GUIDELINES FOR THE 2016 BEVA/BVDA
ACCREDITATION EXAM IN EQUINE DENTISTRY
These guidelines are designed to provide prospective exam candidates with comprehensive details of how the
exam is structured and what is required in order to pass.
Please ensure that you read these guidelines thoroughly, double check the requirements, and ask any questions
in plenty of time. Candidates fail every year because they have not carefully adhered to the guidelines; BAEDT
offer a free checking scheme prior to the application deadline to ensure candidates meet all the necessary
requirements for credential submission.
PURPOSE
The examination is designed to test whether candidates know, understand, and can apply what is required in
order to carry out their job role, as accredited equine dental technicians (Category 1 and 2 procedures as
described at Appendix 1), in a consistent and competent way and promote equine health and welfare.
STRUCTURE
The exam consists of three parts:
1. Assessment of credentials
2. A theory exam
3. A practical (clinical) examination.
See Appendix 2 for appropriate performance criteria
ELIGIBILITY
The examination is open to trainee Equine Dental Technicians (EDT’s) and veterinary surgeons who can
demonstrate that they have undergone structured approved training.
APPROVED TRAINING INCLUDES:

Training under the direct supervision of a BAEDT member;

Training under the direct supervision of a veterinary surgeon with expertise in equine dentistry;

Completion of an approved higher education/degree course (currently only the degree course in Equine
Dental Studies/FdSC at Hartpury College);

Attendance at courses for EDT’s run by BEVA, BVDA or BAEDT;
Other UK or Overseas training providers may be approved, but this should be clarified BEFORE submission of
credentials.
1
ASSESSMENT OF CREDENTIALS
In order to be allowed to sit the examination your credentials must be approved by the examiners. Examiners
will not approve credentials which are incomplete, illegible, incorrect, or which fail to demonstrate the expected
standard of knowledge and understanding.
You must submit the following items:





A Completed Application Form (see Appendix 3)
The Examination Fee as detailed on the Application Form
A Case Log comprising dental charts relating to 300 equine dental cases (see Appendix 4 for details)
Evidence of appropriate Supervised training including references (see Appendix 5 for details)
Evidence of one of the following (see Appendix 6 for details):
o Attendance, within the last 5 years, at the 2-day BEVA/BVDA Advanced Theoretical EDT course
o successful completion of an approved higher education/degree course in Equine Dental
Studies/FdSc (currently only the Hartpury College courses are approved)
o membership of the RCVS.
All candidates are also strongly advised to attend a BAEDT pre-examination training course (see Appendix 7).
These courses provide an opportunity for hands on experience of working under exam conditions whilst receiving
tuition and guidance from BAEDT qualified members and former examiners.
If you have previously passed the Theory exam (within the last 5 years) and are resitting the Practical Exam only
you need only submit the following items:




A Completed Application Form (Appendix 3)
The Examination Fee as detailed on the Application Form
Evidence of at least five days of appropriate Supervised training in the 12 months prior to the application
deadline (see Appendix 5 for details).
Resit candidates will also be required to submit, in addition to the credentials listed above, a Case log
comprising dental charts relating to 15 advanced equine cases (see Appendix 4 for details) seen during
the 12 months up until the closing date for applications.
NOTE: All candidates are strongly advised to attend the BEVA/BVDA Advance Theoretical EDT course. This
requirement will change after the 2016 examination whereby all (ie vet and EDT) candidates will be required to
have attended the BEVA/BVDA Advanced Theoretical EDT course within the 5 years preceding the closing date for
applications.
2
THE THEORY EXAM
The theory examination consists of 2 separate parts:
MULTIPLE CHOICE EXAMINATION
45 graphical multiple choice questions, covering dental anatomy, digestive physiology, health and safety,
equipment, pathology, legislation, dental examination, dental treatments, dental imaging.
Questions are based on the BEVA/BVDA Advanced Theoretical EDT course for dental technicians. The examination
is completed on a PC software system and marked automatically. Questions comprise a question related to an
image and up to five answer options. Past questions are not available in advance but specimen questions will be
released to candidates prior to the examination.
CHARTING EXAMINATION
The candidate is required to examine 2 cadaveric skulls and produce an accurate chart of findings and a summary
treatment plan. 30 minutes is allowed per skull (The organisers will make reasonable adjustment provision for
candidates who have special educational or other needs - any application for reasonable adjustment must be
made to the BAEDT Secretary no later than three weeks before the closing date of entry for the examination).
The charts and plans are marked according to an examination committee template. Illegible charts are not
examinable and will receive no marks. Abbreviations other than ETR and Triadan numbers should not be used,
regardless of whether a list of abbreviations is also present on the charts.
Both parts of the theory examination must be passed in order to proceed to the practical examination.
3
THE PRACTICAL EXAM
The practical examination will consist of a clinical case on which the candidate is expected to demonstrate:

suitable horse handling skills

examination of the horse with respect to its dentition

compilation of a treatment plan

commencement of treatment

completion of a dental chart
Candidates may set up their equipment 30 minutes before the start of the exam. They are then allowed one hour
for the practical elements of the exam and a further 30 minutes to complete the chart.
The examination will be conducted by an EDT examiner and a Veterinary Examiner and candidates should
describe their findings, plan and treatments as they go along. The examiners will ask questions throughout the
exam to give the candidates further opportunities to explain what they can see, what they propose to do, what
they are doing and why. These questions are designed to allow candidates to demonstrate their knowledge, not
to trip candidates up.
Candidates must ensure that all observations are accurately recorded on the dental chart and not just described
verbally.
Candidates must demonstrate safe and proficient use of both manual and motorised instrumentation during the
exam.
Treatments required that are not completed in the allocated time must be clearly indicated on the final chart
and, as long as this is done, candidates will not be penalised if they have not completed all the required
treatments.
Different candidates will be examined on different horses demonstrating different pathologies but the marking
system is designed to assess the knowledge and ability of the candidate irrespective of the horse or the degree of
dental pathology.
Examples of how candidates are assessed by examiners are provided at Appendix 8.
All horses will be sedated for the exam and the exam will commence once the horse is sedated. Additional
sedation may be requested by the candidate during the exam and will be administered at the discretion of the
veterinary examiner. If further sedation is administered the allowed time will be extended accordingly.
Candidates must bring only the equipment required for the examination (see Appendix 9). Candidates are
responsible for bringing their own equipment and ensuring that it is in clean, full working order.
The examinations are conducted as University type examinations and standard rules apply:

Examiners with a pre-determined conflict of interest in relation to a particular candidate will not take any
part in the assessment of that candidate either during the exam, during the examiners meeting, or during
any subsequent appeal.

Candidates’ advisors or mentors will not be allowed in the examination areas unless they are a member
of the examiners’ committee. Candidates will not be examined by, or communicate with, their advisors
or mentors in the examination areas.
4

ONLY members of the Examination Committee, candidates, and appointed handlers will be allowed in the
designated examination area.

Candidates may not bring any written materials or recording devices, including mobile phones, into the
examination area.

Candidates must not communicate with other candidates or allow other candidates to communicate with
them during the examinations.
Breaches of these rules may cause candidates to be disqualified from the examinations.
EXAMINATION PROTOCOL

The examination is overseen by BEVA and the BVDA

An Examination Committee is appointed each year comprising an equal number of BEVA and BAEDT
examiners (numbers dependant of the number of examination entries).

In addition an External Examiner is appointed to oversee the examination process on behalf of the
candidates and to assist the examiners with any queries. This individual does not examine candidates.

Examiners notify the Examination Committee of any conflicts of interest in relation to individual
candidates (eg mentoring, relationships, conflicts) to ensure that the examiner is excluded from having
any influence on the assessment of that candidate.

The candidate’s credentials are assessed independently by a BEVA examiner and their findings are
corroborated.

The theory examination is assessed by two BEVA examiners who compare the charts to a template. The
multiple choice test is marked automatically.

In the practical exam each candidate is examined independently by an examination team comprising one
examiner from BEVA and one examiner from the BAEDT.

