The debate over who should and shouldn't provide dental care isn't just confined to the dental world -- apparently it is an issue in veterinary medicine as well.
Oklahoma rodeo star Bobby Griswold has called a new law "absurd" after he was arrested for allegedly performing illegal dental work on a horse, according to news reports.
Griswold is considered one of the nation's top professional saddle bronc riders, according to a story in the Oklahoman. As a second job, he works as a trained equine dentist.
On March 4, he became the first person in Oklahoma arrested under a new law that makes it a felony to do dental work on horses without a veterinary license, which Griswold does not have, according to the Oklahoman.
Officials from the Oklahoma State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners said they acted after getting a complaint about Griswold's activities, according to the Oklahoman. They said he had been warned four times by letter to stop performing dental work on horses.
Supporters say nonveterinarian equine dentists are essential because there are not enough vets to care for the thousands of horses in the state. Opponents say the practice puts the animals at risk.
Griswold is currently free on bail.
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