Bill > SB1475

This bill directs the Board of Dentistry to create a work group comprised of representatives from the Virginia Dental Association and the Virginia Dental Hygienists' Association to explore ways to streamline and expedite professional licensure for dentists and dental hygienists. The work group will have two primary objectives: first, they will review current licensure statutes and recommend updates that create a faster pathway to obtaining professional licenses, specifically looking at recent regulatory changes in medical licensure as a potential model; second, they will investigate and propose a specialized licensure pathway for internationally trained dentists to practice dental hygiene under the supervision of a licensed dentist. By November 30, 2025, the work group is required to submit a detailed report of their recommendations to the Senate Committee on Education and Health and the House Committee on Health and Human Services, with the ultimate goal of modernizing dental professional licensure and potentially addressing workforce needs in the dental care sector.

Education, Health and Social Services

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB1475