There may be a need for trainee examiners to be present observing the exam. These individuals are
examiners in training are merely there to learn academic examinations procedures and processes for
future years and are not involved in assessment of candidates. Their numbers are limited and will be
distributed within the practical exam and correction areas to ensure that candidates are not placed under
undue pressure.
EXAMINERS’ MEETING
Following the practical examination, an examiners’ meeting is held to discuss the marks obtained at the various
written, practical and clinical parts of the examination (each examiner independently marks the candidate he or
she is examining). The Examination Committee reaches agreement on the results and these results are then
reviewed by the External Examiner.
NOTIFICATION OF RESULTS
Once approved by the External Examiner the results are passed to the BAEDT and BEVA.
BAEDT will notify candidates by email as to whether they have passed or failed within two working days of the
practical exam.
5
BEVA will send a letter to each candidate within two weeks (10 working days) of the practical exam. The letter
will either include a pass certificate or a brief report highlighting areas of weakness (see below).
FAILURE OF ALL OR PART OF THE EXAMINATIO N
A brief report will be given to any candidate who fails any part of the examination. This report will highlight areas
of weakness identified by the examiners and will suggest constructive theoretical and practical ways that these
shortfalls can be rectified prior to re-sitting the examination. The examiners will also recommend a specific time
interval before the candidate re-sits the examination. This individual recommendation is designed to allow
candidates to undertake the necessary training to have the best chance of being successful at the re-sit.
If a candidate fails the practical part examination they will only have to repeat the practical examination.
The Examination Committee’s decision is final. As with all professional exams no written or verbal
correspondence will be entered into concerning the Examination Committees’ decision or the content of the brief
report described above.
APPEALS
Candidates who feel that they have not been examined in accordance with these guidelines can appeal against
the outcome at the end of all parts of the examination.
Disappointment at the result is not grounds for an appeal if the exam has been conducted fairly.
APPEALS PROCEDURE.

The candidate must appeal in writing to the BAEDT office

The appeal must be received by the BAEDT Office within two weeks (10 working days) of the candidate
receiving the report.

Candidates’ mentors may not lodge an appeal.

The candidate will be notified once the appeal is received by the BAEDT office.

The candidates’ charts, theory exam results, and practical chart and mark sheet will then be forwarded to
the External Examiner who will make a final decision within 28 days.

The findings of the External Examiner will be passed to the candidate via the BAEDT Office.
As with all vocational examinations, regrettably, some candidates are likely to fail part or all of the examination
(as also occurs in veterinary and dental examinations) and at the time this can be very upsetting to the candidate.
However, candidates who initially failed and later passed this BEVA/BAEDT examination have, following initial
disappointment, later spoken and written to us about the very positive nature of this process and freely admit that
the standard of their knowledge and work was not of the highest standard at the initial sitting, and that it
improved enormously before sitting and passing the examination at the second attempt. In retrospect, but not at
the time of the examination, they felt the examination was fair and acknowledge that they did in fact require
additional skills and knowledge to achieve the high level of knowledge and competency which we are all trying to
attain.
For further information contact Tanya Betts, BAEDT secretary baedt@hotmail.co.uk
6
Appendix 1
EQUINE DENTAL PROCEDURES FOR SUITABLY TRAINED/QUALIFIED EDTS (JUNE 2009)
CATEGORY 1 PROCEDURES
Those procedures which an individual can perform after recognised training without specific attainment of
qualifications.






Examination of teeth;
Removal of sharp enamel points using manual rasps only;
Removal of small dental overgrowths (maximum 4mm reductions) using manual rasps only;
Rostral profiling of the first cheek teeth (maximum 4mm reductions), previously termed ‘bit seat shaping’;
Removal of loose deciduous caps; and
Removal of supragingival calculus.
CATEGORY 2 PROCEDURES
Additional procedures suitable for delegation to an EDT who has trained and passed an examination approved by
DEFRA:





Examination, evaluation and recording of dental abnormalities;
The removal of loose teeth or dental fragments with negligible periodontal attachments
The removal of erupted, non-displaced wolf teeth in the upper or lower jaw under direct and continuous
veterinary supervision;
Palliative rasping of fractured and adjacent teeth; and
The use of motorised dental instruments where these are used to reduce overgrowths and remove sharp
enamel points only. Horses should be sedated unless it is deemed safe to undertake any proposed
procedure without sedation, with full informed consent of the owner.
CATEGORY 3 PROCEDURES.
All other procedures (involving diagnosis or treatment of animals) and any new procedures, which arise as a result
of scientific and technical development, would by default fall into Category 3, which are those procedures
restricted to qualified veterinary surgeons and are not proposed for deregulation. It is therefore NOT legal for
these to be performed by non-veterinarians.
New, non-invasive procedures could be reviewed after a trial period and if deemed of low risk to animals could be
considered for inclusion in Category 2.
7
Appendix 2
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
YOU MUST BE ABLE TO:
P1
Obtain an appropriate medical history with respect to signs of dental and oral disease and previous dental
treatments.
P2
Appreciate animal behaviour signs.
P3
Conduct a physical assessment of the horse/pony/donkey with respect to external structures adjacent to
the dentition.
P4
Place an oral speculum in situ safely
P5
Recognise clinical signs of avoidance or excitement indicating chemical sedation is required.
P6
Be able to communicate professionally with a veterinary surgeon to arrange provision of sedation at a
mutually convenient time and location.
P7
Remove retained food by rinsing
P8
Perform a visual examination of the horse’s mouth.
P9
Perform a digital examination of the horse’s mouth.
P10
Identify signs of oral pathology.
P11
Be able to recommend the appropriate treatments for lesions identified.
P12
Identify and recognise which lesions require veterinary treatment and make appropriate
recommendations.
P13
Perform treatments as listed in categories 1 and 2 safely (see Appendix 1).
P14
Recommend post treatment care.
P15
Describe and annotate findings and treatments professionally on a dental record.
YOU SHOULD ALSO KNOW/BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE:
P16
Knowledge of the Laws relating to animal procedures, professional ethics and appropriate
communications between professional colleagues and technicians. (VSA 1966, Animal Welfare Act,
Veterinary Medicines Directorate)
P17
Awareness of the use of ancillary diagnostic aids eg. radiography, endoscopy, scintigraphy and of the
limitations of a physical examination when dealing with oral problems.
P18
The competent use of both manual and motorised dental rasps. (over reliance on powered tools will be
considered a weakness)
P19
Rostral edges of 1st cheek teeth (‘06s’) should be contoured for the individual horse. Excessive reductions,
exaggerated bit seats and possible pulp exposure are considered to be contra-indicated.
P20
Appropriate reduction of clinically significant excessive transverse ridges only.
P21
Excessive removal of lateral ridges or palatal cingulae of the upper cheek teeth e.g. removal of peripheral
over 1 cm from the occlusal surface is contraindicated.
P22
Excessive reduction of dental tissue, and smoothing of occlusal surfaces, as proposed by some
organisations internationally, is considered non-physiological and is contra-indicated. The requirements
of this BEVA/BVDA examination may differ considerably from some of the American examinations in this
respect.
8
Appendix 3
APPLICATION FORM - BEVA/BVDA EDT EXAM 2016
CLOSING DATE: 31 S T OCTOBER 2015
Name…………………………………………………………………………………………………........................................................................
Address………………………………………………………………………………………………........................................................................
………………………………………………………………………………………Telephone:……………………………………………………………………….
Email………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
I have not previously taken any part of the BEVA/BVDA Examination

(£200 deposit payable)
I am applying to retake the BEVA/BAEDT Theory Examination

(£85 deposit payable)
I am applying to retake the BEVA/BVDA Practical Examination

(£85 deposit payable)
I wish to apply for reasonable adjustment provision on the basis of special educational or other needs

I enclose my non-refundable deposit (see exam fees on following page) of £……………. for the exam in the form of a

Cheque made payable to BAEDT.
Please send the application form and cheque to the BAEDT secretary, 11 Orchard Crescent, Great Moulton,
Norwich, Norfolk, NR15 2HB.
I confirm I have read and agree to comply with the Terms and Conditions below:
Signed…………………………………………………………………………... Date:……………………………………………..
TERMS AND CONDITIONS

VENUES ARE NORMALLY COVERED BY THIRD PARTY LIABILITY INSURANCE. HOWEVER DELEGATES
MUST ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE APPROPRIATE LIABILITY INSURANCE.

The initial deposit payment is for examination of credentials and is non-refundable.

Candidates will be informed of their eligibility to undertake the theory and/or practical examination after all
application documents have been received on time and approved.

Candidates who fail to pass the written and spot test examinations will not go forward to undertake the practical
examination.

Candidates will be informed within 1 week of the written and spot examinations whether they are eligible to
undertake the practical.

Candidates must follow appropriate biosecurity and client confidentiality practices.

By submitting him or herself for examination, the candidate declares themselves:
o
o
Fit and able to undertake the assessments
Aware of the risks associated with equine dental care and able to assess and react to those risks.
9
Appendix 3
FEES & CHECKLIST - BEVA/BVDA EDT EXAM 2016
2016 EXAM FEES



First time applicants (non Hartpury):
o Theory and Practical exam
£750 (Including non-refundable deposit of £200)
First time applicants (Hartpury):
o Practical exam
£650 (Including non-refundable deposit of £200)
Retake Applicants:
o Retake of Theory and Practical exam
o Retake of Practical exam
£585 (Including non-refundable deposit of £85)
£535 (Including non-refundable deposit of £85)
CHECKLIST OF DOCUMENTATION
NEW CANDIDATES






PRACTICAL RESITS
Completed Application Form
Examination Fee
Case Log comprising 300 dental charts (including
40 advanced cases)
Evidence of appropriate supervised training
Two references
Evidence of approved education





Completed Application Form
Examination Fee
Case Log comprising 15 advanced equine cases
Evidence of appropriate supervised training
Two new references
IMPORTANT DATES
21-22 Aug 2015 BEVA/BVDA Advanced Theoretical EDT Course - Jurys Inn, Broad Street, Birmingham.
10-17 Oct 2015 Credential Pre-Check - Applications reviewed by BAEDT for basic administrative compliance.
(this may allow candidates time to correct any identified errors or omissions).
30 Oct 2015
Deadline for receipt of applications.
TBC
Theory exam. Venue - TBC
16th Mar 2016
Practical exam. Twemlows Stud Farm, Whitchurch, Shropshire
10
Appendix 4
CASE LOG REQUIREMENTS
Dental charts relating to 300 equine dental cases.
ALL CASES
All dental charts must be legible and complete. Any incomplete or illegible charts will be discounted and the
candidate will not be eligible to sit either the theory or the practical part of the exam.
Every chart must:







be numbered and dated (charts which are not dated and numbered will be discounted)
Include the candidate’s original signature (photocopied signatures will be discounted)
include the name of the candidate carrying out the examination/procedure
describe the reason for the examination,
describe the examination findings
describe the procedures carried out
use diagrams where appropriate.
Candidates may use any dental chart which, in the opinion of the examiners, clearly communicates the
required information.
All abbreviations other than the Triadan system, and “ETR” (excessive transverse ridge) should be
explained/expanded on each chart on which they are used.
At least 50% of the dental charts must relate to procedures performed in the UK
Candidates should retain a copy of the charts in case they are required to answer any queries. Original charts
can be returned on request after the practical exam.
NB. Examiners would prefer charts NOT to be submitted in individual plastic pockets
ADVANCED CASES
40 (15 for resit candidates) of these charts must relate to advanced cases and must be submitted as a clearly
identified separate section from the charts of routine cases.
Advanced cases, for the purpose of this exam, are those in which collaboration with a veterinary surgeon was
necessary, or which required sedation for a reason other than sharp enamel points.
Whilst it is recognised that many of the advanced cases may be of a similar nature, the totality of the
submitted charts (advanced and general) should show enough variety to demonstrate a wide range of skills.
Every advanced case dental chart must (in addition to the requirements for all charts listed above):



Indicate why the case is considered to be advanced
Be countersigned and dated by the attending veterinary surgeon on the day the work was
undertaken
Include a clear and legible Practice Stamp from the attending veterinary surgeon’s practice
The advanced cases must have been undertaken after either:


Completion of the BEVA/BAEDT Advanced Theoretical EDT course, or
Completion of the second year of the Equine Dental Science FdSc at Hartpury College
At least 50% of the advanced case dental charts must relate to procedures performed in the UK.
11
Appendix 5
EVIDENCE OF SUPERVISED TRAINING
DAYS SUPERVISED
The candidate must also spend a minimum of five full days in the 12 months prior to the application deadline,
working under supervision with BAEDT member or with a vet with expertise in equine dentistry.
A signed and dated letter from the supervisor (on headed paper) confirming the number of full days worked
under supervision along with the dates (example below), must be included in the application.
I, ……………………………………………………… BAEDT/MRCVS (delete as appropriate), supervised the following
candidate’s training on the following dates:
Candidate’s name: ………………………………………………………………………….
1st date:
2nd date:
3rd date:
4th date:
5th date:
Additional dates:
REFERENCES
All candidates must include in their application two written references from a BAEDT member and one from a
veterinary surgeon with expertise in dentistry.
Retake candidates must submit new references (i.e. references written since they failed the exam they are
retaking).
These references must be signed, dated, include the referees appropriate qualification, be on headed paper and
must indicate that, in the referee’s opinion, the candidate is ethical, competent, safe and sufficiently well
prepared to undertake the examination. Candidates are strongly recommended to use the template below with
regard to reference submission.
I, ..………………………………. BAEDT/MRCVS (delete as appropriate), consider the following candidate to be ethical,
competent, safe and sufficiently well prepared to undertake the BEVA/BVDA examination.
Candidate’s name: …………………………………………………………….
NB. References from family members or relations will not be accepted.
12
Appendix 6
EVIDENCE OF EDUCATION
All candidates must provide evidence of appropriate education via one of the following:
o
Attendance, within the previous 5 years, at the 2-day BEVA/BVDA Advanced Theoretical EDT
course (a copy of the course attendance certificate must be included in the application)
o
successful completion of the degree course in Equine Dental Science/FdSc at Hartpury College (a
copy of the degree certificate, or a signed letter on headed paper from the Head of the Course
confirming that the candidate has passed the course, must be included in the application)
o
membership of the RCVS (a copy of the RCVS certificate or appropriate section of the current
register must be included in the application)
13
Appendix 7
COURSES
21-22 Aug 2015: Joint BEVA/BVDA Advanced Theoretical EDT Course
Jury’s Inn, Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2HQ.
This lecture-based course is aimed at veterinarians and the more experienced EDT who wishes to sit the
BEVA/BVDA EDT examination in the future. The course will cover all the theory needed for the theory section
of the EDT Exam. At the end of day two the EDT exam will be discussed in detail highlighting the reasons for
previous exam failures. A copy of the comprehensive notes are included in the course fee, which are essential
reading when preparing to sit the EDT exam.
Course fee: £450
For more info or to book a place, please contact: Debbie Wylie at debbie@beva.org.uk
BAEDT Courses can be viewed on the BAEDT website: baedt.com/CPD
14
Appendix 9
PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
A PASS CANDIDATE WIL L:













Have an appropriately well maintained set of instruments
Demonstrate competent horse handling ability.
Confidently perform external examination of oral structures.
Competently and confidently apply an oral speculum.
Be able to assess appropriate levels of sedation.
Demonstrate appropriate tissue handling during an oral examination.
Observe and describe most (not necessarily all) oral features and dental pathology.
Compile a thorough and appropriate treatment plan.
Commence treatments (cat 1 and 2 only) in a suitable order.
Perform treatments competently and safely using both manual and powered instruments without excessive trauma.
Identify ongoing treatments required at the end of the examination.
Identify lesions or treatments which require collaboration or referral.
Compile a thorough dental chart, legibly including identifying incomplete treatments.
A FAIL CANDIDATE WILL DEMONSTRATE ANY OF :
















Have unacceptable or contaminated instruments
Show unsuitable horse handling ability.
Fail to examine the horse’s mouth thoroughly or safely, including correct application of a speculum.
Fail to show a working knowledge of the effects and modified behaviour associated with sedated horses.
Fail to react appropriately to changes in the horse’s behaviour during the exam.
Fail to observe multiple significant pathological lesions.
Compile an inappropriate treatment plan.
Fail to show safe and effective technique when performing procedures.
Fail to show appropriate selection and application of any instruments present
Perform or attempt to perform any illegal procedures.
Remove excessive healthy dental tissue for no physiological reason
Cause significant iatrogenic damage during the exam
Fail to recognise significant relevant veterinary disease affecting the mouth.
Fail to communicate their observations/actions with the examination team.
Fail to complete a legible dental chart.
Fail to identify remaining significant lesions that require treatment (some discretion to be given for minor subjective
lesions).
A BORDERLINE CANDIDA TE MAY:







