1. Current Law The practice of equine dentistry has been in the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act since 1991 and has always restricted the practice to licensed veterinarians. [Sec. 698.11, A.(1)] The law did not change last spring as has been reported. The current Veterinary Practice Act does not prohibit owners, their employees, and helpers from caring for or treating animals belonging to the owner. [Sec. 698.12 (2)] OVMA is not advocating change.

2. Accountability Veterinary state boards and state veterinary practice acts exist to establish veterinary accountability, provide clients with an acceptable standard of care, and protect the public against unscrupulous acts pertaining to veterinary medicine. Veterinarians in Oklahoma currently must be licensed by Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners Veterinarians are required to obtain continuing education credits each year to maintain licensure. This ensures that veterinarians are familiar with and are able to provide the newest and most up to date information and procedures for their clients.

3. Public Health Significance Veterinarians are trained in diagnostics and are current on symptoms of zoonotic diseases. (diseases transmitted from animals to man) Symptoms of rabies, which is a serious public health threat, can mimic dental disease.

4. Use of Controlled Drugs Sedatives, tranquilizers, anesthetics, or analgesics are commonly used during veterinary dental procedures to provide restraint and reduce animal pain and suffering. Federal law restricts such veterinary prescription drugs for use by, or on the order of, a licensed veterinarian to ensure their safe and effective use.(quote source) Most sedatives are listed by the FDA as controlled substances. Controlled drugs, cont Veterinarians must be licensed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drug (OBDNN). Sedatives are under federal because they are dangerous drugs that can cause death or permanent damage to animals if not administered properly. These drugs can be subject to abuse by people and can cause severe reactions and even death.

5. Other State Laws 38 states consider equine dental floating to be the practice of veterinary medicine.

11 states require some supervision and/or report to the veterinary licensing board.

Only 2 states (WI and CT) have no regulation.