In 1977, I graduated from a 3 yr program in AA and Dental Hygiene.  Throughout my career, I took additional CE's, joined study groups and attended conferences - all to be the best RDH I could be.  Over these years, the role of the RDH became one of prevention and sharing the preventive info with patients.  During this time, the DDS became very skilled at all the restorative work that was new to the industry - dental implants, cosmetics, occlusion and the dental assistant had to keep up with all the new materials to be a part of the restorative team.  

During Covid, things changed and a loss of the RDH was noticed.  For the 46 yrs I practiced, what was needed was for the RDH to be self regulated (like Calif) to be able to provide a wider range of preventive care in more areas of each state.  It's very past the time for this to happen and the State of Virginia needs to make this happen.  The RDH is educated to run mobile units, be in every elementary school, nursing homes and hospitals.  The RDH = Preventive Care the DDS and the DA= Restorative Care.  Virginia Congress and Gov- make it happen!  SELF REGULATORY BOARDS FOR THE RDH!!