Brushing a dog’s teeth probably isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. But a group of pet-grooming services are snarling over an effort by a statewide group of veterinarians to monopolize the use of dental picks for dogs and cats.It’s the latest in a class of battles that has long been fought in state politics — the “scope of practice” rules that determine who is allowed to do what under state law.
The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is trying to get “scalers” added to the list of tools that can only be used on animals by a licensed veterinarian. A scaler is really nothing more than a dental pick — a slim piece of metal typically about six inches long — optimized for the shape of dog or cat’s teeth. They’re available online and in pet supply stores for prices starting around $3. Anybody can use one on their own pet legally.
On Monday morning, the California Veterinary Medical Board will take up the question of whether anyone besides a vet can charge for using one on a pet’s teeth.
Vets say the fight is about animal health, and they cite a 2004 case in which a small dog allegedly had its jaw broken in three places by a groomer wielding a scaler. Groomers say the move to limit scalers is simply an attempt to protect the veterinarians’ pocketbooks.
Meanwhile, the woman whose grooming business allegedly was at fault said the entire premise that a groomer caused the injuries in the 2004 case is preposterous, noting that it appeared the animal had been hit by a car. She says the Veterinary Medical Association has been attempting to use a made-up incident for years as part of a money grab.
Restricting the sale of dental scalers will probably not stop the practice by groomers of offering a less costly service for animals. The REAL question is whether the California veterinarians are willing to accept all of the bad PR by pushing this issue.
Most people understand the difference between Vet provided dental care and what they receive at a retail store. The fact is they either do not want to pay the increased fee or do not value the service enough to pay the increased cost.
Now, a dental ultrasonic scaler is a different animal…..
