The British Association of Equine Dental Technicians

BEVA/BVDA Exam

Equine Dental LegislationThere is a very rigorous written and practical examination overseen by external examiners. On passing this examination, the equine dental technician can perform the category 2 procedures

It is hoped that the final legislation will soon go through Parliament to deregulate the Category 2 procedures and in turn, the BEVA/BVDA examination will then be also acknowledged by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and DEFRA.

Exam Application

In order to sit the BEVA/BVDA examination candidates must write formally to the BEVA office expressing their desire to sit the exam and provide the following;

  1. A CV and two veterinary references
  2. A case log (dental charts) of 300 dental cases. These dental charts will have to include 40 dental charts of more advanced dental procedures taking place under sedation and signed by a vet. (BEVA reserve the right to contact clients or veterinary surgeons involved in each individual case study to verify the work carried out by the candidate). Photographic evidence would be welcome in the portfolio although not essential. (N.B At least 50% of the dental charts will need to be of procedures performed in the UK, including 50% of advanced cases.)
  3. Have attended the BEVA/BVDA Advanced theoretical EDT course. (Dates for 2007 24th & 25th August).
  4. The candidate must also spend a minimum of five full days working under supervision with an EDT who has passed the BEVA/BVDA EDT exam or with a vet who performs a high amount of equine dental work. (A time period will be specified in which the days will need to have been spent. Usually the time period is 6 to 9 months before sitting the exam). The EDT or vet will then be independently asked to sign a form confirming that the candidate is ready to sit this examination. If the EDT or vet does not think the candidate is ready to sit the examination the candidate will be asked to defer sitting the exam at that time. The examiners feel that it is very important that candidates do not sit this examination until they have the correct training and experience to give them the very best chance of passing at the first attempt.
  5. Canddates must attend the 2-day BEVA/BVDA advanced theoretical EDT course. The course teaches advanced dental anatomy, equine nutrition, dental disorders and treatments, microbiology, disinfection, health and safety and current legislation in Britain today, it does not give any of the training in the practical skills which are essential to a very high level, if this examination is to be passed. Further details available from BEVA headquarters. Tel:01223 836 970
  6. Canditates are also strongly advised to attend the pre examination training weekends. These are a superb opportunity for prospective candidates to get hands on experience of working under exam conditions whilst gaining tuition from BAEDT qualified members and BEVA examiners in preparation for the exam. Further details are available from secretary@baedt.com BAEDT pre-examination training weekends. Include the photos from 2003

Equine Dental LegislationPassing of the official BEVA/BVDA examination also allows the EDT to join the British Association of Equine Dental Technicians (BAEDT), an association whose membership is restricted to fully qualified EDTs. To date, approximately 70 EDTs have passed the BEVA/BVDA examination and then have become members of the BAEDT.

It is hoped that over the next few years, all EDT's in Britain, who perform work to a high standard, will attend BEVA/BVDA advanced courses and sit this examination and thus be recognized as being properly accredited. All BAEDT members then have to spend at least five days of Continuing Professional Development to carry on gaining knowledge and also to share it with others.

BAEDT wishes to thank BEVA and Professor Paddy Dixon in the production of this document.

The Examination

The examination consists of two parts and is run over two days.

Theory (Day 1)

This part of the examination consists of a number of well-tried and tested activities.

  1. Two multiple choice question papers will be given. They need to be read carefully and the correct answers ticked. Past papers of the theoretical parts of this examination will be made available.
  2. Specimen, equipment and models. These are placed at stations around a room and you are asked to identify or comment upon them. You will be given a strict period of time at each station.
  3. Skulls or Cadavers. You will be asked to chart or identify problems.
Practical (Day 2)

All candidates who have passed the theory examination on day one are then able to proceed forward to day two which is the practical examination.

You will be presented with a horse or pony and asked to do any necessary work. You will be given one hour to do this and to suggest any long-term plan for further treatment.

Examiners may ask to check the horse's mouth before, during and after the treatment. They will also be asking questions.