Bill > HB970

This bill allows dental assistants, specifically those classified as Dental Assistant I or Dental Assistant II, who have accumulated at least 1,800 hours of clinical experience, to become certified to perform additional dental procedures. These procedures include supragingival scaling, which is the cleaning of the tooth surface above the gum line using hand or ultrasonic scalers, and coronal polishing, which is the smoothing and cleaning of the tooth's crown. To achieve this certification, dental assistants must complete specific training from recognized sources, such as a licensed dentist or dental hygienist implementing a curriculum from a statewide dental association, a federal program like the Indian Health Service, or an existing dental assistant education program. Additionally, the supervising dentist must certify under oath that the assistant has completed this training and at least 20 supervised supragingival scaling procedures, with patient consent, and maintain documentation of this. This provision aims to expand the scope of practice for experienced dental assistants, with licensed dentists indirectly supervising no more than two assistants performing these tasks simultaneously. The bill also exempts regulations related to this act from the Administrative Process Act, which governs how state agencies create and implement rules.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB970