December 1, 2015, a notice was emailed about new regulations that became effective December 2, 2015 for people covered by the Board of Dentistry.  However, the information wasn't in a PDF or other format, which would allow easy review of the material.  Also, following the link(s) wasn't really helpful. 

In my opinion, this is an excellent example of regulations being passed and dentists, hygienists, etc. not being able to see them and know the changes clearly.  If this is how the Commonwealth of Virginia believes that business should be conducted, then we are all in trouble.  Also a 1 day notice isn't sufficient. 

Requiring a legislative test every three years(?) will not make better providers of dental care.  What would be much more helpful would be periodic updates from the BOD with information on problems that they are seeing in documentation, etc. that are resulting in complaints.  Also, putting out the guidelines in an easy to find format, with changes noted, should be a standard practice of the BOD.  We used to receive information in the mail.  I have one in my files with an effective date of October 16, 1996 and another with a revised date of March 10, 2008 (which I believe was downloaded and printed by me).  Now we don't receive it and a test is proposed for us to take. 

Until the BOD can provide clear, precise access and improve communications with people under their regulations, no test should be required.  Instead, the BOD should provide the regulations and guidance documents in an easy to access format, with adequate notice.  A licensed professional should be given the materials.  A test will not improve the quality of dentistry in Virginia.  If you need an example, just look at the pulbic educational system and the national test scores since NCLB was passed.  Educational quality hasn't increased, but you've lost a lot of quality teachers and students who are leaving public education for private.