Show a lack of confidence in performing the tasks under “PASS” above (allowing for nerves during the exam), and
display suboptimal animal handling skills.
Omit some minor lesions when observing and compiling the treatment plan.
Omit some minor elective procedures from a treatment plan.
Perform individual tasks incompletely, (leaving minor outstanding features, particularly if inhibited by non-compliant
horses).
Complete a chart of borderline quality or illegible but demonstrate good practical skills.
Fail to show competence with BOTH manual and powered instruments
A candidate will not be penalised for failing to complete all treatments in the allotted 1 hour (providing that
incomplete treatments are noted on the chart). Variation in aspects of treatment that are highly opinionated or
subjective eg rostral profiling, degree of rounding peripheries, degree of removal of ETR’s will not result in a candidate
failing (unless iatrogenic damage is done) provided that candidates can justify their decisions.
15
Appendix 9
BEVA/BVDA EXAM MARKING SHEET
Candidate…………………….…………………………………..
Examination Start Time…………………………………………....
Equipment and Presentation
/10
Mark x1
Oral Examination and Treatment Plan
/10
Mark x3
Corrective Dental Work
/10
Mark x5
Charting and Follow Up Plan
/10
Mark x 1
TOTAL
Additional Notes
Feedback Comments
16
/100
Appendix 9
EXAMINERS’ MARKING SCALE & NOTES
MARKING SCALE
10
Exceptional - goes beyond the expected material
9
Excellent - all the expected material, well ordered, thoughtful
8
Very good - almost all the expected material
7
Good - well organised presentation of most major points
6
Fair - lacks organisation and some of the major points, but adequate performance
5
Insufficient - some understanding of the subject, but insufficient to pass
4
Inadequate - limited in knowledge or understanding
3
Poor - very limited in knowledge and understanding
2
Very poor - muddled and seriously lacking in knowledge
1
Little that is relevant or correct
0
Nothing relevant or correct
NOTES

A good exam performance will be achieving marks between 7 and 8.
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Only exceptional candidates will be achieving marks between 9 and 10.
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All the elements within a particular area of assessment will be included, it is unlikely that a candidate
performance on single point alone, e.g. errors in individual ETR correction, would be sufficient to merit
failure of the entire section.
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Polarisation of marks i.e. very good or very bad, will be avoided – appropriate use of the marking scheme
will result in a candidates with a range of marks across the entire scale with the majority lying in a group
somewhere in the middle.
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Each area of assessment will be considered separately and the total marks used to create the final marks.
Marks will not be adjusted to actively “Pass” or “Fail” individual candidates.

The exam assessment process aims to be fair, and accountable. The examination is not expecting
perfection, it is merely looking for candidates to achieve an acceptable standard. It should be
remembered examiners are selected on the basis of working to standard higher than that of the average
candidate and therefore comparisons between candidates’ and examiner’s standard of work will be
avoided.

Equine dentistry suffers from a lack of evidence based practice in many fields. Examiners will avoid
allowing personal opinions on best practice to influence the uniformity of the assessment process.

The overall total pass mark for the exam is 60%.
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Appendix 9
EQUIPMENT AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING REQUIRED FOR THE PRACTICAL EXAM
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Clean protective clothing (i.e. coverall or smock) and clean footwear (preferably, but not necessarily, with
steel toecaps)
A complete set of clean, safe and workable dental instruments including:
Full mouth speculum (gag)
Gag (not metal ring type – e.g. Swales) for incisor work
Range of dental rasps
Cap forceps
Wolf tooth extraction instruments
Bucket
Dose syringe
Disinfectant(s)
Light source
Dental mirror
Periodontal probes
Dental Explorer
Dental pick(s)
Power tools with suitable electric protection i.e. RCD (240V) as required
All equipment must be cleaned and disinfected prior to the examination.
All equipment must be appropriate for purpose.
Candidates are entirely responsible for the function of their equipment.
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