OAR 875-015-0050: Veterinary Dentistry

(1) A veterinary dental operation or procedure is the application or use of any instrument or device to any portion of an animal's tooth, gum, or related tissue for the prevention, cure, or relief of any wound, fracture, injury, disease, or other condition of an animal's tooth, gum, or related tissue. Dental operations or procedures shall be performed only by licensed veterinarians, except for those veterinary dental procedures set out in section (3) of this rule. (2) Minimum Standards: (a) Where preventive dental cleanings are offered, appropriate polishing equipment shall be available; (b) Dental diagnostic radiograph capability shall be available when surgical dental services are offered; (c) Records of dental work performed shall be kept and become part of the animal’s permanent record. (3) Preventive veterinary dental procedures including, but not limited to, the removal of calculus, soft deposits, plaque, and stains, or the smoothing, filing, or polishing of tooth surfaces shall be performed only by licensed veterinarians, certified veterinary technicians or veterinary assistants under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian. (4) This rule does not prohibit any person from utilizing cotton swabs, gauze, dental floss, dentifrice, toothbrushes, or similar items to maintain an animal's oral hygiene.