I vehemently oppose “the amendment to restriction on advertising dental specialties.”

All of us in Dentistry have seen cases treated by underqualified dentists that have caused series harm to the health of patients.  If this amendment is passed by the VA Board of Dentistry, patients will have no way to differentiate between those dentists who practice have 2-5 years of approved specialty training and practice their specialty every day versus those dentists who have limited or no specialty training and experience.  This is clearly not in the best interest of the citizens of Virginia whom you are charged with protecting.

I urge you to do the right thing for public health and safety and vote against this amendment.

Thank you for your consideration and for your service to citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

A B Hammond III DDS MA