Source: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title54.1/chapter27/
Timestamp: 2019-04-23 22:09:37+00:00

Document:
Article 1. Board of Dentistry.
"Dental hygiene" means duties related to patient assessment and the rendering of educational, preventive, and therapeutic dental services specified in regulations of the Board and not otherwise restricted to the practice of dentistry.
"Dental hygienist" means a person who is licensed by the Board to practice dental hygiene.
"Dentist" means a person who has been awarded a degree in and is licensed to practice dentistry.
"Dentistry" means the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, through surgical, nonsurgical or related procedures, of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity and the maxillofacial, adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body.
"License" means the document issued to an applicant upon completion of requirements for admission to practice dentistry or dental hygiene in the Commonwealth or upon registration for renewal of license to continue the practice of dentistry or dental hygiene in the Commonwealth.
"Maxillofacial" means pertaining to the jaws and face, particularly with reference to specialized surgery of this region.
"Oral and maxillofacial surgeon" means a person who has successfully completed an oral and maxillofacial residency program, approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, and who holds a valid license from the Board.
1950, p. 983, § 54-200.1; 1970, c. 639; 1972, c. 805; 1988, c. 765; 2001, c. 662; 2013, c. 240.
6. Prevent an office assistant from performing usual secretarial duties or other assistance as set forth in regulations promulgated by the Board.
Code 1950, §§ 54-149 through 54-151, 54-172; 1970, c. 639; 1972, c. 805, § 54-200.23; 1975, c. 479; 1988, c. 765; 1995, c. 509; 2002, c. 740; 2003, c. 495.
§ 54.1-2702. Board; membership; terms of office; officers; quorum.
The Board of Dentistry shall consist of ten members as follows: seven dentists, one citizen member and two dental hygienists.
The professional members of the Board shall be licensed practitioners of dentistry or dental hygiene, of acknowledged ability in the profession, and must have practiced dentistry or dental hygiene in this Commonwealth for at least three years.
The terms of office of the members shall be four years.
The Board shall annually choose a president and a secretary-treasurer and shall meet at least annually at such times and places as it may deem proper. A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum.
Code 1950, §§ 54-153 through 54-155, 54-157, 54-161, 54-162; 1972, c. 805; 1977, c. 669; 1985, c. 49; 1986, c. 464; 1988, cc. 42, 66, 765; 1992, c. 411.
§ 54.1-2703. Inspection of dental offices and laboratories.
Employees of the Department of Health Professions, when properly identified, shall be authorized, during ordinary business hours, to enter and inspect any dental office or dental laboratory for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this chapter.
Code 1950, § 54-167; 1962, c. 45; 1972, c. 805; 1988, c. 765; 2005, cc. 505, 587.
Nominations may be made for each professional vacancy from a list of three names submitted to the Governor by the Virginia Dental Association, the Old Dominion State Dental Society, the Virginia Dental Hygienists' Association, and the Commonwealth Dental Hygienists' Society. Further, any licensee of this chapter may submit nominations to the Governor. The Governor shall not be bound to make any appointment from among the nominees.
Code 1950, § 54-156; 1972, c. 805; 1977, c. 669; 1986, c. 464; 1988, c. 765; 2005, cc. 505, 587.
§ 54.1-2705. Investigation of applicant for license.
The Board shall investigate the qualifications and truthfulness on registration of any applicant for a license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene, and for such purposes shall have power to send for witnesses, papers and documents, and administer oaths. The cost of such inquiry shall be borne by the applicant.
Code 1950, § 54-176; 1972, c. 805; 1975, c. 479; 1988, c. 765.
§ 54.1-2706. Revocation or suspension; other sanctions.
15. The violation of any provision of a state or federal law or regulation relating to manufacturing, distributing, dispensing or administering drugs.
Code 1950, § 54-187; 1962, c. 45; 1972, c. 805; 1973, c. 391; 1975, c. 479; 1978, cc. 247, 248; 1984, c. 28; 1988, c. 765; 2001, c. 662; 2004, c. 64; 2005, cc. 505, 587.
§ 54.1-2708. Disciplinary action discretion.
Except in the case of a monetary penalty, the Board may take disciplinary action notwithstanding any action pending before or consummated before any court or any criminal penalty which has been or may be imposed.
1972, c. 805, § 54-189.1; 1975, c. 479; 1978, c. 248; 1988, cc. 64; 765; 1997, c. 556.
Repealed by Acts 1997, c. 698.
§ 54.1-2708.2. Recovery of monitoring costs.
The Board may recover from any licensee against whom disciplinary action has been imposed reasonable administrative costs associated with investigating and monitoring such licensee and confirming compliance with any terms and conditions imposed upon the licensee as set forth in the order imposing disciplinary action. Such recovery shall not exceed a total of $5,000. All administrative costs recovered pursuant to this section shall be paid by the licensee to the Board. Such administrative costs shall be deposited into the account of the Board and shall not constitute a fine or penalty.
§ 54.1-2708.3. Regulation of mobile dental clinics.
