The American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC), the European Veterinary Dental College, and the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry are considering developing an equine veterinary dental specialty college as a result of the growing popularity of the equine dentistry discipline.

"As you are probably aware, there has been a considerable increase in interest in equine veterinary dentistry recently, to the point that several organizations interested in or offering educational activities or certification in equine veterinary dentistry have been established," the AVDC said in a letter to veterinarians, sent to gauge interest and solicit nominees for the potential organizing committee." There is recognition that a formal specialty college in equine veterinary dentistry may now be justifiable."

Although creating a college would be a complicated task, AVDC Executive Secretary Colin Harvey noted in the letter to veterinarians that "although there is considerable overlap in the knowledge, diagnostic techniques, and dental treatment procedures used in all species, it is now recognized that there is probably a sufficient body of equine veterinary dental knowledge and need for specialist-level equine veterinary dental services that would support establishment of a stand-alone equine veterinary dental specialty."

The AVDC is currently collecting names of nominees and will make a decision based on the response to the letter. If there is enough interest, the AVDC will submit a formal petition to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) for the opportunity to become ABVS-accredited