Virginia governor signs ADA-supported workforce bills into law

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has signed into law two dental workforce-related measures backed by both the Virginia Dental Association and the ADA.

Introduced at the request of the Virginia Dental Association, the legislation was a significant priority for the organization during this legislative session. The new laws aim to expand access to preventive dental care by allowing internationally trained dentists to pursue licensure as dental hygienists in Virginia and permitting qualified dental assistants to perform certain scaling and polishing procedures under supervision.

The new initiatives highlight the significant role the Virginia Dental Association played in addressing a shortage of dental hygienists, especially in rural and underserved areas, where patients face delays in preventive care. In response, the Virginia Dental Association proposed a three-part solution that included leveraging internationally educated dentists, expanding the role of dental assistants and increasing funding for dental hygiene education programs. 

According to the Virginia Department of Health Professions Workforce Data Center, Virginia is exceeding the national average in its concentration of dentists, reflecting a strong and growing provider base. At the same time, noted the ADA and Virginia Dental Association, the opportunity to expand the dental hygienist workforce highlights a clear path to strengthening access to care. 

Virginia's grassroots advocacy is driving the next phase of solutions to tackle the state's workforce shortages, with momentum building as budget negotiations advance for funding a new school dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. 

In a letter sent to the governor prior to the bills’ approvals, the ADA expressed support for the measures, emphasizing their alignment with evolving workforce policies.

“We are pleased that Virginia is leading the charge in addressing the state’s access challenges by enacting legislation that is in line with these new policies; specifically, by allowing internationally trained dentists to be eligible for dental hygiene licensure and by allowing qualified dental assistants to perform scaling and polishing duties,” the letter said.

Under one of the new laws, House Bill 1036, internationally trained dentists must meet requirements established by the Virginia Board of Dentistry, including passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and completing a clinical assessment. The ADA described the bill as offering “a responsible pathway” for these providers to contribute to patient care.

“By satisfying these requirements, another group of previously underutilized providers can quickly begin treating patients and provide preventive care that will keep patients out of emergency rooms and provide a dental home,” the ADA wrote.

Another bill, House Bill 970, allows trained dental assistants to perform supragingival scaling and coronal polishing under a licensed dentist’s supervision. The ADA cited data and existing models in other states and federal systems to support the change, stating that “any claims that properly trained dental assistants are incapable of safely performing these services are not supported by data.”

The letter also emphasized the broader public health implications of the legislation, stating that the bills provide opportunities to increase access to care for all Virginians, assist in decreasing wait times and increase capacity for dental offices to see patients in a preventive capacity.

Virginia Dental Association leadership welcomed the enactment of the bills.

“The Virginia Dental Association is grateful to the bill patrons and Governor Spanberger for passing legislation to provide options to address dental workforce shortages and allow dental professionals to advance in their careers,” said Ryan Dunn, CEO of the Virginia Dental Association. “These bills include defined training requirements, supervision, scope limitations, and were developed with patient safety, quality, and access as the priority. We look forward to supporting their implementation to help patients in Virginia receive timely and essential preventive dental care.”

The measures are set to take effect July 1.