I want to thank the members of the Virginia Board of Dentistry (BOD) for your service and commitment to protect the citizens of Virginia. I understand the BOD is faced with a difficult situation in approaching the new law enacted by passage of HB970 and SB178. It is equally unfortunate that the Virginia Dental Association brought this legislation forward without input from others in the dental community, including the Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association.  

I would like to express my concern and disappointment of the BOD’s neglect to establish worthwhile guidelines for patient protection concerning the recently approved category of dental auxiliary.

My experience of over 46 years as a dental hygienist has afforded me the opportunity to interact with a variety of practices, each with their own idiosyncrasies. My concern is for both my patients and as a patient myself.  I am confused by the Board’s determination to not provide regulation for this new role. The mission of the Board is to first and foremost ensure safe and competent patient care. The failure of the Board to provide any standards for this new role appears negligent. I am frightened for the citizens of Virginia knowing that oversight and protections are not in place. Harm can be caused by not furnishing comprehensive directions for the dental community to maintain a safe environment for its citizens.

BOD members have a duty and responsibly to be accountable for their proceedings. Providing no direction is inaction. I humbly ask you to reconsider the BOD performance and formulate a plan to design safe and competent rules and regulations for this new auxiliary.