Groups push to establish equine dentistry as a specialty

National Report — Several groups have teamed up to establish equine dentistry as a recognized specialty in North America and Europe and create a specialty college.

The American Veterinary Dental College, European Veterinary Dental College and Academy of Veterinary Dentistry announced the initiative in September.

Veterinary dentistry is recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association's American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS), the European Board of Veterinary Specialties (EBVS) and the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists. Certification in equine veterinary dentistry is offered by the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry and other organizations. But these certification programs are not accredited by the ABVS, and certificate holders are not considered specialists in equine dentistry. The ABVS recognizes 21 veterinary specialty organizations representing 40 specialties. More than 10,000 veterinarians have been awarded diplomate status in one or more of these specialty organizations.