From today onwards, veterinary nurses and technicians in New Zealand will officially regain their authority to carry out subgingival dental procedures on cats and dogs under general anaesthetic, while acting under the guidance of a registered veterinarian.
This regulatory change—announced by Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard—reverses the 2021 decision that had limited these dental procedures to veterinarians only. The reinstatement recognises the vital contribution allied veterinary professionals (AVPs) make to animal health care and supports a more efficient use of skills within the clinic setting.
By allowing properly trained AVPs to perform routine procedures like subgingival scaling, clinics can improve workflow, reduce wait times for patients needing more advanced dental care, and help ensure veterinarians are able to focus on more complex or urgent cases. Minister Hoggard noted this change would ultimately benefit both animals and clinic teams by addressing current workforce pressures.
The Veterinary Council of New Zealand has welcomed the move, highlighting that it aligns with a team-based approach to veterinary care and enables AVPs to work to the full extent of their training.
What Should Clinics Do?
With the regulation coming into force, veterinary practices are encouraged to review and update their clinic protocols to reflect this change. It is important to ensure AVPs are appropriately trained and confident in performing these procedures, particularly if dentistry was not included in their primary training or if it has been several years since they last performed subgingival scaling.
This is a timely opportunity to make the most of your veterinary team’s capabilities and support better outcomes for your patients.
For more information, visit the full announcement.
And check out the amendment to the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations here.
