Why use a ''not fully qualified'' EDT?

[Araminta]

[ QUOTE ]
just to answer "wishfulls" post (as victoria has done so very well), the fact is that horses seen regularly by dentist are NOT running out of tooth.....that statement is Propaganda relesed by the Veterinary Industry to scaremonger. The aim of corrective dentistry (balancing a mouth etc) and thereafter maintainance dentistry is to enhance and preserve the longivity of equine teeth.

[/ QUOTE ]

Just wondering, why would the Veterinary Industry state this to scare people - scare them from what? having their horses teeth done?

I have to say that we were taught that horses only have so much tooth to last their lifetime and constant use of power tools could a. remove too much tooth over a period of time and b. cause teeth to loosen in older horses. Are you saying this is not true then?

 

[VictoriaEDT]

Power tools would definately not loosen teeth when the horse ages, in my opinion it would be hand floats that would do this. If you think about it, power is mainly a reciprocating disk that grinds down the teeth without any force what so ever. Hand instruments require a hell of a lot of pull forces to file them and this is the reason why I mainly use power for geriatrics with little root and tooth stabilisation as pulling the tooth by hand would make it worse.

Again to clarify, power tools only reduce the teeth that have become dominant and need reducing on their surface. if a horse has no overgrowths then NO tooth surface work will be carried out so would not "remove too much tooth over a period of time".

 

[ponydentist]

Yes, to scare people from having their horses teeth done by dentists. The claim is not that many horse done dy dentists and vets are having their teeth life destroyed...is it?

This is the whole point of the qualification process.

If you do remove too much tooth you will not be approved. If you do not fully understand the full science of equine Dentistry you will not pass the required standard. The basic principles of detistry is to preserve tooth longivity. Dental Abnormalities occury for many reasons. Once discovered they can be esily rectified or corrected using CORRECT treatment plans and by facilitating the most suitable equipment for the specific task. If there are large amounts of tooth to be removed or reshaped then power instruments can be the most suitable for the job. However, where the operator does not have a thorough understanding of the basic principles or is not skilled enough in the use of such equipment, irreparable damage can be, and is often done.

Remember that if abnormalities in teeth are left uncorrected their wear on the opposing tooth will reduce the longivity of that tooth the same way as over correction may do. It is this recognition of such problems which is part of the qualification process and practitioners are required to demonstrate a FULL understanding of such.

In my experience. too much undercorrection is done as opposed to over correction. I see far more expired teeth which have been overworn by other teeth rather than through correct dentistry.

In a domestic environment we are able to detect iregularities and abnormalities with our horses.....In the wild they go undetected and as nature denotes......the animal dies.

 

[Araminta]

[ QUOTE ]
Yes, to scare people from having their horses teeth done by dentists. The claim is not that many horse done dy dentists and vets are having their teeth life destroyed...is it?

This is the whole point of the qualification process.

If you do remove too much tooth you will not be approved. If you do not fully understand the full science of equine Dentistry you will not pass the required standard. The basic principles of detistry is to preserve tooth longivity. Dental Abnormalities occury for many reasons. Once discovered they can be esily rectified or corrected using CORRECT treatment plans and by facilitating the most suitable equipment for the specific task. If there are large amounts of tooth to be removed or reshaped then power instruments can be the most suitable for the job. However, where the operator does not have a thorough understanding of the basic principles or is not skilled enough in the use of such equipment, irreparable damage can be, and is often done.

Remember that if abnormalities in teeth are left uncorrected their wear on the opposing tooth will reduce the longivity of that tooth the same way as over correction may do. It is this recognition of such problems which is part of the qualification process and practitioners are required to demonstrate a FULL understanding of such.

In my experience. too much undercorrection is done as opposed to over correction. I see far more expired teeth which have been overworn by other teeth rather than through correct dentistry.

In a domestic environment we are able to detect iregularities and abnormalities with our horses.....In the wild they go undetected and as nature denotes......the animal dies.

[/ QUOTE ]


Why would they want to put people off using dentists?

We were told ( and shown using models!) that over zealous use of power tools can lead to tooth problems later on. Made sense to us - were we taught wrong then?

 

[VictoriaEDT]

Totally depends on whether they are used properly. There is no research to date showing the long term effects and this is because dentistry with power tools has not been about long enough to perform scientific studies.

However, short term research has shown that if power tools are used in the "wrong hands" then thermal damage can occur and maybe even pulp exposure. Again, this only emphasises the importance of them being used by qualified EDTs only; in proven experienced, knowledgable hands.

