Anaesthesia Free Dentals: A Welfare Concern?

'Anaesthesia free' dentals are procedures that are starting to be offered by some paraprofessionals. Here, we explain why we tend to not recommend you have your pets teeth scaled and polished without a general anaesthesic.

RCVS considers that “anaesthesia-free dental procedures” for cats and dogs, are not in the best interests of the health and welfare of patients.

Members of the public considering providing anaesthesia-free dental services should be aware of their responsibilities under the Veterinary Surgeons Act and also the potential dangers of causing harm to pets which could lead to actions under the Animal Welfare Act.

RCVS - Royal College Of Veterinary Surgeons statement:

Anaesthesia Free Dentals:

• Cannot allow full oral examination to be performed and vitally important diagnoses may be missed or delayed;

• Do not allow full and effective cleaning of the most important sub-gingival areas;

• May actually cause damage to the tissues surrounding the teeth;

• May cause discomfort, pain and/or distress to the animal;

• Are likely to delay clients accessing effective, proper oral care;

• If performed under the guise of a “Dental Treatment” could be considered misleading, unless the owners are made aware of the inadequate and potentially injurious nature of the procedure.

This statement is issued with the agreement of: a) EVDC (European Veterinary Dental College) b) EVDS (European Veterinary Dental Society) c) The current recognised Specialists in Veterinary Dentistry practising in the UK d) BVDA (British Veterinary Dental Association)

The pictures below show an anaesthetised dog under general anesthesia with analgesia (pain relief) on board.

This picture highlights clearly that scaling of the teeth only is not the appropriate treatment for many animals. A full oral examination will be inadequate in a conscious animal, and many are left with painful teeth in situ that should have been extracted.

Paraprofessionals in animal care and grooming can and do play a vital role in education, teaching owners how to complete dental hygiene care at home via toothbrushing to allow oral hygiene to be maintained.

Paraprofessionals working in animal care, particularly within the grooming sector, can play an extremely valuable role in improving pet dental health. Groomers often see dogs far more frequently than veterinary teams do, sometimes every four to eight weeks depending on the breed and coat type. This regular contact places them in a unique position to help educate owners about the importance of oral hygiene and to encourage proactive dental care long before significant disease develops.

Through routine observation during grooming appointments, groomers may be among the first people to notice early signs that something may not be right within a pet’s mouth. While they are not diagnosing dental disease, simply checking the mouth as part of a general health awareness approach can help identify potential concerns such as visible tartar accumulation, inflamed gums, unusual odour, or changes that owners may not have noticed themselves. By highlighting these observations and encouraging owners to seek veterinary advice when appropriate, groomers can play an important role in signposting pets toward professional assessment and treatment when it is needed.

Alongside this, groomers can be powerful advocates for prevention. Educating owners about routine dental hygiene at home, particularly toothbrushing, can significantly improve long-term oral health outcomes for pets. Many owners simply do not know where to start, and gentle guidance on introducing toothbrushing, desensitising pets to mouth handling, and establishing a daily routine can make a substantial difference. When introduced early, especially during puppy visits to grooming salons, these habits can become a normal part of a pet’s care routine, helping to reduce the development and progression of periodontal disease over time.

By combining regular observation, owner education, and appropriate referral to veterinary professionals when concerns arise, groomers and other paraprofessionals can contribute meaningfully to a collaborative approach to dental health. This partnership between owners, groomers, and veterinary teams supports a preventative model of care, ultimately helping to improve welfare and reduce the burden of dental disease in companion

View the RCVS Statement here: A statement on ‘anaesthesia-free dental procedures’ for cats and dogs The RCVS Standards Committee supports the following statement due to the animal welfare issues associated with anaesthesia free dental procedures for cats and dogs.