As a lifelong Virgnian who lives and practices in Roanoke, I am surprised and taken aback by this outlandish amendment.  I can't believe the proposed amendment has made it this far.  What ever happened to common sense?  If a law/rule change makes things less safe for the public, common sense would tell you that's bad, right?

So now Virginia is willing to change the law to make dental care potentially more dangerous to the public because a lobbying group paid enough money? Is that what this is really about?  Because I don't see how any argument to allow non-ADA trained dental specialists to promote themselves as such would stand on its merits alone. Is that what this is really about?  By allowing this amendment to pass, the  Virginia legislature is basically saying to the dentists that relatively new fringe organizations have as much clout as the ADA, as long as the price is right.  The ADA, the American Dental Association, has guided the educational standards for dentists and dental specialists since the beginning.  

What's next?  A mall security organization getting the laws changed so security guards can patrol our neighborhoods in cop cars?  

The higher-ups may think these changes in dentistry may not make an impact, but dental specialists - as well as general dentists - see the aftermath of inadequately trained dentists performing advanced dental procedures all the time.  And while not life-threatening, the poor outcomes can literally change an individual's appearance, oral function, and self-esteem for the rest of his/her life.  Not to mention the physical pain and financial impact.

What gives me pride as a resident of this state is the conservative governing principles and resistance to potentially dangerous changes in state law. I realize that my comments may come across as unprofessional, but I don't know how else to convey my passion against this completely unacceptable amendment.