I am opposed to the addition of Jurisprudence testing. I don't believe that testing will be a real solution for the problems the Board is facing. As other commentators have said in abundance: 1) The dentists who follow the Regulations should not be the ones who are punished. 2) The Boards problems are really an educational challenge that the current Board has not effectively addressed as it has in the past.
 

What also concerns me, and should concern all dentist in Virginia, is the direction the Board is taking to handle this current challenge and how it is indicative of a trend that increasingly separates us from a more effective past. In the past, there was a sense of cooperative partnership between the Board and dentists where we focused together on ensuring the public's safety. Why have we discarded this partnership and while at the same time forgetting that the vast number of dentist are passionate caring professionals who want the same thing the Board wants. In a cooperative relationship, there is open communication. This does not exist now. In fact there are reports that dentists who call or write to get help understanding regulations are given ambiguous answers.
 

Yet, there is one thing clear, the Board is facing an increase number of cases. This hurts the profession and the reputation of every dentist. The Board by is own admission is failing to solve this problem. I urge the Board to find a way to effectively communicate and educate with dentists and not punish those who should be its partners. I urge the Board to rebuild our relationship where the public's safety is something we work on in partnership.

Let’s work together!