No person shall operate a mobile dental clinic or other portable dental operation without first registering such mobile dental clinic or other portable dental operation with the Board, except that the following shall be exempt from such registration requirement: (i) mobile dental clinics or other portable dental operations operated by federal, state, or local government agencies or other entities identified by the Board in regulations; (ii) mobile dental clinics operated by federally qualified health centers with a dental component that provides dental services via mobile model to adults and children within 30 miles of the federally qualified health center; (iii) mobile dental clinics operated by free health clinics or health safety net clinics that have been granted tax-exempt status pursuant to § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that provide dental services via mobile model to adults and children within 30 miles of the free health clinic or health safety net clinic; and (iv) mobile dental clinics that provide dental services via mobile model to individuals who are not ambulatory and who reside in long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, adult care homes, or private homes.
The Board shall promulgate regulations for mobile dental clinics and other portable dental operations to ensure that patient safety is protected, appropriate dental services are rendered, and needed follow-up care is provided. Such regulations shall include, but not be limited to, requirements for the registration of mobile dental clinics, locations where services may be provided, requirements for reporting by providers, and other requirements necessary to provide accountability for services rendered.
2010, c. 405; 2016, c. 78.
§ 54.1-2708.4. Board to adopt regulations related to prescribing of opioids.
3. Referral of patients to whom opioids are prescribed for substance abuse counseling or treatment, as appropriate.
Article 2. Licensure of Dentists.
§ 54.1-2709. License; application; qualifications; examinations.
A. No person shall practice dentistry unless he possesses a current valid license from the Board of Dentistry.
B. An application for such license shall be made to the Board in writing and shall be accompanied by satisfactory proof that the applicant (i) is of good moral character; (ii) is a graduate of an accredited dental school or college, or dental department of an institution of higher education; (iii) has passed all parts of the examination given by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations; (iv) has successfully completed a clinical examination acceptable to the Board; and (v) has met other qualifications as determined in regulations promulgated by the Board.
C. The Board may grant a license to practice dentistry to an applicant licensed to practice in another jurisdiction if he (i) meets the requirements of subsection B; (ii) holds a current, unrestricted license to practice dentistry in another jurisdiction in the United States and is certified to be in good standing by each jurisdiction in which he currently holds or has held a license; (iii) has not committed any act that would constitute grounds for denial as set forth in § 54.1-2706; and (iv) has been in continuous clinical practice for five out of the six years immediately preceding application for licensure pursuant to this section. Active patient care in the dental corps of the United States Armed Forces, volunteer practice in a public health clinic, or practice in an intern or residency program may be accepted by the Board to satisfy this requirement.
D. The Board shall provide for an inactive license for those dentists who hold a current, unrestricted dental license in the Commonwealth at the time of application for an inactive license and who do not wish to practice in Virginia. The Board shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section, including requirements for remedial education to activate a license.
E. The Board shall promulgate regulations requiring continuing education for any dental license renewal or reinstatement. The Board may grant extensions or exemptions from these continuing education requirements.
Code 1950, §§ 54-168 through 54-171, 54-175; 1968, c. 604; 1972, cc. 805, 824; 1973, c. 391; 1974, c. 411; 1976, c. 327; 1977, c. 518; 1981, c. 216; 1988, c. 765; 1997, c. 855; 2005, cc. 505, 587; 2007, c. 20; 2012, cc. 20, 116.
§ 54.1-2709.1. Certain certification required.
A. The Board of Dentistry shall promulgate regulations establishing criteria for certification of board certified or board eligible oral or maxillofacial surgeons to perform certain procedures within the definition of dentistry that are unrelated to the oral cavity or contiguous structures, provided such services (i) are not for the prevention and treatment of disorders, diseases, lesions and malpositions of the human teeth, alveolar process, maxilla, mandible, or adjacent tissues, or any necessary related procedures, and are services the training for which is included in the curricula of dental schools or advanced postgraduate education programs accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association or continuing educational programs recognized by the Board of Dentistry, or (ii) are not provided incident to a head or facial trauma sustained by the patient. The regulations shall include, but need not be limited to, provisions for: (1) promotion of patient safety; (2) identification and categorization of procedures for the purpose of issuing certificates; (3) establishment of an application process for certification to perform such procedures; (4) establishment of minimum education, training, and experience requirements for certification to perform such procedures, including consideration of whether a licensee has been granted practice privileges to perform such procedures from an accredited hospital located in the Commonwealth and consideration of the presentation of a letter attesting to the training of the applicant to perform such procedures from the chairman of an accredited postgraduate residency program; (5) development of protocols for proctoring and criteria for requiring such proctoring; and (6) implementation of a quality assurance review process for such procedures performed by certificate holders.
B. In promulgating the minimum education, training, and experience requirements for oral and maxillofacial surgeons to perform such procedures and the regulations related thereto, the Board of Dentistry shall consult with an advisory committee comprised of three members selected by the Medical Society of Virginia and three members selected by the Virginia Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. All members of the advisory committee shall be licensed by the Board of Dentistry or the Board of Medicine and shall engage in active clinical practice. The committee shall have a duty to act collaboratively and in good faith to recommend the education, training, and experience necessary to promote patient safety in the performance of such procedures. The advisory committee shall prepare a written report of its recommendations and shall submit this report to the Board of Dentistry and shall also submit its recommendations to the Board of Medicine for such comments as may be deemed appropriate, prior to the promulgation of draft regulations. The advisory committee may meet periodically to advise the Board of Dentistry on the regulation of such procedures.
