Virginia Law

Chapter 25. Regulations Governing the Practice of Dental Hygiene

Part I
General Provisions

18VAC60-25-10. 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"

B. The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Active practice" means clinical practice as a dental hygienist for at least 600 hours per year.

"Analgesia" means the diminution or elimination of pain in the conscious patient.

"CDAC" means the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.

"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 to perform reversible, intraoral procedures as specified in 18VAC60-21-150 and 18VAC60-21-160.

"Direction" means the level of supervision (i.e., direct, indirect, or general) that a dentist is required to exercise with a dental hygienist or 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.

"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 or a dental assistant who is (i) delivering hygiene treatment, (ii) preparing the patient for examination or treatment by the dentist, or (iii) preparing the patient for dismissal following treatment.

"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 sensibility to pain without the loss 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.

"Nonsurgical laser" means a laser that is not capable of cutting or removing hard tissue, soft tissue, or tooth structure.

"Parenteral" means a technique of administration in which the drug bypasses the gastrointestinal tract (i.e., intramuscular, intravenous, intranasal, submucosal, subcutaneous, or intraocular).

"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.

"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.

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 32, Issue 8, eff. January 28, 2015; Volume 33, Issue 4, eff. November 16, 2016; Volume 34, Issue 1, eff. October 4, 2017; Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. October 24, 2024.

18VAC60-25-20. Address of record.

Address of record. Each licensed dental hygienist 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; amended, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. October 24, 2024.

18VAC60-25-30. Required fees.

A. Application fees.

B. Renewal fees.

C. Late fees.

D. Reinstatement fees.

E. Administrative fees.

F. No fee shall be refunded or applied for any purpose other than the purpose for which the fee was 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 36, Issue 24, eff. August 19, 2020; Volume 37, Issue 1, eff. October 15, 2020; Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. October 24, 2024.

Part II
Practice of Dental Hygiene

18VAC60-25-40. Scope of practice.

A. The following duties of a dentist shall not be delegated to a dental hygienist:

1. Final diagnosis and treatment planning;

2. Performing surgical or cutting procedures on hard or soft tissue, except as may be permitted by subdivisions C 1 and D 1 of this section;

3. Prescribing or parenterally administering drugs or medicaments, except a dental hygienist who meets the requirements of 18VAC60-25-100 C may parenterally administer Schedule VI local anesthesia to patients 18 years of age or older;

4. Authorization of work orders for any appliance or prosthetic device or restoration that is to be inserted into a patient's mouth;

5. Operation of high-speed rotary instruments in the mouth;

6. Administration of deep sedation or general anesthesia and moderate sedation;

7. Condensing, contouring, or adjusting any final, fixed, or removable prosthodontic appliance or restoration in the mouth with the exception of packing and carving amalgam and placing and shaping composite resins by dental assistants II with advanced training as specified in 18VAC60-30-120;

8. Final positioning and attachment of orthodontic bonds and bands; and

9. Final adjustment and fitting of crowns and bridges in preparation for final cementation.

B. The following duties shall only be delegated to dental hygienists under direction and may only be performed under indirect supervision:

1. Scaling, root planing, or gingival curettage of natural and restored teeth using hand instruments, slow-speed rotary instruments, ultrasonic devices, and nonsurgical lasers with any sedation or anesthesia administered.

2. Performing an initial examination of teeth and surrounding tissues, including the charting of carious lesions, periodontal pockets, or other abnormal conditions, for assisting the dentist in the diagnosis.

3. Administering nitrous oxide or local anesthesia by dental hygienists qualified in accordance with the requirements of 18VAC60-25-100.

C. The following duties shall only be delegated to dental hygienists and may be performed under indirect supervision or may be delegated by written order in accordance with § 54.1-2722 D of the Code of Virginia to be performed under general supervision:

1. Scaling, root planing, or gingival curettage of natural and restored teeth using hand instruments, slow-speed rotary instruments, ultrasonic devices, and nonsurgical lasers with or without topical oral anesthetics.

