A digital intraoral scan for the fabrication of an intraoral device is fundamentally equivalent to an intraoral impression.  To say otherwise is an attempt to mislead the public and circumvent the laws governing the practice of dentistry in The Commonwealth of Virginia.   Yes, a "tech" can operate the device which generates the intraoral scan, much like the sonographer performs sonography scans.  However, ultrasonic imaging devices are only utilized on the order of a physician who has examined and is treating the patient, and the sonographer who utilized the technology is not treating the patient.  The same standard must hold in dentistry and dental medicine, that any intraoral scan is fundamentally equivalent to an intraoral impression and must legally only be allowed to be taken AFTER the patient has been examined, in person, by the doctor who will be diagnosing and treating the patient on an ongoing and continuous basis until the treatment has been completed.