C. In promulgating the regulations required by this section, the Board shall take due consideration of the education, training, and experience requirements adopted by the American Dental Association Council on Dental Education or the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Further, the Board's regulations shall require that complaints arising out of performance of such procedures be enforced solely by the Board of Dentistry and reviewed jointly by a physician licensed by the Board of Medicine who actively practices in a related specialty and by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon licensed by the Board of Dentistry. However, upon receipt of reports of such complaints the Board of Dentistry shall promptly notify the Board of Medicine which shall maintain the confidentiality of such complaint consistent with § 54.1-2400.2.
§ 54.1-2709.2. Registration and certain data required.
11. Other information related to the competency of oral and maxillofacial surgeons as specified in the regulations of the Board.
The Board shall promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of this section, including, but not limited to, the release, upon request by a consumer, of such information relating to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The regulations promulgated by the Board shall provide for reports to include all paid claims in categories indicating the level of significance of each award or settlement.
2001, c. 662; 2004, c. 64.
§ 54.1-2709.3. Reports of disciplinary action against oral and maxillofacial surgeons; immunity from liability.
A. The presidents of the Virginia Dental Association and the Virginia Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons shall report to the Board of Dentistry any disciplinary actions taken by his organization against any oral and maxillofacial surgeon licensed under this chapter if such disciplinary action is a result of conduct involving professional ethics, professional incompetence, moral turpitude, drug or alcohol abuse.
B. The president of any association, society, academy or organization shall report to the Board of Dentistry any disciplinary action taken against any oral and maxillofacial surgeon licensed under this chapter if such disciplinary action is a result of conduct involving professional ethics, professional incompetence, moral turpitude, drug addictions or alcohol abuse.
C. Any report required by this section shall be in writing directed to the Board of Dentistry, shall give the name and address of the person who is the subject of the report and shall describe fully the circumstances surrounding the conduct to be reported.
D. Any person making a report required by this section or testifying in a judicial or administrative proceeding as a result of such report shall be immune from any civil liability resulting therefrom unless such person acted in bad faith or with malicious intent.
E. In the event that any organization enumerated in subsection A or any component thereof receives a complaint against an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, such organization may, in lieu of considering disciplinary action against such oral and maxillofacial surgeon, request that the Board investigate the matter pursuant to this chapter, in which event any person participating in the decision to make such a request or testifying in a judicial or administrative proceeding as a result of such request shall be immune from any civil liability alleged to have resulted therefrom unless such person acted in bad faith or with malicious intent.
§ 54.1-2709.4. Further reporting requirements.
4. Any evidence that indicates to a reasonable probability that an oral and maxillofacial surgeon licensed under this chapter is or may be professionally incompetent, guilty of unprofessional conduct or mentally or physically unable to engage safely in the practice of his profession.
6. Any health maintenance organization licensed by the Commonwealth.
C. No person or entity shall be obligated to report any matter to the Board if the person or entity has actual notice that the matter has already been reported to the Board.
D. Any report required by this section shall be in writing directed to the Board, shall give the name and address of the person who is the subject of the report and shall describe the circumstances surrounding the conduct required to be reported.
E. Any person making a report required by this section shall be immune from any civil liability or criminal prosecution resulting therefrom unless such person acted in bad faith or with malicious intent.
F. The clerk of any circuit court or any district court in the Commonwealth shall report to the Board the conviction of any oral and maxillofacial surgeon known by such clerk to be licensed under this chapter of any (i) misdemeanor involving a controlled substance, marijuana or substance abuse or involving an act of moral turpitude or (ii) felony.
2001, c. 662; 2009, c. 472.
§ 54.1-2709.5. Permits for sedation and anesthesia required.
A. Except as provided in subsection C, the Board shall require any dentist who provides or administers sedation or anesthesia in a dental office to obtain either a conscious/moderate sedation permit or a deep sedation/general anesthesia permit issued by the Board. The Board shall establish by regulation reasonable education, training, and equipment standards for safe administration and monitoring of sedation and anesthesia to patients in a dental office.
B. A permit for conscious/moderate sedation shall not be required if a permit has been issued for the administration of deep sedation/general anesthesia.
2. Any dentist who administers or prescribes medication or administers nitrous oxide/oxygen or a combination of a medication and nitrous oxide/oxygen for the purpose of inducing anxiolysis or minimal sedation consistent with the Board's regulations.
Repealed by Acts 2005, cc. 505 and 587, cl. 2.
§ 54.1-2711. Practice of dentistry.
Any person shall be deemed to be practicing dentistry who (i) uses the words dentist, or dental surgeon, the letters D.D.S., D.M.D., or any letters or title in connection with his name, which in any way represents him as engaged in the practice of dentistry; (ii) holds himself out, advertises or permits to be advertised that he can or will perform dental operations of any kind; (iii) diagnoses, treats, or professes to diagnose or treat any of the diseases or lesions of the oral cavity, its contents or contiguous structures, or (iv) extracts teeth, corrects malpositions of the teeth or jaws, takes impressions for the fabrication of appliances or dental prosthesis, supplies or repairs artificial teeth as substitutes for natural teeth, or places in the mouth and adjusts such substitutes.
