Part I. General Provisions
18VAC60-21-10. Definitions.
A. The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the meanings ascribed to them in § 54.1-2700 of the Code of Virginia:
"Board"
"Dental hygiene"
"Dental hygienist"
"Dentist"
"Dentistry"
"License"
"Maxillofacial"
"Oral and maxillofacial surgeon"
B. The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"AAOMS" means the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
"ADA" means the American Dental Association.
"Advertising" means a representation or other notice given to the public or members thereof, directly or indirectly, by a dentist on behalf of himself, the dentist's facility, the dentist's partner or associate, or any dentist affiliated with the dentist or the dentist's facility by any means or method for the purpose of inducing purchase, sale, or use of dental methods, services, treatments, operations, procedures, or products, or to promote continued or increased use of such dental methods, treatments, operations, procedures, or products.
"CODA" means the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
"Dental assistant I" means any unlicensed person under the direction of a dentist or a dental hygienist who renders assistance for services provided to the patient as authorized under this chapter but shall not include an individual serving in purely an administrative, secretarial, or clerical capacity.
"Dental assistant II" means a person under the direction and direct supervision of a dentist who is registered by the board to perform reversible, intraoral procedures as specified in 18VAC60-21-150 and 18VAC60-21-160.
"Mobile dental facility" means a self-contained unit in which dentistry is practiced that is not confined to a single building and can be transported from one location to another.
"Nonsurgical laser" means a laser that is not capable of cutting or removing hard tissue, soft tissue, or tooth structure.
"Portable dental operation" means a nonfacility in which dental equipment used in the practice of dentistry is transported to and utilized on a temporary basis at an out-of-office location, including patient homes, schools, nursing homes, or other institutions.
"Radiographs" means intraoral and extraoral radiographic images of hard and soft tissues used for purposes of diagnosis.
C. The following words and terms relating to supervision as used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Direct supervision" means that the dentist examines the patient and records diagnostic findings prior to delegating restorative or prosthetic treatment and related services to a dental assistant II for completion the same day or at a later date. The dentist prepares the tooth to be restored and remains immediately available in the office to the dental assistant II for guidance or assistance during the delivery of treatment and related services. The dentist examines the patient to evaluate the treatment and services before the patient is dismissed.
"Direction" means the level of supervision (i.e., immediate, direct, indirect, or general) that a dentist is required to exercise with a dental hygienist, a dental assistant I, a dental assistant II, or a certified registered nurse anesthetist or the level of supervision that a dental hygienist is required to exercise with a dental assistant to direct and oversee the delivery of treatment and related services.
"General supervision" means that a dentist completes a periodic comprehensive examination of the patient and issues a written order for hygiene treatment that states the specific services to be provided by a dental hygienist during one or more subsequent appointments when the dentist may or may not be present. Issuance of the order authorizes the dental hygienist to supervise a dental assistant performing duties delegable to dental assistants I.
"Immediate supervision" means the dentist is in the operatory to supervise the administration of sedation or provision of treatment.
"Indirect supervision" means the dentist examines the patient at some point during the appointment and is continuously present in the office to advise and assist a dental hygienist, a dental assistant, or a certified registered nurse anesthetist who is (i) delivering hygiene treatment, (ii) preparing the patient for examination or treatment by the dentist, (iii) preparing the patient for dismissal following treatment, or (iv) administering topical local anesthetic, sedation, or anesthesia as authorized by law or regulation.
"Remote supervision" means that a supervising dentist is accessible and available for communication and consultation with a dental hygienist during the delivery of dental hygiene services but such dentist may not have conducted an initial examination of the patients who are to be seen and treated by the dental hygienist and may not be present with the dental hygienist when dental hygiene services are being provided. For the purpose of practice by a public health dental hygienist, "remote supervision" means that a public health dentist has regular, periodic communications with a public health dental hygienist regarding patient treatment, but such dentist may not have conducted an initial examination of the patients who are to be seen and treated by the dental hygienist and may not be present with the dental hygienist when dental hygiene services are being provided.