2. Polishing of natural and restored teeth using air polishers.

3. Performing a clinical examination of teeth and surrounding tissues, including the charting of carious lesions, periodontal pockets, or other abnormal conditions, for further evaluation and diagnosis by the dentist.

4. Subgingival irrigation or subgingival and gingival application of topical Schedule VI medicinal agents pursuant to § 54.1-3408 J of the Code of Virginia.

5. Duties appropriate to the education and experience of the dental hygienist and the practice of the supervising dentist, with the exception of those listed as nondelegable in subsection B of this section and those restricted to indirect supervision in subsection C of this section.

D. The following duties may only be delegated under the direction and direct supervision of a dentist to a dental assistant II:

1. Performing pulp capping procedures;

2. Packing and carving of amalgam restorations;

3. Placing and shaping composite resin restorations with a slow-speed handpiece;

4. Taking final impressions;

5. Use of a non-epinephrine retraction cord; and

6. Final cementation of crowns and bridges after adjustment and fitting by the dentist.

E. A dental hygienist employed by the Virginia Department of Health may provide educational and preventative dental care under remote supervision, as defined in § 54.1-2722 E of the Code of Virginia, of a dentist employed by the Virginia Department of Health and in accordance with the Protocol adopted by Virginia Department of Health (VDH) for Dental Hygienists to Practice in an Expanded Capacity under Remote Supervision by Public Health Dentists, May 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

F. A dental hygienist employed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) may provide educational and preventative dental care under remote supervision, as defined in § 54.1-2722 E of the Code of Virginia, of a dentist employed by DBHDS and in accordance with the Protocol for Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) Dental Hygienists to Practice in an Expanded Capacity under Remote Supervision by DBHDS Dentists, May 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Statutory Authority

§§ 54.1-2400 and 54.1-2722 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 37, Issue 18, eff. May 25, 2021; Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. October 24, 2024.

18VAC60-25-50. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 5, eff. December 2, 2015; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. October 24, 2024.

18VAC60-25-60. Delegation of services to a dental hygienist.

A. Dental hygienists shall engage in respective duties only while in the employment of a licensed dentist or governmental agency or when volunteering services.

B. Delegation of duties to a dental hygienist practicing under remote supervision shall be in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2722 F of the Code of Virginia. However, delegation of duties to a public health dental hygienist practicing under remote supervision shall be in accordance with the provisions of § 54.1-2722 E of the Code of Virginia.

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 41, Issue 2, eff. October 24, 2024.

18VAC60-25-70. Delegation of services to a dental assistant.

Duties delegated to a dental assistant under general supervision shall be under the direction of the dental hygienist who supervises the implementation of the dentist's orders by examining the patient, observing the services rendered by an assistant, and being available for consultation on patient care.

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.

18VAC60-25-80. Radiation certification.

No dental hygienist shall permit a person not otherwise licensed by this board to place or expose dental radiographs unless the person has one of the following: (i) satisfactory completion of a radiation safety course and examination given by an institution that maintains a program in dental assisting, dental hygiene, or dentistry accredited by CODA; (ii) certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists; or (iii) satisfactory completion of the Radiation Health and Safety Review Course provided by the Dental Assisting National Board or its affiliate and passage of the Radiation Health and Safety Exam given by the Dental Assisting National Board. Any certificate issued pursuant to satisfying the requirements of this section shall be posted in plain view of the 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.

18VAC60-25-90. (Repealed.)

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 5, eff. December 2, 2015; repealed, Virginia Register Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. October 24, 2024.

18VAC60-25-100. Administration of controlled substances.

A. A licensed dental hygienist may:

1. Administer topical oral fluoride varnish under an oral or written order or a standing protocol issued by a dentist or a doctor of medicine or osteopathic medicine pursuant to subsection V of § 54.1-3408 of the Code of Virginia;

2. Administer topical Schedule VI drugs, including topical oral fluorides, topical oral anesthetics, and topical and directly applied antimicrobial agents for treatment of periodontal pocket lesions pursuant to subsection J of § 54.1-3408 of the Code of Virginia; and

3. If qualified in accordance with subsection B or C of this section, administer Schedule VI nitrous oxide/inhalation analgesia and, to persons 18 years of age or older, Schedule VI local anesthesia parenterally under the indirect supervision of a dentist.

B. To administer only nitrous oxide/inhalation analgesia, a dental hygienist shall:

1. Successfully complete a didactic and clinical course leading to certification in administration of nitrous oxide offered by a CODA accredited dental or dental hygiene program, which includes didactic and clinical instruction in the following topics:

a. Patient physical and psychological assessment;

b. Medical history evaluation;

c. Equipment and techniques used for administration of nitrous oxide;

d. Neurophysiology of nitrous oxide administration;

e. Pharmacology of nitrous oxide;

f. Recordkeeping, medical, and legal aspects of nitrous oxide;

g. Adjunctive uses of nitrous oxide for dental patients; and

h. Clinical experiences in administering nitrous oxide, including training with live patients.

2. Successfully complete an examination with a minimum score of 75% in the administration of nitrous oxide/inhalation analgesia given by the accredited program.

C. To administer local anesthesia parenterally to patients 18 years of age or older, a dental hygienist shall:

1. Successfully complete a didactic and clinical course leading to certification in administration of local anesthesia that is offered by a CODA accredited dental or dental hygiene program, which includes didactic and clinical instruction in the following topics:

a. Patient physical and psychological assessment;

b. Medical history evaluation and recordkeeping;

c. Neurophysiology of local anesthesia;

d. Pharmacology of local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors;

e. Anatomical considerations for local anesthesia;

f. Techniques for maxillary infiltration and block anesthesia;

g. Techniques for mandibular infiltration and block anesthesia;

h. Local and systemic anesthetic complications;

i. Management of medical emergencies; and

j. Clinical experiences in administering local anesthesia injections on patients.

2. Successfully complete an examination with a minimum score of 75% in the parenteral administration of local anesthesia given by the accredited program.

D. A dental hygienist who holds a certificate or credential issued by the licensing board of another jurisdiction of the United States that authorizes the administration of nitrous oxide/inhalation analgesia or local anesthesia may be authorized for such administration in Virginia if:

1. The qualifications on which the credential or certificate was issued were substantially equivalent in hours of instruction and course content to those set forth in subsections B and C of this section; or

2. If the certificate or credential issued by another jurisdiction was not substantially equivalent, the hygienist can document experience in such administration for at least 24 of the past 48 months preceding application for licensure in Virginia.

E. A dentist who provides direction for the administration of nitrous oxide/inhalation analgesia or local anesthesia shall ensure that the dental hygienist has met the qualifications for such administration as set forth in this section.

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 35, Issue 25, eff. September 4, 2019; Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. October 24, 2024.

Part III
Standards of Conduct

18VAC60-25-110. Patient records; confidentiality.

A. A dental hygienist shall be responsible for accurate and complete information in patient records for those services provided by a hygienist or a dental assistant under direction to include the following:

1. Patient's name on each page in the patient record;

2. A health history taken and documented at the initial appointment, which is updated when local anesthesia or nitrous oxide/inhalation analgesia is to be administered and when medically indicated and at least annually;

3. Options discussed and documented written consent in the patient record for any treatment rendered with the exception of prophylaxis;

4. List of drugs administered and the route of administration, quantity, dose, and strength;

5. Radiographs, digital images, and photographs clearly labeled with the patient's name, date taken, and teeth identified;

6. A notation or documentation of an order required for treatment of a patient by a dental hygienist practicing under general supervision as required in 18VAC60-25-60 C; and

7. Notation of each treatment rendered, date of treatment, and the identity of the dentist and the dental hygienist providing service.

B. No dental hygienist shall willfully or negligently breach the confidentiality between a practitioner and a patient. A breach of confidentiality that is required or permitted by applicable law or beyond the control of the hygienist shall not be considered negligent or willful.

C. A dental hygienist practicing under remote supervision shall document in the patient record that the dental hygienist has obtained (i) the patient's or the patient's legal representative's signature on a statement disclosing that the delivery of dental hygiene services under remote supervision is not a substitute for the need for regular dental examinations by a dentist and (ii) verbal confirmation from the patient that the patient does not have a dentist of record whom the patient is seeing regularly.

