House Agriculture Committee advances Senate Bill 69 to certify nonveterinarians for routine equine dental care

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky House Agriculture Committee on Monday voted to report Senate Bill 69 favorably after testimony for and against a proposal to create a certification pathway for people who perform routine equine dental care, commonly called "floating" teeth.

Sen. Robin Webb, D-18, the bill sponsor, told the committee the measure is intended to create a regulated pathway for longtime practitioners of equine dental work, add accountability, enable those providers to obtain insurance and improve access to basic care in rural areas. "This has been about a 2-year, consensus piece of legislation," Webb said, adding the bill contains a grandfather clause for people who have been doing the work for years and additional training requirements.

The bill establishes a licensed or certified role for nonveterinarians who provide routine equine dental maintenance. Justin Talp, who testified in support, told the committee his international association requires continuing education and said, "Our membership and our certification requires 24 hours of CE every 2 years," adding that regulatory requirements discussed in committee might be equivalent to "12 hours every year."

Veterinarians who testified raised concerns about the…