On several occasions my colleagues and I have traveled to first world European countries on dentally related programs. In Europe it is generally agreed that the USA has the best dental care in the world. Where Europe falls way behind is in preventive care. Guess what? Dental Assistants II have been doing cosmetic scaling for years and periodontal disease is rampart. These dental assistants themselves are frustrated with this level of care.  

Why is a respected professional organization such as the Virginia Dental Association even entertaining such a regulation? When were these members educated? Greed and lack of concern for the oral health of the public aside, do they not know that the failure to recognize periodontal disease is the second reason for malpractice suits? How about insurance fraud? Good dentists depend on the education and licensure of dental hygienists to optimally treat their patients. What dentist has the time or desire to supervise?

Read through the lines members of the Board of Dentistry and do the right thing for the Commonwealth. Say NO.