9/13/2013 3:51 pm
Date / Time filed with the Register of Regulations
VA.R. Document Number: R____-______
Virginia Register Publication Information

Transmittal Sheet: Response to Petition for Rulemaking
Initial Agency Notice
X
Agency Decision
Promulgating Board: Board of Dentistry
Regulatory Coordinator: Sandra Reen

(804)367-4437

sandra.reen@dhp.virginia.gov
Agency Contact: Elaine J. Yeatts

Agency Regulatory Coordinator

(804)367-4688

elaine.yeatts@dhp.virginia.gov
Contact Address: Department of Health Professions

9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300

Richmond, VA 23233
Chapter Affected:
18 vac 60 - 20: Regulations Governing Dental Practice
Statutory Authority: State: Chapter 27 of Title 54.1

Federal:
Date Petition Received 07/10/2013
Petitioner Deborah Hickman
 Petitioner's Request
To amend regulations pertaining to requirements for dental assistants II to add another pathway for registration.
 Agency Plan
The petition will be published on July 29, 2013 in the Register of Regulations and also posted on the Virginia Regulatory Townhall at www.townhall.virginia.gov to receive public comment ending August 28, 2013.  The request to amend regulations and any comments for or against the petition will be considered by the Board at its meeting scheduled for September 13, 2013
Publication Date 07/29/2013  (comment period will also begin on this date)
Comment End Date 08/28/2013
 Agency Decision
Take no action
Agency Response Date 09/13/2013
 Agency Decision Text
The petition and related comments were considered by the Board at its meeting today.  While the Board declined to initiate a rulemaking process, it has agreed that the education and training requirements for registration of a dental assistant II should be reviewed.   As was learned during the process of promulgating the initial regulations, there are wide variances in the duties of an "expanded duty dental assistant" among the various states.  For example, the duties that require an expanded duty assistant to obtain additional training and complete an examination in North Carolina may be performed in Virginia by a dental assistant I.  So while the Board has denied the request for rulemaking, it has taken the matter under advisement and referred it to a committee for further consideration.