What is not a responsibility of licensed equine dentists?

Licensed equine dentists have specific responsibilities that are primarily focused on the preventive and corrective dental care of horses. One key aspect of their role includes performing procedures that maintain oral health, such as removing sharp enamel points, which can cause discomfort and injury to a horse's mouth. They are also skilled in reducing incisors to ensure proper bite alignment and function. Extracting loose or diseased teeth is another task that falls within their scope of practice, as addressing problematic teeth is crucial to the overall health and performance of the animal.

However, conducting major surgical operations is not within the typical scope of practice for licensed equine dentists. This task is more appropriately performed by veterinarians who have completed more extensive training that includes surgical procedures. Equine dentists focus on dental maintenance and care rather than invasive surgical interventions that would require anesthesia and more advanced medical training. Thus, the answer highlights a clear distinction between the roles and responsibilities of licensed equine dentists and those of veterinarians.