Teamwork with Veterinarians

Peter Borgdorff
30/11/2017
Photos by: 
Peter Borgdorff
20061130_Teamwork_NEDP

Care for the Patient

NEDP members are committed to achieve the best outcome for the horse when providing dental treatment. Collaboration with veterinarians is a vital part of this process and to that aim, we have established excellent relationships with many specialist and general veterinarians. Whereas the equine dental practitioner works to achieve the dental and related oral care, veterinarians provide many services alongside us to achieve the best overall health. I am, together with other members of the National Equine Dental Practitioners Inc (NEDP), very grateful for the support of dozens of veterinarians. Many vets are focussed on collaborating with us to achieve better outcomes for every horse and every owner.  All horses should be entitled to such high level of care.

The Right to Practice

The activity of equine dentistry has been in the domain of non-veterinary EDP's for a long time, meaning that we have the right to practice in that capacity. Precedents in law in the USA have also shown that Veterinary Boards and their regulations cannot remove this right. That situation is similar under Australian Law.

In the past, educational organisations and veterinary associations have failed to properly address the needs of the horse. This is confirmed by this comment made to veterinarians by a respected veterinary educator:

"Equine dentistry is a very important but until recently rather neglected area of equine practice, with many horses suffering from undiagnosed, painful dental disorders."

(Source: Prof Paddy M. Dixon MVB, Easter Bush, Scotland, 2004)

In contrast, equine dentists have for many years now, assumed the responsibility for dental and dental-related welfare of horses. Horse owners have always had the choice as to who to engage for this work.

 

 

Edited for publication by NEDP.