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 34, Issue 1, eff. October 4, 2017; Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. October 24, 2024.

18VAC60-25-120. Acts constituting unprofessional conduct.

The following practices shall constitute unprofessional conduct within the meaning of § 54.1-2706 of the Code of Virginia:

1. Misrepresenting to a patient and the public the materials or methods and techniques the licensee uses or intends to use.

2. Delegating any service or operation that requires the professional competence of a dentist or dental hygienist to any person who is not a licensee or registrant as authorized by this chapter.

3. Violating or cooperating with others in violating provisions of Chapter 1 (§ 54.1-100 et seq.) or 24 (§ 54.1-2400 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia or the Drug Control Act (§ 54.1-3400 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).

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.

Part IV
Requirements for Licensure

18VAC60-25-130. General application requirements.

A. All applications for licensure by examination or credentials, temporary permits, or faculty licenses shall include:

1. Verification of completion of a dental hygiene degree or certificate from a CODA or CDAC accredited program;

2. Verifiable evidence of a passing score from the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination issued by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations; and

3. A current report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB).

B. If documentation required for licensure cannot be produced by the entity from which it is required, the board, in its discretion, may accept other evidence of qualification for licensure.

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 32, Issue 8, eff. January 28, 2015; Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. October 24, 2024.

18VAC60-25-140. Licensure by examination.

A. An applicant for licensure by examination shall have:

1. Graduated from or have been issued a certificate by a CODA or CDAC accredited program of dental hygiene;

2. Successfully completed the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination given by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations; and

3. Successfully completed a board-approved clinical competency examination in dental hygiene.

B. If the candidate has failed any section of a board-approved examination three times, the candidate shall complete a minimum of seven hours of additional clinical training in each section of the examination to be retested in order to be approved by the board to sit for the examination a fourth time.

C. Applicants who successfully completed a board-approved examination five or more years prior to the date of receipt of their applications for licensure by the board may be required to retake a board-approved examination or take board-approved continuing education that meets the requirements of 18VAC60-25-190, unless they demonstrate that they have maintained clinical, unrestricted, and active practice in a jurisdiction of the United States for 48 of the past 60 months immediately prior to submission of an application for licensure.

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 32, Issue 8, eff. January 28, 2015.

18VAC60-25-150. Licensure by credentials.

An applicant for dental hygiene licensure by credentials shall:

1. Have graduated from or have been issued a certificate by a CODA or CDAC accredited program of dental hygiene;

2. Be currently licensed to practice dental hygiene in another jurisdiction of the United States and have active clinical practice for 24 of the past 48 months immediately preceding application for licensure;

3. Be certified to be in good standing from each state in which the applicant is currently licensed or has ever held a license;

4. Have successfully completed a clinical competency examination substantially equivalent to that required for licensure by examination; and

5. Have successfully completed the dental hygiene examination of the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations prior to making application to the board.

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 32, Issue 8, eff. January 28, 2015; Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. October 24, 2024.

18VAC60-25-160. Temporary permit; faculty license.

A. Issuance of a temporary permit.

1. A temporary permit shall be issued only for the purpose of allowing dental hygiene practice as limited by § 54.1-2726 of the Code. An applicant for a temporary permit shall submit a completed application and verification of graduation from the program from which the applicant received the dental hygiene degree or certificate.

2. A temporary permit will not be renewed unless the permittee shows that extraordinary circumstances prevented the permittee from taking a board-approved clinical competency examination during the term of the temporary permit.

B. The board may issue a faculty license pursuant to the provisions of § 54.1-2725 of the Code.

C. A dental hygienist holding a temporary permit or a faculty license issued pursuant to this section is subject to the provisions of this chapter and the disciplinary regulations that apply to all licensees practicing in Virginia.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 5, eff. December 2, 2015.

18VAC60-25-170. Voluntary practice.