D. The following words and terms relating to sedation or anesthesia as used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Analgesia" means the diminution or elimination of pain.
"Continual" or "continually" means repeated regularly and frequently in a steady succession.
"Continuous" or "continuously" means prolonged without any interruption at any time.
"Deep sedation" means a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients cannot be easily aroused but respond purposefully following repeated or painful stimulation. Reflex withdrawal from a painful stimulus is not considered a purposeful response. The ability to independently maintain ventilatory function may be impaired. Patients may require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation may be inadequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained.
"General anesthesia" means a drug-induced loss of consciousness during which patients are not arousable, even by painful stimulation. The ability to independently maintain ventilator function is often impaired. Patients often require assistance in maintaining a patent airway, and positive pressure ventilation may be required because of depressed spontaneous ventilation or drug-induced depression of neuromuscular function. Cardiovascular function may be impaired.
"Inhalation" means a technique of administration in which a gaseous or volatile agent, including nitrous oxide, is introduced into the pulmonary tree and whose primary effect is due to absorption through the pulmonary bed.
"Inhalation analgesia" means the inhalation of nitrous oxide and oxygen to produce a state of reduced sensation of pain with minimal alteration of consciousness.
"Local anesthesia" means the elimination of sensation, especially pain, in one part of the body by the topical application or regional injection of a drug.
"Minimal sedation" means a drug-induced state during which patients respond normally to verbal commands. Although cognitive function and physical coordination may be impaired, airway reflexes and ventilator and cardiovascular functions are unaffected. Minimal sedation includes the diminution or elimination of anxiety through the use of pharmacological agents in a dosage that does not cause depression of consciousness and includes "inhalation analgesia" when used in combination with any such sedating agent administered prior to or during a procedure.
"Moderate sedation" means a drug-induced depression of consciousness, during which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation. Reflex withdrawal from a painful stimulus is not considered a purposeful response. No interventions are required to maintain a patent airway, and spontaneous ventilation is adequate. Cardiovascular function is usually maintained.
"Monitoring" means to observe, interpret, assess, and record appropriate physiologic functions of the body during sedative procedures and general anesthesia appropriate to the level of sedation as provided in Part VII (18VAC60-21-260 et seq.) of this chapter.
"Parenteral" means a technique of administration in which the drug bypasses the gastrointestinal tract (i.e., intramuscular, intravenous, intranasal, submucosal, subcutaneous, or intraocular).
"Provide" means, in the context of regulations for moderate sedation or deep sedation or general anesthesia, to supply, give, or issue sedating medications. A dentist who does not hold the applicable permit cannot be the provider of moderate sedation or deep sedation or general anesthesia.
"Titration" means the incremental increase in drug dosage to a level that provides the optimal therapeutic effect of sedation.
"Topical oral anesthetic" means any drug, available in creams, ointments, aerosols, sprays, lotions, or jellies, that can be used orally for the purpose of rendering the oral cavity insensitive to pain without affecting consciousness.
"Vital signs" means clinical measurements, specifically pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure, that indicate the state of a patient's essential body functions.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 5, eff. December 2, 2015; amended, Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 4, eff. November 16, 2016; Volume 33, Issue 9, eff. February 10, 2017; Volume 34, Issue 1, eff. October 4, 2017; Volume 37, Issue 13, eff. March 17, 2021; Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. October 24, 2024.
18VAC60-21-20. Address of record.
Each licensed dentist shall provide the board with a current address of record. All required notices and correspondence mailed by the board to any such licensee shall be validly given when mailed to the address of record on file with the board. Each licensee may also provide a different address to be used as the public address, but if a second address is not provided, the address of record shall be the public address. All changes of address shall be furnished to the board in writing within 30 days of such changes.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 5, eff. December 2, 2015.
18VAC60-21-30. Posting requirements.
A. Any employing dentist, firm, or company must enable compliance with § 54.1-2720 of the Code of Virginia by designating a space at the entrance of the office for the name of the practicing dentist to be displayed.
B. A dentist who administers, prescribes, or dispenses Schedules II through V controlled substances shall maintain a copy of the dentist's current registration with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration in a readily retrievable manner at each practice location.
