A letter sent to veterinarians on behalf of both American and European dental specialty groups proposes the establishment of an equine veterinarian dentistry college.
The letter addresses the issues involved and notes:
As you are probably aware, there has been a considerable increase in interest in equine veterinary dentistry recently, to the point that several organizations interested in or offering educational activities or certification in equine veterinary dentistry have been established. There is recognition that a formal specialty college in equine veterinary dentistry may now be justifiable.
Please note that the phrase "equine veterinary dentistryâ is used in this letter. This is in recognition that the phrase "equine dentistryâ covers both veterinary and non-veterinary aspects of equine dentistry.
To avoid becoming mired in the confusion that has dogged "equine dentistryâ in some parts of the world as a result of regulatory issues associated with lay “equine dentists” or equine dental technicians, the phrase equine veterinary dentistry is consistently used here to ensure that the activities proposed relate to the management of equine dental health and disease by specialist veterinarians.
You may already be aware that "dentistryâ is recognized at the specialist level in the form of the American Veterinary Dental College, the European Veterinary Dental College and at Fellowship level in the Dentistry chapter of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists.
These dental specialist organizations do not narrow their areas of interest to particular species, and there are veterinarians with equine dental interest and experience who are diplomates of the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC, which is recognized as the dental specialist organization in North American by the American Board of Veterinary Specialists - ABVS), and the European Veterinary Dental College (which is recognized as the dental specialist organization in Europe by the European Board of Veterinary Specialists - EBVS).
There are also veterinarians who are not diplomates of either AVDC or EVDC who have developed expertise in equine veterinary dentistry. Although there is considerable overlap in the knowledge, diagnostic techniques and dental treatment procedures used in all species, it is now recognized that there is probably a sufficient body of equine veterinary dental knowledge and need for specialist-level equine veterinary dental services that would support establishment of a stand-alone equine veterinary dental specialty.
The AVDC is currently collecting names of nominees and will make a decision based on the response to the letter. If there is enough interest, the AVDC will submit a formal petition to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) for the opportunity to become ABVS-accredited.