I respectfully urge Virginia policymakers to carefully consider the implications of expanding the scope of practice for dental assistants to perform duties traditionally provided by licensed dental hygienists. This position is not intended to diminish the important role dental assistants play within the dental healthcare team. Rather, it is intended to protect patients and preserve the quality and safety of oral healthcare in Virginia. Registered dental hygienists complete comprehensive education and supervised clinical training in periodontal assessment, dental instrumentation, preventive care, patient education, and the recognition of oral health conditions that may require further evaluation. These competencies are developed through structured education, clinical experience, and professional standards established for licensed dental hygienists. If Virginia seeks to expand access to preventive oral healthcare, we should pursue solutions that increase access like more dental hygiene school and less competitive programs without lowering the educational and clinical standards required to provide safe care. Any individual permitted to perform dental hygiene-related procedures should receive standardized, comprehensive education, appropriate hands-on clinical training, competency assessment, and regulatory oversight appropriate to the responsibilities being performed. Virginia patients deserve to know that the person providing their oral healthcare has received the education, clinical preparation, and competency necessary to provide that care safely and effectively.