Equine dentistry bill gains Oklahoma House approval

A spat lasting more than a year between veterinarians and equine dentists may be galloping toward a conclusion.

Veterinarians for the most part aren’t pleased with House Bill 3202 because the state Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners was left out of a compromise that led to passage of the bill March 4 in the House of Representatives, said Rep. Brian Renegar, a veterinarian who is opposed to the bill.

Renegar and Rep. Don Armes, who is backing equine dentists, often called "tooth floaters,” verbally sparred on the House floor before members passed HB 3202 by a vote of 71-25. It now goes to the Senate.

The bill would allow equine dentists, or horse teeth floaters, to practice in the state without facing criminal charges. They now face misdemeanor charges.

Armes, the author of HB 3202, said the veterinary board would certify equine dentists if they have at least 80 hours of training from recognized schools. Equine dentists would be certified annually as nonveterinary equine dental care providers. They would be charged a $200 certification fee and would be required to have four hours of continued education to have the certification renewed.

Read more here.