We as dentists have always held patient safety and welfare as a cornerstone of our profession.  The death of any citizen of this commonwealth, in a dental office, is a very emotional and tragic occurance.  In some cases when there are undiagnosed medical conditions, no amount of additional training or preparedness can offset these rare and very sad results.  The guidlines recently updated by the Board of Dentistry are some of the most thorough in the country.  Another layer of regulations would not improve public safety in Virginia.