No dentist shall be supervised within the scope of the practice of dentistry by any person who is not a licensed dentist.
Code 1950, § 54-146; 1972, c. 805; 1988, c. 765.
§ 54.1-2711.1. Temporary licenses to persons enrolled in advanced dental education programs; Board regulations.
A. Upon recommendation by the dean of the school of dentistry or the dental program director, the Board may issue a temporary annual license to practice dentistry to persons enrolled in advanced dental education programs and persons serving as dental interns, residents or post-doctoral certificate or degree candidates in hospitals or schools of dentistry that maintain dental intern, residency or post-doctoral programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Such license shall expire upon the holder's graduation, withdrawal or termination from the relevant program.
B. Temporary licenses issued pursuant to this section shall authorize the licensee to perform patient care activities associated with the program in which he is enrolled that take place only within educational facilities owned or operated by, or affiliated with, the dental school or program. Temporary licenses issued pursuant to this section shall not authorize a licensee to practice dentistry in nonaffiliated clinics or private practice settings.
C. The Board may prescribe such regulations not in conflict with existing law and require such reports from any hospital or the school of dentistry operating an accredited advanced dental education program in the Commonwealth as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
2004, c. 754; 2012, cc. 20, 116.
6. A graduate of an accredited dental program or a graduate of an accredited dental hygiene program engaging in clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed faculty member, but only while participating in a continuing education course offered by a dental program or dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
Code 1950, § 54-147; 1970, c. 639; 1972, c. 805; 1975, c. 479; 1985, c. 373; 1988, c. 765; 1989, c. 131; 1994, c. 749; 2004, c. 754; 2005, cc. 505, 587; 2008, cc. 84, 264; 2012, cc. 20, 116.
§ 54.1-2712.1. Restricted volunteer license for certain dentists.
5. Has had at least five years of clinical practice.
4. Not be required to complete continuing education in order to renew such a license.
C. If a dentist with a restricted volunteer license issued under this section has not held an active, unrestricted license and been engaged in active practice within the past five years, he shall only practice dentistry and perform dental procedures if a dentist with an unrestricted Virginia license, volunteering at the clinic, reviews the quality of care rendered by the dentist with the restricted volunteer license at least every 30 days.
D. A restricted voluntary license granted pursuant to this section shall expire on the June 30 of the second year after its issuance, or shall terminate when the supervising dentist withdraws his sponsorship. Such license may be renewed annually in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Board.
E. A dentist holding a restricted volunteer license issued pursuant to this section is subject to the provisions of this chapter, the regulations promulgated under this chapter, and the disciplinary regulations which apply to all dentists practicing in Virginia.
1997, c. 719; 1998, c. 326; 2005, cc. 505, 587.
§ 54.1-2713. Licenses to teach dentistry; renewals.
2. Is a graduate of a dental school or college or the dental department of an institution of higher education, has completed an advanced dental education program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, and has never been licensed to practice dentistry in the Commonwealth.
B. The dean or program director of the accredited dental program shall provide to the Board verification that the applicant is being hired by the program and shall include an assessment of the applicant's clinical competency and clinical experience that qualifies the applicant for a faculty license.
C. The holder of a license issued pursuant to this section shall be entitled to perform all activities that a person licensed to practice dentistry would be entitled to perform and that are part of his faculty duties, including all patient care activities associated with teaching, research, and the delivery of patient care, which take place only within educational facilities owned or operated by or affiliated with the dental school or program. A licensee who is qualified based on educational requirements for a specialty board certification shall only practice in the specialty for which he is qualified. A license issued pursuant to this section shall not authorize the holder to practice dentistry in nonaffiliated clinics or in private practice settings.
D. Any license issued under this section shall expire on June 30 of the second year after its issuance or shall terminate when the licensee leaves employment at the accredited dental program. Such license may be renewed annually thereafter as long as the accredited program certifies to the licensee's continuing employment.
1975, c. 479, § 54-175.1; 1976, c. 327; 1988, c. 765; 2005, cc. 505, 587; 2012, cc. 20, 116.
§ 54.1-2714. Restricted licenses to teach dentistry for foreign dentists.
9. Submits a completed application, the supporting documents the Board deems necessary to determine his qualifications, and the prescribed fee.
B. A restricted license shall entitle the licensee to perform all operations which a person licensed to practice dentistry may perform but only for the purpose of teaching. No person granted a restricted license shall practice dentistry intramurally or privately or receive fees for his services.
C. A restricted license granted pursuant to this section shall expire 24 months from the date of issuance and may not be renewed or reissued.
1977, c. 349, § 54-175.2; 1988, c. 765; 2012, cc. 20, 116.
Repealed by Acts 2012, cc. 20 and 116, cl. 2.
§ 54.1-2715. Temporary permits for certain clinicians.