So to sum up, in my opinion; power tools are absolutely invaluable..............but only in the right hands

 

[Araminta]

[ QUOTE ]
Totally depends on whether they are used properly. There is no research to date showing the long term effects and this is because dentistry with power tools has not been about long enough to perform scientific studies.

*** That is my point - there is no long term reasearch to say that it causes no damage long term - but the I guess you could also say that there is no research to prove that it doesn't !

However, short term research has shown that if power tools are used in the "wrong hands" then thermal damage can occur and maybe even pulp exposure. Again, this only emphasises the importance of them being used by qualified EDTs only; in proven experienced, knowledgable hands.



* ** Correct me if I am wrong but thermal damage occurs if too much heat is generated during use of power tools? Am I right in believing this is why many dentists use water cooled tools? and that exposing the pulp would only happen if too much tooth was removed by over zealous use of the dremel?

I agree 100% that power tools should only be used by experienced, knowledgable hands but there are dentists out there ( I am not talking about cowboys here) but very experienced, competent people who have chosen - for whatever reason - not to take the exam as laid down in its present format, should they be not able to work?

 

[dorz]

Hi all,
I came across this forum by complete chance and have read most of the posts.
I'm glad to see Vic EDT and Pony dentist really fighting there corner.
Let me tell you where i am on this!.
I went out to west Virginia for one month in 2003 to do an introductory course in equine dentistry i came home with a nice certificate to say that i had attended the course,IT DID NOT QUALIFY ME FOR ANYTHING.
It showed me the basics of equine dentistry,at the time BEVA and a handfull of EDT's had sat down and put together an Accreditation exam that if you passed you went onto the BEVA approved EDT list on there web site and also avaliable from your local vets.
So the story so far,just because someones says they have qualified in the states its not recognised by BEVA.
When i came back from the states i was lucky to hook up with Ivan Stockdale twin brother of Tim Stockdale the showjumper,Ivan is the best EDT i have had the pleasure of working with.
So how do you get qualified?,firstly you have to do an advanced course at Hartbury college you can only do this with 2 references from your local vets,so before you can go anywhere you have to convince your vets your genuine about what you do!!.
Ok,once you have done the advanced course you can then apply To BEVA for a place on there exam course,one is held once a year i think with places limited to about 12 (when i took mine there was a 70% failure rate).
So requirements for the exam are,2 vet refs,400 dental charts,40 of advanced procedures overseen and signed by a vet and at least 5 days spent with a BEVA qualified EDT,all this info gets forwarded to BEVA who then write to EDT you spent your 5 days with asking if your good enough to take the exam,if yes your given a date,but thats not the end,you are encouraged to do a pre-exam weekend usually run by Grant Chanter at one of the mounted household barracks where you are coached and assessed and if at this point not deemed fit to take the exam are encouraged to train a bit more.
When the final day comes to take your exam its run over 2 days,mine was at The Royal Vet Collage potters bar,the first day is written exam followed by charting cadevers,the results are posted at the end of the day,if you dont pass the theory your not asked to attend the practical the following day.
So,if you make it through to the practical you have one hour to asses and develop a treatment plan for the horse you are to work on which has already been examined by the examiners and attending vets.
After your hour you clean up your tools and go home and waith for the letter to arrive.
The decision is final there is no arguing the panels decision is final,if you are successful you go onto the BEVA register and are invited to join the BAEDT.
Now being a member of the BAEDT has its requirements too! firstly you have FULL MEDICAL MALPRACTICE INSURANCE and you do at least 5 days a year of continuing development.
Basically if your EDT is not BEVA qualified or WWAED qualified then the'yr not qualified and recognised in the U.K period!.
It took me three and a half years training with Ivan to be good enough to pass so if your using a BEVA QUALIFIED EDT then you have the BEST of the BEST!
I wouldn't dream of using a non qualified farrier or vet or physio so why would you use a non qualified EDT?,if its a bout money then its false aconomy!!.
If this seems like i'm on my soap box its because ive worked long and hard to get my qualification and as i type the law is changing and legislation is being put forward to DEFRA,when this is law the good old fashioned tooth raspers will be just that!.
Times move forward and as with any science new techniques are found to be able to do more and so is the same in Equine Dentistry the difference is in the people who train and keep up and invest time and money in maintaining that.
I trained with who i think is the best EDT in the country,Ivan Stockdale my horse has the SECOND best EDT in the country ;-).
My horse is precious to me and so is his welfare,do yours a favour and use the best you can.