Registration for voluntary practice by out-of-state licensees. Any dental hygienist who does not hold a license to practice in Virginia and who seeks registration to practice on a voluntary basis under the auspices of a publicly supported, all volunteer, nonprofit organization that sponsors the provision of health care to populations of underserved people shall:

1. File a complete application for registration on a form provided by the board at least 15 days prior to engaging in such practice;

2. Provide a copy of a current license or certificate to practice dental hygiene;

3. Provide a complete record of professional licensure in each jurisdiction in the United States in which the applicant has held a license or certificate;

4. Provide the name of the nonprofit organization and the dates and location of the voluntary provision of services; and

5. Provide a notarized statement from a representative of the nonprofit organization attesting to its compliance with provisions of subdivision 5 of § 54.1-2701 of the Code of Virginia.

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.

Part V
Licensure Renewal and Reinstatement

18VAC60-25-180. Requirements for licensure renewal.

A. An active or inactive dental hygiene license shall be renewed in the licensee's birth month each year.

B. A faculty license, a restricted volunteer license, or a temporary permit shall be renewed on or before June 30 each year.

C. The license of any person who does not return the completed renewal form and fees by the deadline required in subsection A of this section shall automatically expire and become invalid.

D. Any person who does not return the completed form and fee by the deadline required in subsection A of this section shall be required to pay an additional late fee. The board may renew a license if the renewal form, renewal fee, and late fee are received within one year of the deadline required in subsection A of this section.

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 36, Issue 24, eff. August 19, 2020; Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. October 24, 2024.

18VAC60-25-190. Requirements for continuing education.

A. In order to renew an active license, a dental hygienist shall complete a minimum of 15 hours of approved continuing education. Continuing education hours in excess of the number required for renewal may be transferred or credited to the next renewal year for a total of not more than 15 hours.

1. A dental hygienist shall be required to maintain evidence of successful completion of a current hands-on course in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation for health care providers.

2. A dental hygienist who monitors patients under general anesthesia, deep sedation, or moderate sedation shall complete four hours every two years of approved continuing education directly related to monitoring of such anesthesia or sedation as part of the hours required for licensure renewal.

3. Up to three hours of the 15 hours required for annual renewal may be satisfied through delivery of dental hygiene services, without compensation, to low-income individuals receiving health services through a local health department or a free clinic organized in whole or primarily for the delivery of those services.

B. An approved continuing education program shall be relevant to the treatment and care of patients and shall consist of:

1. Clinical courses in dental or dental hygiene practice; or

2. Nonclinical subjects that relate to the skills necessary to provide dental hygiene services and are supportive of clinical services (i.e., patient management, legal and ethical responsibilities, risk management, and recordkeeping). Courses not acceptable for the purpose of this subsection include estate planning, financial planning, investments, and personal health.

C. Continuing education credit may be earned for verifiable attendance at or participation in any course, to include audio and video presentations, that meets the requirements in subdivision B 1 of this section and is given by one of the

sponsors approved by the board.

D. Verification of compliance.

1. All licensees are required to verify compliance with continuing education requirements at the time of annual license renewal.

2. Following the renewal period, the board may conduct an audit of licensees to verify compliance.

3. Any licensee selected for audit shall provide original documents certifying that the licensee has fulfilled the continuing education requirements by the deadline date as specified by the board.

4. Licensees are required to maintain original documents verifying the date and the subject of the program or activity, the sponsor, and the amount of time earned. Documentation shall be maintained for a period of four years following renewal.

5. Failure to comply with continuing education requirements may subject the licensee to disciplinary action by the board.

E. Exemptions.

1. A licensee is exempt from completing continuing education requirements and considered in compliance on the first renewal date following the licensee's initial licensure.

2. The board may grant an exemption for all or part of the continuing education requirements due to circumstances beyond the control of the licensee, such as temporary disability, mandatory military service, or officially declared disasters. A written request with supporting documents must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the deadline for renewal.

F. The board may grant an extension for up to one year for completion of continuing education upon written request with an explanation to the board prior to the renewal date.

G. Continuing education hours required by board order shall not be used to satisfy the continuing education requirement for license renewal or reinstatement.