A. The Board may issue a temporary permit to a graduate of a dental school or college or the dental department of an institution of higher education, who (i) has a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree and is otherwise qualified, (ii) is not licensed to practice dentistry in Virginia, and (iii) has not failed an examination for a license to practice dentistry in the Commonwealth. Such temporary permits may be issued only to those eligible graduates who serve as clinicians in dental clinics operated by (a) the Virginia Department of Corrections, (b) the Virginia Department of Health, (c) the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, or (d) a Virginia charitable corporation granted tax-exempt status under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and operating as a clinic for the indigent and uninsured that is organized for the delivery of primary health care services: (i) as a federal qualified health center designated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or (ii) at a reduced or sliding fee scale or without charge.
B. Applicants for temporary permits shall be certified to the executive director of the Board by the Director of the Department of Corrections, the Commissioner of Health, the Commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, or the chief executive officer of a Virginia charitable corporation identified in subsection A. The holder of such a temporary permit shall not be entitled to receive any fee or other compensation other than salary. Such permits shall be valid for no more than two years and shall expire on the June 30 of the second year after their issuance, or shall terminate when the holder ceases to serve as a clinician with the certifying agency or charitable corporation. Such permits may be reissued annually or may be revoked at any time for cause. Reissuance or revocation of a temporary permit is in the discretion of the Board.
C. Dentists licensed pursuant to this chapter may practice as employees of the dental clinics operated as specified in subsection A.
Code 1950, § 54-152; 1968, c. 604; 1970, c. 639; 1972, c. 805; 1975, c. 479; 1976, c. 327; 1985, c. 373; 1988, c. 765; 2002, c. 549; 2004, c. 48; 2005, cc. 505, 587; 2006, c. 176; 2009, cc. 813, 840.
§ 54.1-2716. Practicing in a commercial or mercantile establishment.
It shall be unlawful for any dentist to practice his profession in a commercial or mercantile establishment, or to advertise, either in person or through any commercial or mercantile establishment, that he is a licensed practitioner and is practicing or will practice dentistry in such commercial or mercantile establishment. This section shall not prohibit the rendering of professional services to the officers and employees of any person, firm or corporation by a dentist, whether or not the compensation for such service is paid by the officers and employees, or by the employer, or jointly by all or any of them. Any dentist who violates any of the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
For the purposes of this section, the term "commercial or mercantile establishment" means a business enterprise engaged in the selling of commodities or services unrelated to the practice of dentistry or the other healing arts.
Code 1950, § 54-147.1; 1988, c. 765.
§ 54.1-2717. Practice of dentistry by professional business entities.
A. No corporation shall be formed or foreign corporation domesticated in the Commonwealth for the purpose of practicing dentistry other than a professional corporation as permitted by Chapter 7 (§ 13.1-542 et seq.) of Title 13.1.
B. No limited liability company shall be organized or foreign limited liability company domesticated in the Commonwealth for the purpose of practicing dentistry other than a professional limited liability company as permitted by Chapter 13 (§ 13.1-1100 et seq.) of Title 13.1.
C. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections A and B, dentists licensed pursuant to this chapter may practice as employees of the dental clinics operated as specified in subsection A of § 54.1-2715.
Code 1950, § 54-183; 1988, c. 765; 1992, c. 574; 2004, c. 48.
§ 54.1-2718. Practicing under firm or assumed name.
A. No person shall practice, offer to practice, or hold himself out as practicing dentistry, under a name other than his own. This section shall not prohibit the practice of dentistry by a partnership under a firm name, or a licensed dentist from practicing dentistry as the employee of a licensed dentist, practicing under his own name or under a firm name, or as the employee of a professional corporation, or as a member, manager, employee, or agent of a professional limited liability company or as the employee of a dental clinic operated as specified in subsection A of § 54.1-2715.
1. The trade name incorporates one or more of the following: (i) a geographic location, e.g., to include, but not be limited to, a street name, shopping center, neighborhood, city, or county location; (ii) type of practice; or (iii) a derivative of the dentist's name.
2. Derivatives of American Dental Association approved specialty board certifications may be used to describe the type of practice if one or more dentists in the practice are certified in the specialty or if the specialty name is accompanied by the conspicuous disclosure that services are provided by a general dentist in every advertising medium in which the trade name is used.
3. The trade name is used in conjunction with either (i) the name of the dentist or (ii) the name of the partnership, professional corporation, or professional limited liability company that owns the practice. The owner's name shall be conspicuously displayed along with the trade name used for the practice in all advertisements in any medium.
4. Marquee signage, web page addresses, and email addresses are not considered to be advertisements and may be limited to the trade name adopted for the practice.
Code 1950, § 54-184; 1970, c. 639; 1975, c. 479; 1988, c. 765; 1992, c. 574; 2004, c. 48; 2005, cc. 505, 587.
§ 54.1-2719. Persons engaged in construction and repair of appliances.
