Allow Qualified Equine Dentists the Right to Work

We the undersigned, as concerned horse owners, horse trainers and lay persons would like you to exempt the equine dental trade from "the practice of veterinary medicine" (just as farriers are exempt) and to allow qualified individuals the right to work.  Many of us have veterinarians who don't want to perform this task and it's unreasonable for us to expect our vets to be experts in this field, especially since equine dentistry is not taught in many vet schools.  We also realize that many self-proclaimed equine dentists have not been formally educated on equine dentistry and most may not be qualified enough to perform proper dental equilibration, which is why we believe that certain requirements must be met in order to do so.  By placing regulations and/or certifications on the trade, instead of reserving the right for only veterinarians, you will allow those who are knowledgeable and qualified the ability to prove themselves and to continue to work in this trade.  We think it would be fair and reasonable to allow persons who have demonstrated skill and competency, and who have at least 4 formal recommendations from veterinarians whose practice is at least 50% equine, the right to continue to work in this trade.  Furthermore, we, as horsemen, would like to reserve the right to choose who floats our horse's teeth, just as we choose who puts shoes on their feet.  Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

For more information on Equine Dentistry or regarding Oklahoma legislation on this particular issue please visit http://www.oklahomaequinedentistrylaw.com/