 

[ponydentist]

Well put Dorian.

The simple answer is that the qualified EDT has NOTHING to hide.....But what DO you have to hide if you are a practitioner who has been out there taking money from unsuspecting horse owners for years.... and...... despite having been invited to take the exam.....you still havnt bothered( Its down to a question of morals, principles and scruples)....the truth is that the vast majority of people who are out there practicing who are not qualified dont want to take the exam because they wouldnt pass it....or have taken it and have failed....and that includes the Veterinary profession. The sooner we are all playing on a level playing field the sooner the better. Then the better (or more devoted, passionate and honest amongst us) ones wont have to go around clearing up the mess and crap work of those tooth raspers, wannabees and vets who cannot be bothered.

Remember, you dont HAVE to be qualified to perform acts of Equine Dentistry. There is no legal requirement.....AS YET (but watch this space....its getting smaller) Therefore, those of us who ARE, have done so for one main reason,,,,,to prove ourselves TO YOU.

 

[LMuirEDT]

Just a couple of points i want to reply to on here.

Just because an EDT isn't on the list doesn't mean they have no qualifications/training at all. There are other official ways of training like the BEVA/DEFRA/BAEDT endorsed Hartpury courses. I'm not saying you should use any old boy off the street but everyone has to start somewhere.

Belittling other peoples work is v low in my opinion, especially if you are not willing to put your name to your statements. As stated here before, if you (a fellow EDT or a member of the public) have a problem with someones work who is registered you can go to BEVA/BAEDT to complain and get them investigated. Also trading standards would be interested i would have thought.

The issue of insurance. Someone said that if an EDT isn't BEVA registered/qualified then they wont be able to get insurance cover - rubbish! I've not done the BEVA exam and I am fully insured.

The term EDT is not only restricted to BEVA qualified technicians. The term 'dentist' is however restricted to only those who are human qualified dentists.

Just my thoughts...

 

[VictoriaEDT]

Nobody is Belittling anyone Lorraine.

and more importantly I have said before on this forum and paintboxEDT will confirm that EDTs training for the BEVA exam need to be supported as well. This is not aimed at people like you it is aimed at the many many rogue EDTs that I am sure you will come accross in the future.

 

[danandyozz]

it's £120 a year to join BAEDT i've just sent my cheque off!

 

[ksavic]

Guys and gals. Whilst all of the above has weight to it, horse owners should ask these questions and choose their qualified or unqualified EDTs to work on their horses; 1. Do they handle the horse in a manner you like? 2. Do they use a spec to look in the mouth and hold the mouth open so they can reach the back teeth (you cannot rasp the back teeth properly without a spec apparently) 3. Are their tools clean and in working order, for example have sharp rust free blades? 4. Do they allow you to look and feel their work before and after? 5. Do they give you a record sheet detailing the state the teeth were in and work performed? 6. Does your horse seem happier after being seen? 7. If unqualified, is your EDT working towards the exam? It takes around 2-3 years to build up case studies and experience to sit the exam so give them a chance before ruling them out. 8. Get a second opinion.
All of the above are just a few things you should askyourself as there are good and bad qualified EDTs/unqualified EDTs and Vets. Sadly i feel their are more vets who are rubbish than unqualified EDTs as they rely on sedation coz they can and people trusting they know what they are doing because they are vets! Last but not least - all the qualified EDTs who are banding the 'must use a qualified' banner, be mindful of the fact you were all once unqualified and how reluctant the BEVA are to support unqualified EDTs unless they have been lucky enough (or maybe unlucky) to have been rammed up a qualifieds backside preparing for the examination. Have any of you got an apprentice at the moment with whom you are fighting/supporting the cause of more qualified EDTs? I know of several students at uni unable to get a qualified EDT to help them get qualified!!!
Let commonsense prevail as you do with your car mechanic, babysitter etc etc

 

[Tharg]

I use Marc Higgins who is on the list, he was patient with the mare and explained everything he was doing and answered all my questions.

Geegeequeen you make a good point but the average owner may not realise these things and fail to check them.

As consumers BEVA/BAEDT are groups that we can turn to rather than a randomer operating on their own.

 

[hairycob]

Vicki,

I'm sorry to diagree with you but if you are using the EDT suggested by another poster I wouldn't let him within a mile of my horses (2 of which were regularly "treated" by him by their previous owners - that's my reason). The Vet's first comment on one of them was that she desperately needed her teeth rasping - he had been to her a week before!

