                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

REGISTRATION OF EQUINE DENTAL TECHNICIANS (§ 54.1-3813)

A. As used in this section, &#8220;equine dental technician&#8221; means an
individual who satisfies the criteria established by the Board for registration
to perform duties relating to the care and maintenance of equine teeth in
accordance with this section and regulations promulgated by the Board. A
licensed veterinary technician shall practice in accordance with the
requirements of &#xA7; 54.1-3806 and regulations of the Board governing the
practice of licensed veterinary technicians.

B. The Board may register a person as an equine dental technician who meets the
following criteria: (i) satisfactory evidence that he is of good moral
character, (ii) recommendations from at least two licensed veterinarians with
practice bases that are at least 50 percent equine, and (iii) evidence that he
holds current certification from the International Association of Equine
Dentistry or a Board-approved certification program or has satisfactorily
completed a Board-approved training program. The Board may register individuals
who have not completed a Board-approved training program or do not hold a
current certification from the International Association of Equine Dentistry or
a Board-approved certification program if they have engaged in acts considered
to be those of an equine dental technician as set forth in subsections C and E
of this section for at least five years and provide the following: (i)
satisfactory evidence of length of time of practice, (ii) recommendations from
at least two licensed veterinarians with practice bases that are at least 50
percent equine, and (iii) proof of continued competency satisfactory to the
Board.

C. It shall be unlawful for any person not holding a current and valid
registration as an equine dental technician or a current and valid license as a
veterinarian to perform the following duties:

   1. The planing or leveling of equine teeth using nonmotorized hand tools for
   routine dental maintenance;

   2. The planing or leveling of equine teeth using motorized tools performed for
   routine dental maintenance, or the extraction of wolf teeth premolars
   including premolars 105, 205, 305 and 405, performed under the direct
   supervision of a licensed veterinarian where (a) there exists an established
   client-patient relationship between the veterinarian and the owner, (b) the
   veterinarian is present, and (c) the veterinarian remains responsible for the
   sedation of the animal; and

   3. Any other task restricted pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Board.
   				Notwithstanding the foregoing, no equine dental technician shall
   administer any sedative, tranquilizer, analgesic, prescription medication, or
   other drug under any circumstances.

D. The provisions of this section shall not prevent or prohibit:

   1. Any person from performing tasks related to the practice of equine
   dentistry under the direct and immediate supervision of a licensed
   veterinarian or registered equine dental technician during completion of
   training and experience necessary for registration for a period not to exceed
   twelve months; or

   2. A licensed veterinary technician from planing or leveling equine teeth for
   routine dental maintenance under the immediate and direct supervision of a
   licensed veterinarian, provided the licensed veterinary technician has
   graduated from an American Veterinary Medical Association accredited program
   with successful completion of coursework in equine dentistry or can document
   training comparable to that of an equine dental technician.

E. The Board shall promulgate regulations in order to carry out the provisions
of this section, which shall include (i) criteria and fees for application and
renewal; (ii) requirements for evidence of continued competency for equine
dental technicians; and (iii) standards to ensure the health, safety, and
welfare of animals treated by equine dental technicians.

HISTORY: 2007, c. 754; 2008, c. 490.