HB 414 will bring tooth floaters, or “licensed equine dental providers” under the supervision of the TBVME and set new guidelines for licensing and training requirements. Current practicing tooth floaters will fall under the grandfather clause enacted by the bill.

“This bill is the culmination of almost a decade of work between all parties involved.  We worked hard to address all concerns raised about this vital agriculture practice without putting the jobs of these hardworking men and women at risk,” Rep. Sid Miller said. “I look forward the Governor Perry signing this into law soon.”  

Provisions of House Bill 414
•    Under the provisions of House Bill 414, only a licensed veterinarian or a licensed equine dental provider under indirect supervision of a veterinarian will be able to practice equine dentistry.

•    The scope of practice for a licensed equine dental provider includes:
o    Removing sharp enamel points
o    Removing small dental overgrowths
o    Rostral profiling of the first check teeth
o    Reducing incisors
o    Extracting loose, deciduous teeth
o    Removing supragingival calculus
o    Extracting loose, mobile, or diseased teeth or dental fragments with minimal periodontal Attachments by hand and without the use of an elevator
o    Removing erupted, non-displaced wolf teeth

•    Tooth floaters currently practicing may apply for a license to practice equine dentistry under the grandfather clause by submitting:
o    Sworn affidavits from two licensed veterinarians stating he or she knows the tooth floater and finds the tooth floater to be competent in the practice of floating, and proof of completion of 280 hours of course work at a board-approved equine dental school, OR
o    Sworn affidavits from two licensed veterinarians stating he or she knows the tooth floater and finds the tooth floater to be competent in the practice of floating, financial records showing earnings in the field for the last two years, and sworn affidavits from a least two clients who certify the applicant has performed satisfactorily in addressing the dental needs of the client’s animal
The grandfathering clause allows eligible tooth floaters to apply for this license until September 1, 2012.  After such date, a tooth floater would have to complete the requirements of a new tooth floater license if he or she had not yet obtained one under the grandfathering provisions.

•    New tooth floaters will be required to pass a jurisprudence exam and be certified by the International Association of Equine Dentistry or another board-approved certification entity or organization.

•    All tooth floaters will be required to complete six hours of continuing education annually to renew an equine dental provider license.

•    A new Equine Dental Provider Advisory Committee comprised of two licensed equine dental providers and one veterinarian will be formed to advise the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners on issues pertaining to equine dentistry.

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