Equine dental technicians; required to register with Board of Medicine. (HB2363)

As a graduate of the American School of Equine Dentistry, and a member of the International Association of Equine Dentistry, I am against the passing of this bill. I believe that disallowing the use of motorized equiptment except under veterinary supervision will mean less horses getting adequate care. Often times nonmotorized equipment requires the horse to stand longer, with his mouth opened longer, thus promoting TMJ syndrome, and a generally unhappy horse. Sedation is often not required when motorized equiptment is used, and in my experience happens more often than not. I also believe that a veterinarian should be able to direct a dental technician to sedate an animal when they are present. This bill also does not specify what type of training is "board approved," nor does it allow for a legal method for non certified persons to become certified. This problem has come up in other states. The bottom line is that horses need trained persons to provide whole mouth care, and those needs are not going to be met if this bill is passed.
Meredith Barlow, EqDT