Bill > SB178

This bill allows dental assistants with at least 1,800 hours of clinical experience to perform additional procedures, specifically supragingival scaling and coronal polishing, after obtaining certification. Supragingival scaling refers to cleaning above the gum line, and coronal polishing is the smoothing of tooth surfaces. To get this certification, dental assistants must complete specific training, which can be obtained from a licensed dentist or dental hygienist implementing a curriculum from a statewide dental association, through a federal program like the Indian Health Service or military service, or from an existing dental assistant education program. Additionally, the supervising dentist must certify that the assistant has completed this training and at least 20 supervised supragingival scaling procedures with patient consent. Once certified, these dental assistants can perform these procedures under indirect supervision, meaning the dentist doesn't need to be constantly present but must be available. A dentist can only indirectly supervise a maximum of two dental assistants performing these tasks simultaneously. The bill also exempts regulations related to this act from the Administrative Process Act, which is a set of rules governing how government agencies create and implement regulations.

Education, Health and Social Services

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB178