Regulation Change Set to Improve Pet Dental Care and Veterinary Efficiency

With the new rules coming into force in April, pet owners can expect improved access to essential dental care for their animals, ensuring better health outcomes and a more efficient use of veterinary resources.

Veterinary nurses will soon be able to perform subgingival dental procedures on cats and dogs, following a regulatory update announced by Associate Minister of Agriculture, Andrew Hoggard. The change, set to take effect on April 10, will reinstate the ability of qualified veterinary nurses to conduct these essential procedures under veterinary supervision, reversing restrictions introduced in 2021.

"Prior to 2021, skilled veterinary nurses routinely carried out subgingival procedures, but the previous government imposed new criteria limiting this work to veterinarians only. We are now restoring a sensible and efficient approach that benefits both animal health and veterinary practice operations," Hoggard stated.

Dental health is a critical aspect of an animal’s overall well-being, and removing tartar buildup beneath the gumline is essential for preventing periodontal disease and other health complications. Under the new regulation, approved veterinary nurses will be able to perform these procedures while the animal is under general anaesthesia, as long as they are working under the authorization of a veterinarian.

The decision is expected to provide significant benefits to both pet owners and veterinary professionals. Allowing qualified veterinary nurses to take on dental scaling and other subgingival care will free up veterinarians to focus on a broader range of cases, potentially reducing wait times for treatment and improving overall animal healthcare services.

Industry groups and veterinary professionals worked closely with the Ministry for Primary Industries to develop the updated regulation. Their support highlights the importance of veterinary nurses as integral members of the animal healthcare team.

With the new rules coming into force in April, pet owners can expect improved access to essential dental care for their animals, ensuring better health outcomes and a more efficient use of veterinary resources.