Reforming Equine Dental Care and the Role of Legal Expertise in Veterinary Regulation

Equine dental care in New Zealand is facing a crossroads, and Registered Veterinarian Dr Helen Beattie is here to shed light on the pressing need for regulatory reform. The current landscape allows non-veterinarians to perform complex dental procedures on horses, posing significant risks to equine welfare. Join host Julie South and Dr Helen as she shares her passionate advocacy against these practices, highlighting the Ministry for Primary Industries' disregard for expert veterinary advice and her relentless pursuit to safeguard animal welfare through policy change.Regulatory challenges extend beyond equine care as veterinary nurses in the companion animal field grapple with limitations despite their training and insurance. Dr Helen recounts her journey back to university, driven by a desire to blend legal expertise with my passion for animals, aiming to become one of only two (as at recording) vet lawyers in New Zealand. Her personal narrative underscores the broader need for regulatory support to overcome bureaucratic hurdles and the fresh perspective that legally trained veterinary professionals can bring to the field.Returning to academia as a mature student brings its own set of challenges and opportunities. Dr Helen and Julie discuss how life experience enriches both learning and work environments, while also confronting exam stress and perfectionism. We celebrate the unique contributions mature students and professionals bring, urging respect and appreciation for their wisdom and balance. Could Your Kind of People recognise Their Kind of Clinic?A job ad may catch a vet’s or nurse’s eye. But it’s their own due diligence that determines whether they apply—or keep in touch.Culture Story Centres turn real experiences from inside your team into credible, discoverable recruitment evidence, giving vets and nurses meaningful reasons to choose your clinic.Explore Culture Story Centres for veterinary clinics