Vet vs EDT?

ShadowFlame

ShadowFlame

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Right. I asked our EDT to give Rods the once over a few days ago. Not good news. Turns out he's got a cracked / broken wolf tooth in his upper jaw, a result of probably a poor dental visit when he was younger. Anyway, it's set to be removed next week, but which is better? EDT has a very good rep and has offered to work with a vet to remove it, then see to the rest of his teeth while he's under. Alternatively I can just have my own vet do the lot? Opinions, please? Looking at the same kinda price for both.
 
If an extractions required, then legally you need the vet, whether you choose to fork out for the dentist as well as the vet is up to you.
Im really lucky in that one of my vets also has EDT qualifications 2 for the price of 1 :D
 
Not absolutely sure thats correct about EDT not being allowed to do extractions! They cant do the sedation, thats what the vet needs to attend for. EDT rather than vet for dental work - you wouldnt ask your vet to shoe your horse would you!
 
spaniel said:
Not absolutely sure thats correct about EDT not being allowed to do extractions! They cant do the sedation, thats what the vet needs to attend for. EDT rather than vet for dental work - you wouldnt ask your vet to shoe your horse would you!
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It's absolutely correct that it is illegal for EDTs to remove any teeth, as it is illegal for them to perform any work more than routine floating of teeth using hand tools. There are certain procedures that fall into a "tolerated" category, although still strictly illegal, including removal of uncomplicated wolf teeth, dental caps, loose molars using fingers only, and larger overgrowths using motorised tools. Removal of a fractured tooth is definitely not a legal, or tolerated procedure and should only be carried out by your vet.
 
ShadowFlame said:
Right. I asked our EDT to give Rods the once over a few days ago. Not good news. Turns out he's got a cracked / broken wolf tooth in his upper jaw, a result of probably a poor dental visit when he was younger. Anyway, it's set to be removed next week, but which is better? EDT has a very good rep and has offered to work with a vet to remove it, then see to the rest of his teeth while he's under. Alternatively I can just have my own vet do the lot? Opinions, please? Looking at the same kinda price for both.
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I think it depends on the experience of the vet.......
 
My edt removed teeth for me. Young vet who came to sedate stayed to watch and learn. deffo Not Illegal For Edt to Remote Teeth. I'd have edt over vet same as farrier over saddler for shoeing.
 
Spotsrock said:
My edt removed teeth for me. Young vet who came to sedate stayed to watch and learn.
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Your EDT broke the law. If the teeth in question were normal, fully erupted wolf teeth, or dental caps, or molars extracted using fingers, then this is tolerated. If it was none of these then your EDT is liable to be prosecuted.

Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966

BEVA/BVDA Position Statement on EDTs (PDF)

The key part is at the end of the second link...

Category 1 Procedures
Those procedures which an individual can perform after recognised training without specific attainment of qualifications.
1) Examination of teeth;
2) Removal of sharp enamel points using manual rasps only;
3) Removal of small dental overgrowths (maximum 4mm reductions) using manual rasps only;
4) Rostral profiling of the first cheek teeth (maximum 4mm reductions), previously termed ‘bit seat shaping’;
5) Removal of loose deciduous caps; and
6) Removal of supragingival calculus.

Category 2 Procedures (Replaces category 2 as on 2004 draft)
Additional procedures suitable for delegation to an EDT who has trained and passed an examination approved by DEFRA:
1) Examination, evaluation and recording of dental abnormalities;
2) The removal of loose teeth or dental fragments with no periodontal attachments which are digitally extractable without the use of instruments;
3) The removal of erupted, non-displaced wolf teeth in the upper or lower jaw under direct and continuous veterinary supervision;
4) Palliative rasping of fractured and adjacent teeth; and
5) The use of motorised dental instruments where these are used to reduce overgrowths and remove sharp enamel points only, in horses sedated appropriately.

All other procedures and any new procedures, which arise as a result of scientific and technical development, would by default be classified as Category 3, which are those procedures restricted to registered veterinary surgeons.
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This is echoed on the website of the BAEDT (British Association of Equine Dental Technicians): http://www.baedt.com/?c=5355
 
I am a vet and it is illegal for any one who is not a fully qualified vet to elevate gingiva (gum), unless under constant supervision of a vet. and in order to extract a tooth you have to elevate gingiva. EDTs know this, but many do anyway, illegally. The problems arise when they hit the palatine artery and then don't know what to do or have the means to sedate the horse immediately. It is quite common and legal practice for a EDT to remove wolf teeth WITH a vet present. I would never want to remove any tooth using the equipment that's needed without a sedated horse due to the risk of hitting the palatine artery.
 
My vet removed my filly's wolf tooth recently and hit that artery! There was an alarming amount of blood going everywhere but he was able to administer relevant drugs and get the bleeding under control within about 15 mins. Personally, I always get the vet out for teeth. I worry that EDTs are too keen IYSWIM!
 
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