NEWS FLASH! Dental regulation issued!

A new regulation enabling veterinary nurses to undertake some dental procedures has received Royal Assent! This is fabulous news after long and strong advocacy that started in 2021 with a complaint to the Regulations Review Select Committee.

The sort of sparkly gnashers we like to see!

Finally, on 10th April 2025, the regulation comes in to force, restoring past practice for veterinary nurses who for decades have been trained, insured and performed these procedures.

This is a terrific outcome for the veterinary team, and VAWA was pleased to assist the Companion Animal Veterinarians branch of the NZVA to achieve this.

Regulation 56F Subgingival dental procedures on cats and dogs

Background

VAWA was contracted to support CAV present evidence to Regulations Review Select Committee in relation to a complaint the NZVA made.

This was a significant piece work developing the technical and legal advice outlining why there is an urgent need to develop a regulation so that non-veterinarians (ie AVPs) can undertake some subgingival procedures in companion animals.

In early 2023, consultation on the necessary regulation was undertaken. VAWA's submission strongly supported this proposed regulation.

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