 

[mrdarcy]

[ QUOTE ]

Just wondering, why would the Veterinary Industry state this to scare people - scare them from what? having their horses teeth done?

[/ QUOTE ]

Very simple. Money. Vets make money from doing teeth. If an EDT does them instead they lose income.

I wouldn't have a vet do my lot's teeth unless they'd done the BEVA exam. I used to and the difference between their knowledge and the EDT I use now was massive. Vets know a little bit about a lot of horse problems, some vets know a lot about very specific horse problems (when they've specialised), and some vets should stick to cows and sheep. Would you let a vet shoe your horse? I don't think so.

Btw for those who have mentioned him in this thread I use Paul Waudby and would highly recommend him.

 

[dieseldog]

[ QUOTE ]
Quite a few people local to me have recommended several EDT who all don't appear on the BEVA list and therefore they are not fully qualified? is that right?

Why use someone who isnt fully qualified? I know they are quite a bit cheaper but surely wouldnt you rather use a fully qualified EDT?

I was amazed to find my local sport horse stud (which is a well known very successful stud) uses a guy who isn't fully qualified so do a couple of instructors I know!

Just a Q!?

[/ QUOTE ]

Because the worse dentist I have ever used was a qualifed EDT - thats why not. Just because they are qualified doesn't mean they are any good.

 

[piebaldsparkle]

I think I've used that one off the list once too, but never again............blood ever where as he seemed to rasp more tongue than tooth.

My mare used to be good for the dentist.

My current dentist isn't on either list posted, but I am 100% sure he and his partner are qualified and they come highly recommended. Whole yard has used them for about 3yrs, and all have shown improvement.

 

[VictoriaEDT]

All those that have had bad experiences, why dont you express your concern to BAEDT - thats what they are there for. Otherwise this could never be recitified it the BAEDT dont know about it

 

[ForeverBroke_]

Hm, my dentist isn't on there - but he's used with more or less all of the vets around here for powerwork, and he is actually BEVA/BVDA and ASED qualifiied.

How bizarre!!

Off his website too :

"He became a member of the International Association of Equine Dentistry (IAED) with whom he has achieved the coveted Advanced Certification, held only by two other people in the UK, and is now an elected member of the IAED UK working closely with DEFRA and LANTRA and other bodies i.e. BAEDT and World Wide UK, to set a legally recognised standard for future UK equine dentistry courses and examinations."

 

[eventer_girl]

Dear all,
I am a ‘graduate’ of the UK dental college run by ‘GD’ that has been talked about hear (the six day course) – Don’t panic - I am not out on the road treating horses as I am not competent (and who would be after six whole days) – I like many where fooled and handed over thousands of pounds to go on a terrible, badly run course with instructors who couldn’t pronounce some of the more technical words in our course notes (seriously one of them couldn’t) I have just read on this forum that ‘GD’ who runs the ‘college’ failed the BEVA exam twice – no surprise there – may explain why he spent the entire time slating BEVA / BAEDT and saying what a waste of time it all was. Worst part? I know for a fact that at least two people who did the course with me are out in their vans doing our horses teeth. One of whom is advertising as ‘fully qualified and comprehensively trained to the highest standards, within the UK’ ....... I would still like to become an EDT but would never dream of trying to do your horses teeth now armed only with my nice ‘SEDC’ certificate – but plenty people would and are – quite legally – for gods sake only use a BEVA or WWAED dentist !!!!!

 

[Wishful]

Most vets don't make a fortune out of doing teeth. Most vets in large practices charge teeth at the same rate (or at a discount) as they do for any other routine procedure. If a vet is not tied up doing lots of teeth, then they generally have plenty of other things to be filling their time with - the equine vets I know are not scraping around looking for things to do during the day...

My OH does teeth for some horses, he sedates for the dentist for others. He has no problem with dentists doing things properly, but there are some who take off too much/try to get things too smooth and perfect, in the same way there are some farriers he doesn't particularly agree with. He tends to prefer horses to be sedated - a horse with a gag in it's mouth can do a lot of damage to those around them if it jumps/starts waving its head around..

Hopefully, over time, the number of EDTs will grow, and the position will be similar to where farriers are now - specialists who work closely in conjunction with vets (and who know when to call in a specialist vet to a more difficult/unusual problem). Vets don't shoe horses (and would not exactly have time to do it as well as their current work load), but know the principles, how to remove a shoe if necessary, and take the x-rays farriers work from...

