To whom it may concern. As a practicing Dental Hygienist who attended and graduated from an accredited college I was shocked and appalled to find it to be impossible for someone with such education to practice in Virginia. It is my opinion that if someone wants to practice in another country that person should have to complete a National or State Board exam. The successful completion of this exam, along with their educational background should be enough to suffice licensure in said state or country. Completion of a state or national board exam shows the individual gas educated themselves on regional standards. The state of Virginia should recognize an educational background from accredited colleges. This cannot be the first time a hygienist from Canada has tried to practice in Virginia. Are Dentists, Nurses or even Doctors who graduated from accredited Canadian colleges able to practice in Virginia? If so, why not hygienists? I support this petition for dental hygienists who graduated from Canadian Accredited colleges to obtain licensure in the United States and therefore continue practicing. Jillian Caswell R.D.H.