H. In order to practice under remote supervision in accordance with subsection F of § 54.1-2722 of the Code of Virginia, a dental hygienist shall complete a continuing education course of no less than two hours in duration that is offered by an accredited dental education program or a sponsor listed in subsection C of this section and that includes the following course content:

1. Intent and definitions of remote supervision;

2. Review of dental hygiene scope of practice and delegation of services;

3. Administration of controlled substances;

4. Patient records, documentation, and risk management;

5. Remote supervision laws for dental hygienists and dentists;

6. Written practice protocols; and

7. Settings allowed for remote supervision.

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 5, 2015; amended, Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 9, eff. February 10, 2017; Volume 34, Issue 25, eff. September 20, 2018; Volume 35, Issue 5, eff. November 28, 2018; Volume 41, Issue 2, eff. October 24, 2024.

18VAC60-25-200. Inactive license.

A. Any dental hygienist who holds a current, unrestricted license in Virginia may, upon a request on the renewal application and submission of the required fee, be issued an inactive license.

B. With the exception of practice with a restricted volunteer license as provided in § 54.1-2726.1 of the Code of Virginia, the holder of an inactive license shall not be entitled to perform any act requiring a license to practice dental hygiene in Virginia.

C. An inactive dental hygiene license may be renewed on or before the licensee's birth month of each year.

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.

18VAC60-25-210. Reinstatement or reactivation of a license.

A. Reinstatement of an expired license.

1. Any person whose license has been expired for more than one year and who wishes to reinstate such license shall submit to the board a reinstatement application and the reinstatement fee.

2. An applicant for reinstatement shall submit evidence of completion of continuing education that meets the requirements of 18VAC60-25-190 and is equal to the requirement for the number of years in which the applicant's license has not been active in Virginia, not to exceed a total of 45 hours. Of the required hours, at least 15 must be earned in the most recent 12 months and the remainder within the 36 months preceding an application for reinstatement.

3. An applicant for reinstatement shall also provide evidence of continuing clinical competence that may also include (i) documentation of active practice in another state or in federal service, (ii) recent passage of a clinical competency examination accepted by the board, or (iii) completion of a clinical, hands-on refresher program offered by a CODA accredited program.

4. The executive director may reinstate a license provided that the applicant can demonstrate continuing clinical competence, that no grounds exist pursuant to § 54.1-2706 of the Code of Virginia or 18VAC60-25-120 to deny reinstatement, and that the applicant has paid the reinstatement fee and any fines or assessments.

B. Reactivation of an inactive license.

1. An inactive license may be reactivated upon submission of the required application and payment of the current renewal fee.

2. An applicant for reactivation shall also provide evidence of continuing clinical competence that may also include (i) documentation of active practice in another state or in federal service, (ii) recent passage of a clinical competency examination accepted by the board, or (iii) completion of a clinical, hands-on refresher program offered by a CODA accredited program.

3. The executive director may reactivate a license provided that the applicant can demonstrate continuing clinical competence and that no grounds exist pursuant to § 54.1-2706 of the Code of Virginia or 18VAC60-25-120 to deny said reactivation.

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.

Forms (18VAC60-25)

Application for Licensure as Dental Hygienist (rev. 6/2023)

Application for Reinstatement of Dental Hygienist License (rev. 6/2023)

Application for Registration for Dental Hygiene Volunteer Practice (rev. 6/2023)

Application for Reactivation of Dental Hygienist License (rev. 6/2023)

Application for Restricted Volunteer Dental Hygienist License (rev. 6/2023)

Application for Faculty Licensure Dental Hygiene (rev. 6/2023)

Application for Temporary Dental Hygiene Permit (rev. 6/2023)

Continuing Education (CE) Credit Form for Volunteer Practice (rev. 5/2019)

Documents Incorporated by Reference (18VAC60-25)

Protocol adopted by Virginia Department of Health for Dental Hygienists to Practice in an Expanded Capacity under Remote Supervision by Public Health Dentists, Virginia Department of Health (rev. 5/2019)

Protocol for Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) Dental Hygienists to Practice in an Expanded Capacity under Remote Supervision by DBHDS Dentists, Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (rev. 5/2019)