 

[Saxon_Jasmine]

I used Joanne Jovicic who has a BSc Hons in Equine Dental Science but she isn't on the BEVA list that was posted on here at the begining of the post. Does this mean she is qualified or not? Thanks

 

[JanetGeorge]

I used Joanne Jovicic who has a BSc Hons in Equine Dental Science but she isn't on the BEVA list that was posted on here at the begining of the post. Does this mean she is qualified or not? Thanks

The degree in Equine Dental Science is not a full qualification. It exempts candidates from the theory part of the BEVA EDT exam - but not from the practical.

Having said that, students on that course DO spend quite a few days out with vets and EDTs and are probably better 'qualified' than some of the 'tooth raspers' who've been around for years but have no formal training.

It's very difficult to get to the stage of even sitting the BEVA EDT exam as you have to put together a portfolio of - I think - of 300 dental cases. They have to include 40 cases of more advanced dental procedures taking place under sedation and signed by a vet. If no-one allows them to work on their horses, they can't put together a portfolio and can't GET qualified!

I personally wouldn't use an 'unqualified' EDT - BUT I have a young man working for me who is working towards qualification and I DO allow him to do minor work on my horses because he's worked under the supervision of my vet and I trust him to 'do no harm'! I wouldn't feel the same about a stranger!

 

[teddyt]

A very interesting thread. With regards to 'The List', i phoned 3 men from it and just from the conversations over the phone i wouldnt book any of them! I was thinking about just carrying on with my vet but decided to phone one more- a lady. She had a totally different attitude (a good one!), no ego, happy to do my mini shetland as well as my TBs. She seemed like a 'horseman' as well as a dentist and i liked her approach, so i booked her and have used her ever since.

So being on the list is no guarantee that the dentist is right for you and your horse but at least it shows that they are thoroughly trained & assessed. Anyone can call themselves an EDT so being on the list gives you more protection than not being on the list. It doesnt however guarantee a perfect job. So i say use the list- but ring around if you can and choose the EDT that you like the best. Do your homework!

 

[brighteyes]

QR to all

If nobody else comes on here to qualify this, THE ONLY examinations, when passed, which QUALIFY you as an EDT, are the BEVA or the WWAEDT ones. As a successful candidate, you will feature on their database as such. If you fail to re-register in subsequent years, you will no longer feature on the current list, but will be recorded as having passed the exam at some point. A quick call to either will sort that out.

Every successful BEVA candidate should then join the BAEDT. May I just point out that the WWAEDT is THE ONLY other organisation whose stringent examinations are recognised in this country - their website is here. It's a parallel organisation, but no less reputable than the BAEDT. Both organisations ensure practitioners are kept up to date with skills and 'current' by means of regular, accredited training. Without membership (of either organisation) anyone claiming to be fully qualified and insured most certainly isn't!

If you ring the BEVA - who set up the examination system - they will tell you the name of anyone who has passed their exams. Look at the current list of registered EDT's on either the BAEDT or WWAEDT website to see the names of currently registered and insured EDT's. That should clear it up!.

What is scary, is the number of people in possession of rudimentary skills and potentially injurous equipment who are happy to go around unsupervised and carry out procedures they are not fully trained to ON YOUR HORSE'S MOUTH!

Sorry, but I don't care how good they appear to be/you think they are/they make themselves out to be, if they haven't a) passed the recognised British exams and b) remained current, they should not be calling themselves EDT's.

It is easy enough to find out if they have.

 

[LMuirEDT]

QR to all

Without membership (of either organisation) anyone claiming to be fully qualified and insured most certainly isn't!

Sorry, but I don't care how good they appear to be/you think they are/they make themselves out to be, if they haven't a) passed the recognised British exams and b) remained current, they should not be calling themselves EDT's.

It is easy enough to find out if they have.

I have to disagree with this. I've not done the BEVA/WWAED exams and I am most definitely fully insured. The term EDT isn't solely for those who have taken those exams either!

 

[brighteyes]

I have to disagree with this. I've not done the BEVA/WWAED exams and I am most definitely fully insured. The term EDT isn't solely for those who have taken those exams either!

Could you, with all due respect, clarify what procedures you are 'fully insured' to carry out?

 

[LMuirEDT]

As far as my insurance policy is concerned I am covered to perform hand and power rasping on horses with various areas (eg injury to horses, public liabilty, etc) up to £2mill each area. It does state in my literature that when I take the BEVA/WWAED exam then the policy will alter (eg premiums go down, value of livestock worked on increases, etc).