A. Licensed dentists may employ or engage the services of any person, firm or corporation to construct or repair, extraorally, prosthetic dentures, bridges, or other replacements for a part of a tooth, a tooth, or teeth. A person, firm or corporation so employed or engaged shall not be considered to be practicing dentistry. No such person, firm or corporation shall perform any direct dental service for a patient, but they may assist a dentist in the selection of shades for the matching of prosthetic devices when the dentist sends the patient to them with a written work order.
B. Any licensed dentist who employs the services of any person, firm or corporation not working in a dental office under his direct supervision to construct or repair, extraorally, prosthetic dentures, bridges, replacements, or orthodontic appliances for a part of a tooth, a tooth, or teeth, shall furnish such person, firm or corporation with a written work order on forms prescribed by the Board which shall, at minimum, contain: (i) the name and address of the person, firm or corporation; (ii) the patient's name or initials or an identification number; (iii) the date the work order was written; (iv) a description of the work to be done, including diagrams, if necessary; (v) specification of the type and quality of materials to be used; and (vi) the signature and address of the dentist.
The person, firm or corporation shall retain the original work order and the dentist shall retain a duplicate for three years.
C. If the person, firm or corporation receiving a written work order from a licensed dentist engages a subcontractor to perform services relative to the work order, a written subwork order shall be furnished on forms prescribed by the Board which shall, at minimum, contain: (i) the name and address of the subcontractor; (ii) a number identifying the subwork order with the original work order; (iii) the date the subwork order was written; (iv) a description of the work to be done by the subcontractor including diagrams, if necessary; (v) a specification of the type and quality of materials to be used; and (vi) the signature of the person issuing the subwork order.
The subcontractor shall retain the subwork order and the issuer shall retain a duplicate attached to the work order received from the licensed dentist for three years.
D. No person, firm or corporation engaged in the construction or repair of appliances shall refuse to allow the Board or its agents to inspect the files of work orders or subwork orders during ordinary business hours.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to a work order for the construction, reproduction, or repair, extraorally, of prosthetic dentures, bridges, or other replacements for a part of a tooth, a tooth, or teeth, done by a person, firm or corporation pursuant to a written work order received from a licensed dentist who is residing and practicing in another state.
1962, c. 45, § 54-147.2; 1972, c. 805; 1988, c. 765.
§ 54.1-2720. Display of name of practitioner.
Every person practicing dentistry under a firm name, and every person practicing dentistry as an employee of another licensed dentist shall conspicuously display his name at the entrance of the office. Any licensed dentist who fails to display his name shall be subject to disciplinary action by the Board.
Code 1950, § 54-186; 1972, c. 805; 1988, c. 765; 2005, cc. 505, 587.
§ 54.1-2721. Display of license.
Every person practicing dentistry in this Commonwealth shall display his license in his office in plain view of patients. Any person practicing dentistry without having his license on display shall be subject to disciplinary action by the Board.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to any dentist while he is serving as a volunteer providing dental services in an underserved area of the Commonwealth under the auspices of a Virginia charitable corporation granted tax-exempt status under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and operating as a clinic for the indigent and uninsured that is organized for the delivery of primary health care services.
Code 1950, § 54-197; 1972, c. 805; 1988, c. 765; 2006, c. 823.
Article 3. Licensure of Dental Hygienists.
§ 54.1-2722. License; application; qualifications; practice of dental hygiene.
A. No person shall practice dental hygiene unless he possesses a current, active, and valid license from the Board of Dentistry. The licensee shall have the right to practice dental hygiene in the Commonwealth for the period of his license as set by the Board, under the direction of any licensed dentist.
B. An application for such license shall be made to the Board in writing and shall be accompanied by satisfactory proof that the applicant (i) is of good moral character, (ii) is a graduate of a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and offered by an accredited institution of higher education, (iii) has passed the dental hygiene examination given by the Joint Commission on Dental Examinations, and (iv) has successfully completed a clinical examination acceptable to the Board.
C. The Board may grant a license to practice dental hygiene to an applicant licensed to practice in another jurisdiction if he (i) meets the requirements of subsection B; (ii) holds a current, unrestricted license to practice dental hygiene in another jurisdiction in the United States; (iii) has not committed any act that would constitute grounds for denial as set forth in § 54.1-2706; and (iv) meets other qualifications as determined in regulations promulgated by the Board.
D. A licensed dental hygienist may, under the direction or general supervision of a licensed dentist and subject to the regulations of the Board, perform services that are educational, diagnostic, therapeutic, or preventive. These services shall not include the establishment of a final diagnosis or treatment plan for a dental patient. Pursuant to subsection V of § 54.1-3408, a licensed dental hygienist may administer topical oral fluorides under an oral or written order or a standing protocol issued by a dentist or a doctor of medicine or osteopathic medicine.
A dentist may also authorize a dental hygienist under his direction to administer Schedule VI nitrous oxide and oxygen inhalation analgesia and, to persons 18 years of age or older, Schedule VI local anesthesia. In its regulations, the Board of Dentistry shall establish the education and training requirements for dental hygienists to administer such controlled substances under a dentist's direction.
For the purposes of this section, "general supervision" means that a dentist has evaluated the patient and prescribed authorized services to be provided by a dental hygienist; however, the dentist need not be present in the facility while the authorized services are being provided.
