

Yes, thats him. Used him before and he is very good. I am supposely on their list for when they next come down here. Theia needs some dental work and Maggie has never been checked.

I wish I knew he was down here in 2007.... they should of called me. They know Theia really needs to get done.