The change in 18VAC60-20-195, which no longer allows unlicensed individuals to satisfactorily complete a course and pass an examination in compliance with guidelines provided the board, should be reconsidered.  There is a large need in the State of Virginia for competent individuals to place and expose intraoral dental radiographs.  These individuals cannot expose dental radiographs without the knowledge on how to safely use ionizing radiation for diagnostic purposes.  To meet this large state-wide need, accredited dental hygiene programs should be able to give a course on radiation safety protocols and dispense radiation safety certificates to those individuals who pass an examination.  Other opperating feilds with radiation exposure have simular requirements and dental radiography should be no different.  Please protect the public and ensure that proper testing of healthcare professionals is mandetory when exposing the public, including children, to ionized radiation. 

Thank you,

Tara Newcomb