The Board shall provide for an inactive license for those dental hygienists who hold a current, unrestricted license to practice in the Commonwealth at the time of application for an inactive license and who do not wish to practice in Virginia. The Board shall promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section, including requirements for remedial education to activate a license.
E. For the purposes of this subsection, "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.
Notwithstanding any provision of law, a dental hygienist employed by the Virginia Department of Health who holds a license issued by the Board of Dentistry may provide educational and preventative dental care in the Commonwealth under the remote supervision of a dentist employed by the Department of Health. A dental hygienist providing such services shall practice pursuant to a protocol adopted by the Commissioner of Health on September 23, 2010, having been developed jointly by (i) the medical directors of the Cumberland Plateau, Southside, and Lenowisco Health Districts; (ii) dental hygienists employed by the Department of Health; (iii) the Director of the Dental Health Division of the Department of Health; (iv) one representative of the Virginia Dental Association; and (v) one representative of the Virginia Dental Hygienists' Association. Such protocol shall be adopted by the Board as regulations.
A report of services provided by dental hygienists pursuant to such protocol, including their impact upon the oral health of the citizens of the Commonwealth, shall be prepared and submitted by the Department of Health to the Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources annually. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize or establish the independent practice of dental hygiene.
F. For the purposes of this subsection, "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.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a dental hygienist may practice dental hygiene under the remote supervision of a dentist who holds an active license by the Board and who has a dental practice physically located in the Commonwealth. No dental hygienist shall practice under remote supervision unless he has (i) completed a continuing education course designed to develop the competencies needed to provide care under remote supervision offered by an accredited dental education program or from a continuing education provider approved by the Board and (ii) at least two years of clinical experience, consisting of at least 2,500 hours of clinical experience. A dental hygienist practicing under remote supervision shall have professional liability insurance with policy limits acceptable to the supervising dentist. A dental hygienist shall only practice under remote supervision at a federally qualified health center; charitable safety net facility; free clinic; long-term care facility; elementary or secondary school; Head Start program; or women, infants, and children (WIC) program.
A dental hygienist practicing under remote supervision may (a) obtain a patient's treatment history and consent, (b) perform an oral assessment, (c) perform scaling and polishing, (d) perform all educational and preventative services, (e) take X-rays as ordered by the supervising dentist or consistent with a standing order, (f) maintain appropriate documentation in the patient's chart, (g) administer topical oral fluorides 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, and (h) perform any other service ordered by the supervising dentist or required by statute or Board regulation. No dental hygienist practicing under remote supervision shall administer local anesthetic or nitrous oxide.
Prior to providing a patient dental hygiene services, a dental hygienist practicing under remote supervision shall obtain (1) 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 (2) verbal confirmation from the patient that he does not have a dentist of record whom he is seeing regularly.
After conducting an initial oral assessment of a patient, a dental hygienist practicing under remote supervision may provide further dental hygiene services following a written practice protocol developed and provided by the supervising dentist. Such written practice protocol shall consider, at a minimum, the medical complexity of the patient and the presenting signs and symptoms of oral disease.
A dental hygienist practicing under remote supervision shall inform the supervising dentist of all findings for a patient. A dental hygienist practicing under remote supervision may continue to treat a patient for 90 days. After such 90-day period, the supervising dentist, absent emergent circumstances, shall either conduct an examination of the patient or refer the patient to another dentist to conduct an examination. The supervising dentist shall develop a diagnosis and treatment plan for the patient, and either the supervising dentist or the dental hygienist shall provide the treatment plan to the patient. The supervising dentist shall review a patient's records at least once every 10 months.
Nothing in this subsection shall prevent a dental hygienist from practicing dental hygiene under general supervision whether as an employee or as a volunteer.
1950, pp. 983-985, §§ 54-200.2, 54-200.4, 54-200.7 through 54-200.9, 54-200.11; 1968, c. 604; 1970, c. 639; 1972, cc. 805, 824; 1973, c. 391; 1975, c. 479; 1976, c. 327; 1986, c. 178; 1988, c. 765; 1990, c. 441; 1997, c. 855; 2002, c. 170; 2005, cc. 505, 587; 2006, c. 858; 2007, c. 702; 2009, cc. 99, 506, 561; 2011, c. 289; 2012, c. 102; 2013, c. 240; 2016, c. 497; 2017, c. 410.
§ 54.1-2724. Limitations on the employment of dental hygienists.
The Board shall determine by regulation the total number of dental hygienists, including dental hygienists under general supervision and dental hygienists under remote supervision, who may work at one time for a dentist. No dentist shall employ more than two dental hygienists who practice under remote supervision at one time. The State Board of Health may employ the necessary number of hygienists in public school dental clinics, subject to regulations of the Board.
1950, p. 984, § 54-200.6; 1972, c. 805; 1978, c. 247; 1988, c. 765; 2016, c. 497.
§ 54.1-2725. Faculty licenses to teach dental hygiene; renewals.
A. Upon payment of the prescribed fee, the Board shall grant, without examination, a license to teach dental hygiene to any applicant who (i) is a graduate of a dental hygiene school or college or the dental hygiene department of an institution of higher education accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association; (ii) has a B.S., B.A., A.B., or M.S. degree and is otherwise qualified; (iii) is not licensed to practice dental hygiene; and (iv) has a license to practice dental hygiene in at least one other United States jurisdiction.
