Department of Planning and BudgetAn official website of the Commonwealth of Virginia Here's how you knowAn official websiteHere's how you know

Virginia Regulatory Town Hall
Agency
Department of Health Professions
 
Board
Board of Dentistry
 
chapter
Regulations Governing the Practice of Dentistry [18 VAC 60 ‑ 21]
 
Guidance Documents
Chapter Information
Description Establishes 1) qualifications for the licensure, and renewal and the standards of practice for dentists; 2) requirements for conscious/moderate sedation and deep sedation/general anesthesia permits; 3) requirements for oral and maxillofacial surgeons to perform cosmetic procedures; and 4) requirements for mobile dental clinics or portable dental operations.
State Authority Chapters 24 and 27 of Title 54.1
Federal Authority None applicable
Text of Regulation Link to Virginia Administrative Code
Goals of Regulation None entered
Meetings There is 1 future meeting that specifically targets this chapter for discussion. See all meetings (10) relating to this chapter.

Contact Information
Name / Title: Jamie Sacksteder  / Executive Director
Address: 9960 Mayland Drive
Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233
Email Address: jamie.sacksteder@dhp.virginia.gov
Telephone: (804)367-4581    FAX: (804)698-4266    TDD: ()-
Current Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Revision of dental hygienist training and duties to eliminate need for dual licensure as a dental hygienist and registration as a DAII Fast-Track Not yet submitted to Attorney General for certification.
Training requirements for botulinum toxin injections for cosmetic purposes Proposed Attorney General review in progress.
Continuing education requirements for jurisprudence NOIRA Secretary of Health and Human Resources review in progress.
Training in infection control Final Secretary of Health and Human Resources review in progress.
Training and supervision of digital scan technicians Proposed Submitted to the Registrar and awaiting publication (05/19/2025).

Past Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Changes to patient counseling regarding opioid prescriptions pursuant to HB699
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/09/2024.
Implementation of amendments identified during 2022 periodic review of Chapters 21, 25, and 30 Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/24/2024.
Expansion and clarification of refresher courses required for reinstatement of a license NOIRA Stage complete. Comment period ended 09/11/2024.
Waiver for e-prescribing Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/02/2022.
Administration of sedation and anesthesia Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/17/2021.
Handling fee/returned check Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/15/2020.
Change in renewal schedule Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 08/19/2020.
Volunteer practice of dentistry
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/04/2019.
Content of acceptable examination Fast-Track Stage withdrawn on 09/13/2019 prior to publication in The Virginia Register.
Technical correction Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 01/19/2023.
Prescribing opioids for pain management Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/06/2019.
Conforming rules to ADA guidelines on moderate sedation Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/28/2018.
Reduction of renewal fees
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/21/2018.
Conforming to Code on remote supervision
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 10/04/2017.
Requirement for capnography for monitoring anesthesia or sedation Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 06/14/2017.
Posting of DEA registration Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 03/09/2017.
Mobile dental clinics
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/16/2016.
Remote supervision of dental hygienists
Action is Exempt from Article 2 of the Administrative Process Act
Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 11/16/2016.
Administration of nitrous oxide only Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/10/2017.
Credit for volunteer hours and extension of time for CE Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 02/10/2017.
Qualifications for restricted or temporary licenses Fast-Track Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 09/08/2016.
Periodic review; reorganizing chapter 20 into four new chapters: 15, 21, 25 and 30 Final Stage complete. This regulation became effective on 12/02/2015.

Withdrawn Actions
Action Title Latest Stage Status
Amendment to restriction on advertising dental specialties Proposed Stage withdrawn on 09/13/2024 before the Governor's office completed its review.

Periodic Reviews
Last Activity Status
6/10/2022 Agency Completed Amend