Subcommittee backs measure to let certified dental assistants perform limited scaling amid fierce opposition from hygienists and specialists The Health Professions Subcommittee recommended H.B.970 to create a certified preventive dental assistant role with restricted supragingival scaling and polishing duties. Dentists and large provider groups supported the bill as a workforce solution; dental hygienists, educators and specialty dentists argued it would lower standards and risk patients.

A Virginia subcommittee just voted to create a new role for dental assistants, sparking heated debate over patient safety and care standards!

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Subcommittee authorizes background checks for dental compact applicants HB 530 authorizes the Virginia Board of Dentistry to request criminal background checks for dentists and hygienists who seek a compact license; supporters said the authority is necessary for full participation in the Dentists and Dental Hygienists Compact and the bill was reported to Appropriations.

Virginia's subcommittee has taken a significant step toward enhancing dental care by approving background checks for dentists seeking compact licenses across states.

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