To whom it may concern,

The Virginia Dental Board (VDB) is, by law, entitled to regulate practicing dentists. Virginia dentists will be the official providers of a new dental assistant certification. The Board should establish an appropriate curriculum and oversight for this new role.

Additionally, under Regulations Governing the Practice of Dental Assistants [by VDB], 18VAC60-30-110.1 states as unprofessional conduct, "Misrepresenting to a patient and the public the materials or methods and techniques used or intended to be used."

The VDB must require dentists and dental assistants to have patients sign an informed consent form. The form should state that the patient understands a dental assistant, not a licensed dental hygienist, will perform a cleaning above the gum line. It should also state that dental insurance does not cover cleanings only above the gum line. This may ensure that the patient also receives a subgingival scaling by a dental professional licensed to do so.

Virginians are relying on the VDB to protect them from bad apples in the dental industry who will find loopholes if vague laws are left open to interpretation. 

Respectfully,

Rosa Tripp, RDH