B. The dean or program director of the accredited dental hygiene program shall provide to the Board verification that the applicant is being hired by the program and shall include an assessment of the applicant's clinical competency and clinical experience that qualifies the applicant for a faculty license.
C. The holder of a license issued pursuant to this section shall be entitled to perform all activities that a person licensed to practice dental hygiene would be entitled to perform that are part of his faculty duties, including all patient care activities associated with teaching, research, and the delivery of patient care that take place only within educational facilities owned or operated by or affiliated with the dental school or program. A license issued pursuant to this section does not entitle the holder to practice dental hygiene in nonaffiliated clinics or other private practice settings.
1975, c. 479, § 54-175.1; 1976, c. 327; 1988, c. 765; 2012, cc. 20, 116.
§ 54.1-2726. Temporary permits for certain hygienists.
A. The Board may issue a temporary permit to a graduate of an accredited dental hygiene program who is otherwise qualified, has not held a license to practice dental hygiene in Virginia, and has not failed an examination for a license to practice dental hygiene in the Commonwealth. Such temporary permits shall be issued only to those eligible graduates who serve in the Department of Health or the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services in a dental clinic operated by the Commonwealth or in a Virginia charitable corporation granted tax-exempt status under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and operated as a clinic for the indigent and uninsured that is organized for the delivery of primary health care services: (i) as a federally qualified health center designated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or (ii) at a reduced or sliding fee scale or without charge.
B. Applicants for temporary permits shall be certified to the executive director of the Board by the Commissioner of Health or the Commissioner of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services or the chief executive officer of a Virginia charitable corporation pursuant to subsection A. The holder of such permit shall not be entitled to receive any fee or compensation other than salary. Such permits shall be valid for no more than two years and shall expire on the June 30 of the second year after their issuance, or shall terminate when the holder ceases to be employed by the certifying agency. Such permits may be reissued annually or may be revoked at any time for cause. Reissuance or revocation of a temporary permit is in the discretion of the Board.
The holder of a temporary permit shall function under the direction of a dentist.
Code 1950, § 54-152; 1968, c. 604; 1970, c. 639; 1972, c. 805; 1975, c. 479; 1976, c. 327; 1985, c. 373; 1988, c. 765; 2005, cc. 505, 587; 2009, cc. 813, 840.
§ 54.1-2726.1. Restricted volunteer license for certain dental hygienists.
6. Has had at least five years of clinical practice.
C. A dental hygienist with a restricted volunteer license issued under this section shall only practice dental hygiene under the direction of a dentist with an unrestricted license in Virginia.
D. A restricted voluntary license granted pursuant to this section shall expire on the June 30 of the second year after its issuance, or shall terminate when the supervising dentist withdraws his sponsorship. Such license may be renewed annually thereafter as long as the supervising dentist continues to sponsor the licensee.
E. A dental hygienist holding a restricted volunteer license issued pursuant to this section is subject to the provisions of this chapter, the regulations promulgated under this chapter, and the disciplinary regulations which apply to all dental hygienists practicing in Virginia.
§ 54.1-2727. Display of license.
Every person practicing dental hygiene shall at all times display his license in a conspicuous place in his office in plain view of patients.
The provisions of this section shall not apply to any dental hygienist while he is serving as a volunteer providing dental hygiene services in an underserved area of the Commonwealth under the auspices of a Virginia charitable corporation granted tax-exempt status under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and operating as a clinic for the indigent and uninsured that is organized for the delivery of primary health care services.
1950, p. 985, § 54-200.14; 1972, c. 805; 1988, c. 765; 2006, c. 823.
§ 54.1-2728. Grounds for revocation or suspension.
The Board may revoke or suspend the license of any dental hygienist for any of the causes set forth in § 54.1-2706, insofar as applicable to the practice of dental hygiene.
1950, p. 986, § 54-200.18; 1972, c. 805; 1988, c. 765; 2005, cc. 505, 587.
The Board shall promulgate regulations requiring continuing education for any dental hygienist license renewal or reinstatement. The Board may grant exceptions or exemptions from these continuing education requirements.
1993, c. 555; 1997, c. 3; 2004, c. 137; 2005, cc. 505, 587.
Article 4. Practice of Dental Assistants.
§ 54.1-2729.01. Practice of dental assistants.
A. A person who is employed to assist a licensed dentist or dental hygienist by performing duties not otherwise restricted to the practice of a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant II, as prescribed in regulations promulgated by the Board may practice as a dental assistant I.
B. A person who (i) has met the educational and training requirements prescribed by the Board; (ii) holds a certification from a credentialing organization recognized by the American Dental Association; and (iii) has met any other qualifications for registration as prescribed in regulations promulgated by the Board may practice as a dental assistant II. A dental assistant II may perform duties not otherwise restricted to the practice of a dentist or dental hygienist under the direction of a licensed dentist that are reversible, intraoral procedures specified in regulations promulgated by the Board.

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