As a practicing Registered Dental Hygienist for the past 8 years in Canada,  I was surprised to hear that a fellow registered dental hygienist colleague whom I have worked closely beside and who had recently passed the American National Dental Hygiene Board Exam had been denied her eligibility to practice her profession across the border in Virgina, USA.  It is my understading that in order for her to practice as a registered dental hygienist in the state of Virginia, USA, she would have to complete the dental hygiene program for a second time.  With respect, this policy seems unreasonable and unnecessary.  As trained dental professionals in Canada, we take our role as health care providers very seriously and our dedication to the health and wellness of the client's in our communities/practices is paramount. If an RDH trained and educated in Canada has taken all of the necessary steps to become certified/registered to practice the profession of dental hygiene in Canada and has demonstrated that he/she has the knowledge and skill to practice the profession of Dental Hygiene in America by successfully passing the required testing in place (The American National Dental Hygiene Board Exam), than it stands to reason that the state of Virginia must re-examine its rules and regulations regarding Canadian-trained registered Dental Hygienists.  Perhaps a clinical evaluation of skills my be added to the testing process along with the written examination to further qualify the candidate. Qualified Dental Hygienist's in Canada deserve the chance to demonstrate their knowledge and skill in the field of dental hygiene in Virginia, USA first and formost before being asked to complete the dental hygiene program for a second time.  As a professional and ethical Canadian trained RDH, I kindly ask for your consideration, time and attention to this matter as I support this petition.