C. A dentist who administers moderate sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia in a dental office shall display the dentist's sedation or anesthesia permit issued by the board or certificate issued by AAOMS.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2709.5 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 5, eff. December 2, 2015; amended, Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 11, eff. March 9, 2017; Volume 35, Issue 5, eff. November 28, 2018; Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. October 24, 2024.
18VAC60-21-40. Required fees.
A. Application or registration fees.
1. Dental license by examination | $400 |
2. Dental license by credentials | $500 |
3. Dental restricted teaching license (pursuant to § 54.1-2714 of the Code of Virginia) | $285 |
4. Dental faculty license (pursuant to § 54.1-2713 of the Code of Virginia) | $400 |
5. Temporary dental permit (pursuant to § 54.1-2715 of the Code of Virginia) | $400 |
6. Dental temporary resident's license | $60 |
7. Restricted volunteer license | $25 |
8. Volunteer exemption registration | $10 |
9. Oral maxillofacial surgeon registration | $175 |
10. Cosmetic procedures certification | $225 |
11. Mobile clinic/portable operation | $250 |
12. Moderate sedation permit | $100 |
13. Deep sedation/general anesthesia permit | $100 |
B. Renewal fees.
1. Dental license - active, faculty, or temporary permit | $285 |
2. Dental license - inactive | $145 |
3. Dental temporary resident's license | $35 |
4. Restricted volunteer license | $15 |
5. Oral maxillofacial surgeon registration | $175 |
6. Cosmetic procedures certification | $100 |
7. Moderate sedation permit | $100 |
8. Deep sedation/general anesthesia permit | $100 |
9. Mobile clinic/portable operation | $150 |
C. Late fees.
1. Dental license - active | $100 |
2. Dental license - inactive | $50 |
3. Dental temporary resident's license | $15 |
4. Oral maxillofacial surgeon registration | $55 |
5. Cosmetic procedures certification | $35 |
6. Moderate sedation permit | $35 |
7. Deep sedation/general anesthesia permit | $35 |
8. Mobile clinic/portable operation | $50 |
D. Reinstatement fees.
1. Dental license - expired | $500 |
2. Dental license - suspended | $750 |
3. Dental license - revoked | $1000 |
4. Oral maxillofacial surgeon registration | $350 |
5. Cosmetic procedures certification | $225 |
6. Moderate sedation permit | $150 |
7. Deep sedation/general anesthesia permit | $150 |
E. Document fees.
1. Duplicate wall certificate | $60 |
2. Duplicate license | $20 |
3. License certification | $35 |
F. Other fees.
1. Handling fee for returned check or dishonored credit or debit card | $50 |
2. Practice inspection fee | $350 |
G. No fee will be refunded or applied for any purpose other than the purpose for which the fee is submitted.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 5, eff. December 2, 2015; amended, Virginia Register Volume 34, Issue 11, eff. February 21, 2018; Volume 35, Issue 5, eff. November 28, 2018; Volume 36, Issue 24, eff. August 19, 2020; Volume 37, Issue 1, eff. October 15, 2020; Volume 39, Issue 8, eff. January 19, 2023; Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. October 24, 2024.
18VAC60-21-50. Scope of practice.
A. A dentist shall only treat based on a bona fide dentist-patient relationship for medicinal or therapeutic purposes within the course of the dentist's professional practice consistent with the definition of dentistry in § 54.1-2700 of the Code of Virginia, the provisions for controlled substances in the Drug Control Act (Chapter 34 (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia), and the general provisions for health practitioners in the Code of Virginia. A bona fide dentist-patient relationship is established when examination and diagnosis of a patient is initiated.
B. For the purpose of prescribing controlled substances, the bona fide dentist-patient relationship shall be established in accordance with § 54.1-3303 of the Code of Virginia.
C. When treating or prescribing for family, the practitioner shall maintain a patient record documenting compliance with statutory criteria for a bona fide practitioner-patient relationship.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 5, eff. December 2, 2015; Errata, 32:6 VA.R. 1132 November 16, 2015; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. October 24, 2024.
