There are two levels of dentistry that can be performed by non-ve veterinarian practitioners in the UK.
Category 1
The first level is referred to as Category 1. This is the type of work that an equine dentist will normally perform on your horse when visiting. It involves removing sharp points and generally balancing the mouth to ensure that optimum function is achieved to keep your horse comfortable and performing well.
There are no regulations to cover the category one area of dentistry. That is why we, as an association, only Grant membership to equine dentists that have passed our category 1 theory exam and our category 1 practical exam. This is our way of ensuring that the equine dentist has a good level of knowledge and can perform to a required level.
We are the only equine dentistry association that does this.
Category 2
The second level of equine dentistry is known as Category 2. Category 2 work covers some of the more advanced procedures, like, reducing large overgrowths removing loose teeth and the use of power tools. Some of these procedures are considered to be covered by the vet act. Therefore an exam is required to demonstrate that the individual has the capability to perform those procedures, and therefore those procedures would be exempt from the veteranarian act for qualified individuals.
The WWAED was given the rights to be able to run exams to test for these category 2 procedures. The exam has been approved by DEFRA and the RCVS. We are the only association of equine dentists that has been given this right.