Personally tho I only use hand tools on unsedated horses and power tools on sedated horses and in conjunction with a vet but that is my own personal preference.

 

[ponydentist]

TEDDYT, I fully agree.

When considering employing the srvices of an Equine Dental Provider, the first port of call should be lists of approved (by the approval providing bodies within the equine dental profession who really matter) and qualified (the ONLY qualifications in the UK presently are those gained through the BEVA or the WWaed.......nothing else matters for the purpose of "QUALIFICATION") practitioners.

However, not everyone operates in the same manner. Ist the same in existance within the human medical, dental, teaching, plumbing, farrriery etc, etc, etc profession. There are Doctors out there who obtained the highest levels of excellence but who's bedside manner is absolutely S**t and abismal. Therefore, I totally agree that you should really look at that list and then ring round and speak to as many of the practitioners on it and ask as many questions as you wish of them to decide if they are "Right" for you. In order to pass the exam and obtain the qualifications they all have to be capable, skilled, knowledgable and competant. However, once a practitioner is "Qualified", the issues of how, when and where they operate their own business is purely down to individual choice.

Membership of or registry with a professional organisation or Association is not mandatory within Equine Dentistry as is the case with the veterinary and Farriery profession E.G. a qualified Veterinary Surgeon can only operate in the UK if he /she is registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. However, membership or registry with such an self regulatory body does offer some degree of surity to a perspective client, in that all members are bound by the associations performance standards and if a client feels agrieved by a members attitude, treatment of the clients animals, etc etc etc there is a course of redress or at least someone to complain to. Within equine Dentistry the associations concerned are the British association of Equine Dental Technicians (B.A.E.D.T)and the World Wide Association of Equine Dentistry. (WWAED).


BAEDT only accepts membership from those practitioners who have sucessfully completed the BEVA equine dental examination. Once a practitioner has passed the exam, they do not have to become a member of the BAEDT and as such are not governed by the association....or in fact by anyone at this present moment in time.

WWAED accepts membership from equine dental practitioners regardless of weather they are qualified via the WWAED equine Dental Exam. However, they do state on thier list of approved practioners if that particular practioner who is listed is a qualified member or not.

The most important aspect to consider in this whole issue is that of STANDARD. There are lots of problems within equine dentistry and the bigest one that I am concerned with is what is being done to horses teeth...e.g. are some individuals are not carrying out thorough enough treatments and are some doing too much...equally both are doing harm.

It makes my blood boil when I am called to help with a horse who has "so called behavioral problems" ( I help people understand such problems in horses and this type of work is linked to my equine dental practice) and when asked has he had dental treatment, I am told "yes, he's had his teeth done" and upon further examination it is revealed that only about a third of ther work required has been attempted or undertaken and the horse is not saying "wont do it"......he is simply saying "cant do it" because he is uncomfortable or in pain. Yet some poor ususpecting owner has parted with good money in the mistaken belief that all is well. Equally when called to look at a horse who has received treatment to find that too much ahs been done and the underlying principles of dental treatment do not appear to have been understood by the dental care provider. Be aware that there are EQUINE DENTAL TECHNICIANS and TOOTH RASPERS.....and a whole host of each claiming to be better than each other.

What you can be assured of is that those who have put themselves up to be examined and who have been sucessfull, will all be carrying out the same STANDARD of treatment to their equine patients. They may not all have the same chitty chatty attitide....may not all drive big flash trucks with their name plastered all over it...may not all be excellent horsemen / women but.....when it comes to what really matters...eg have they done aeverthing that is required to be done to your horses oral health.... you can be pretty sure they will have. I would be more than happy to refer your beloved horse, if you were my client, to another practitioner who had undergone the same stringent testing as myself and be safe in the knowledge that that practitoner would proivide the same thorough standard of treatment as myself. They may not handle your horse in the same way as me, or provide advise or further care and advise exactly the same as me.....but hey....we are who we are and personality is not examined and tested.

 

[brighteyes]

As far as my insurance policy is concerned I am covered to perform hand and power rasping on horses with various areas (eg injury to horses, public liabilty, etc) up to £2mill each area. It does state in my literature that when I take the BEVA/WWAED exam then the policy will alter (eg premiums go down, value of livestock worked on increases, etc).

Personally tho I only use hand tools on unsedated horses and power tools on sedated horses and in conjunction with a vet but that is my own personal preference.

Is the vet there simply for the sedation? I think I am under the misapprehension that work with power tools is Category 2 and as such is not covered by your qualification?