18VAC60-21-60. General responsibilities to patients.
A. A dentist is responsible for conducting a dentistry practice in a manner that safeguards the safety, health, and welfare of patients and the public by:
1. Maintaining a safe and sanitary practice.
2. Consulting with or referring patients to other practitioners with specialized knowledge, skills, and experience when needed to safeguard and advance the health of the patient.
3. Treating according to the patient's desires only to the extent that such treatment is within the bounds of accepted treatment and only after the patient has been given a treatment recommendation and an explanation of the acceptable alternatives.
4. Only delegating patient care and exposure of dental x-rays to qualified, properly trained and supervised personnel as authorized in Part IV (18VAC60-21-110 et seq.) of this chapter.
5. Giving patients at least 30 days written notice of a decision to terminate the dentist-patient relationship.
6. Knowing the signs of abuse and neglect and reporting suspected cases to the proper authorities consistent with state law.
7. Accurately representing to a patient and the public the materials or methods and techniques to be used in treatment.
B. A dentist is responsible for conducting financial responsibilities to patients and third-party payers in an ethical and honest manner by:
1. Providing customary fees and representing all fees being charged clearly and accurately.
2. Not exploiting the dentist-patient relationship for personal gain related to nondental transactions.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 5, eff. December 2, 2015; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. October 24, 2024.
18VAC60-21-70. Unprofessional practice.
A. No dentist shall commit any act that violates provisions of the Code of Virginia that reasonably relate to the practice of dentistry, including:
1. Delegating any dental service or operation that requires the professional competence or judgment of a dentist to any person who is not a licensed dentist or dental hygienist or a registered dental assistant II.
2. Violating any applicable statute or regulation governing ionizing radiation in the Commonwealth of Virginia, including current regulations promulgated by the Virginia Department of Health.
3. Failing to maintain and dispense scheduled drugs as authorized by the Virginia Drug Control Act (Chapter 34 (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia) and the regulations of the Board of Pharmacy.
4. Failing to cooperate with an employee of the Department of Health Professions in the conduct of an investigation or inspection.
B. Sexual conduct with a patient, employee, or student.
1. Sexual contact with a patient, employee, or student shall constitute unprofessional conduct if:
a. The sexual contact is unwanted or nonconsensual; or
b. The sexual contact is a result of the exploitation of trust, knowledge, or influence derived from the professional relationship or if the contact has had or is likely to have an adverse effect on patient care.
2. The determination of when a person is a patient for purposes of this section will be made on a case-by-case basis, with consideration given to the nature, extent, and context of the professional relationship between the practitioner and the person. The fact that the person is not actively receiving treatment or professional services from a practitioner is not determinative of this issue. A person is presumed to remain a patient until the practitioner-patient relationship is terminated.
3. Sexual contact between a practitioner and a former patient after termination of the practitioner-patient relationship may still constitute unprofessional conduct if the sexual contact is a result of the exploitation of trust, knowledge, or influence derived from the professional relationship.
4. Sexual contact between a practitioner and a key third party shall constitute unprofessional conduct if the sexual contact is the result of the exploitation of trust, knowledge, or influence derived from the professional relationship or if the contact has had or is likely to cause an adverse effect on patient care. For purposes of this section, "key third party" shall mean spouse, partner, parent, child, guardian, or legal representative of a patient.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 5, eff. December 2, 2015; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. October 24, 2024.
18VAC60-21-80. Advertising.
A. Practice limitation. A general dentist who limits the general dentist's practice to a dental specialty or describes the general dentist's practice by types of treatment shall state in conjunction with the general dentist's name that he is a general dentist providing certain services (e.g., orthodontic services).
B. Fee disclosures. Any statement specifying a fee for a dental service that does not include the cost of all related procedures, services, and products that, to a substantial likelihood, will be necessary for the completion of the advertised services as it would be understood by an ordinarily prudent person shall be deemed to be deceptive or misleading. Where reasonable disclosure of all relevant variables and considerations is made, a statement of a range of fees for specifically described dental services shall not be deemed to be deceptive or misleading.
