Standard of care in North American small animal dental service

Abstract

Veterinary standard of care is peer-regulated, measured as the level of care provided and acceptable among most veterinarians in a given geographic area. This article proposes that today it should be the responsibility of the guiding organization of each medical discipline, such as the American Veterinary Dental College for the veterinary dental profession, to provide guidance to ruling Medical Boards regarding a recommended standard of care, rather than being defined by geographic boundaries. Within each medical discipline, specialists should be held to a higher standard than generalists, with both operating to a standard of care commensurate with their training.