This issue seems to always come up when there are shortages of hygienists in certain communities.

I have been a fulltime dental hygienist for almost 30 years, and this issue has previously been brought before the VBD. Our state has regulations which protects the pubic . The Virginia State Rules and Regulations define the scope of practice of dental hygienists and dental assistants.Our system has worked. If there are shortages of hygienists in areas, then new dental hygiene schools needs to be built, or the capacity of the  existing schools need to be increased. The requirements for providing safe healthcare services should not be compromised because there are shortages or preceived shortages.  When I graduated from ODU there were 2 other dental hygiene programs in the state, now there are 9 schools. That is alot of dental hygienists who are graduating each year. Reducing standards of quality of care will harm the public.

 Our system works and protects and public. The