C. Discounts and free offers. Discount and free offers for a dental service are permissible for advertising only when the nondiscounted or full fee, if any, and the final discounted fee are also disclosed in the advertisement. In addition, the time period for obtaining the discount or free offer must be stated in the advertisement. The dentist shall maintain documented evidence to substantiate the discounted fee or free offer.
D. Retention of advertising. A prerecorded or archived copy of all advertisements shall be retained for a two-year period following the final appearance of the advertisement. The advertising dentist is responsible for making prerecorded or archived copies of the advertisement available to the board within five days following a request by the board.
E. Routine dental services. Advertising of fees pursuant to this section is limited to procedures that are set forth in the American Dental Association's "Dental Procedures Codes," published in Current Dental Terminology in effect at the time the advertisement is issued.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 5, eff. December 2, 2015; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. October 24, 2024.
18VAC60-21-90. Patient information and records.
A. A dentist shall maintain complete, legible, and accurate patient records for not less than six years from the last date of service for purposes of review by the board with the following exceptions:
1. Records of a minor child shall be maintained until the child reaches 18 years of age or becomes emancipated, with a minimum time for record retention of six years from the last patient encounter regardless of the age of the child;
2. Records that have previously been transferred to another practitioner or health care provider or provided to the patient or the patient's personal representative pursuant to § 54.1-2405 of the Code of Virginia; and
3. Records that are required by contractual obligation or federal law may need to be maintained for a longer period of time.
B. Every patient record shall include documentary evidence of the following:
1. Patient's name on each page in the patient record;
2. A health history taken at the initial appointment that is updated (i) when analgesia, sedation, or anesthesia is to be administered; (ii) when medically indicated; and (iii) at least annually;
3. Diagnosis and options discussed, including the risks and benefits of treatment or nontreatment and the estimated cost of treatment options;
4. Consent for treatment obtained and treatment rendered;
5. List of drugs prescribed, administered, or dispensed and the route of administration, quantity, dose, and strength;
6. Radiographs, digital images, and photographs clearly labeled with patient name, date taken, and teeth identified;
7. Notation of each treatment rendered, the date of treatment and of the dentist, dental hygienist, and dental assistant II providing service;
8. Duplicate laboratory work orders that meet the requirements of § 54.1-2719 of the Code of Virginia, including the address and signature of the dentist;
9. Itemized patient financial records as required by § 54.1-2404 of the Code of Virginia;
10. A notation or documentation of an order required for treatment of a patient by a dental hygienist practicing under general supervision as required in 18VAC60-21-140 B; and
11. The information required for the administration of moderate sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia required in 18VAC60-21-260 D.
C. Records shall not be withheld because the patient has an outstanding financial obligation.
D. A reasonable cost-based fee may be charged for copying patient records to include the cost of supplies and labor for copying documents, duplication of radiographs and images, and postage if mailing is requested as authorized by § 32.1-127.1:03 of the Code of Virginia. The charges specified in § 8.01-413 of the Code of Virginia are permitted when records are subpoenaed as evidence for purposes of civil litigation.
E. Records shall not be abandoned or otherwise left in the care of someone who is not licensed by the board except that, upon the death of a licensee, a trustee or executor of the estate may safeguard the records until they are transferred to a licensed dentist, sent to the patients of record, or destroyed.
F. Patient confidentiality must be preserved when records are destroyed.
Statutory Authority
§§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2709.5 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 5, eff. December 2, 2015; amended, Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 5, eff. November 28, 2018; Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. October 24, 2024.
18VAC60-21-100. Reportable events during or following treatment or the administration of sedation or anesthesia.
The treating dentist shall submit a written report to the board within 15 calendar days following an unexpected patient event that occurred intra-operatively or during the first 24 hours immediately following the patient's departure from his facility, resulting in either a physical injury or a respiratory, cardiovascular, or neurological complication that was related to the dental treatment or service provided and that necessitated admission of the patient to a hospital or in a patient death. Any emergency treatment of a patient by a hospital that is related to sedation anesthesia shall also be reported.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 5, eff. December 2, 2015.