Source: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincodeexpand/title18/agency60/chapter25/
Timestamp: 2020-02-25 22:19:44
Document Index: 774163201

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 32', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54', '§ 54']

18VAC60-25-10. Definitions.
"Active practice" means clinical practice as a dental hygienist for at least 600 hours per year.
"ADA" means the American Dental Association.
"Analgesia" means the diminution or elimination of pain in the conscious patient.
"CDAC" means the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.
"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.
"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.
"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.
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.
18VAC60-25-20. Address of record; posting of license.
A. 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.
B. Posting of license. In accordance with § 54.1-2727 of the Code, a dental hygienist shall display a dental hygiene license where it is conspicuous and readable by patients. If a licensee is employed in more than one office, a duplicate license obtained from the board may be displayed.
18VAC60-25-30. Required fees.
1. License by examination
2. License by credentials
3. License to teach dental hygiene pursuant to § 54.1-2725 of the Code
4. Temporary permit pursuant to § 54.1-2726 of the Code
5. Restricted volunteer license
6. Volunteer exemption registration
1. Active license
2. Inactive license
3. License to teach dental hygiene pursuant to § 54.1-2725
4. Temporary permit pursuant to § 54.1-2726
1. Expired license
2. Suspended license
3. Revoked license
3. Certification of licensure
4. Returned check
F. No fee shall be refunded or applied for any purpose other than the purpose for which the fee was submitted.
G. For the renewal of licenses in 2018, the following fees shall be in effect:
1. Dental hygienist - active
2. Dental hygienist - inactive
3. Dental hygienist restricted volunteer
18VAC60-25-40. Scope of practice.
A. Pursuant to § 54.1-2722 of the Code, a licensed dental hygienist may perform services that are educational, diagnostic, therapeutic, or preventive under the direction and indirect or general supervision of a licensed dentist.
B. The following duties of a dentist shall not be delegated:
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;
6. Administration of deep sedation or general anesthesia and moderate sedation;
C. 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.
D. 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 to be performed under general supervision:
1. Scaling, root planning, 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.
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.
E. The following duties may only be delegated under the direction and direct supervision of a dentist to a dental assistant II:
F. 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 D of the Code, of a dentist employed by the Virginia Department of Health and in accordance with the protocol adopted by the Commissioner of Health for Dental Hygienists to Practice in an Expanded Capacity under Remote Supervision by Public Health Dentists, September 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
18VAC60-25-50. Utilization of dental hygienists and dental assistants.
A dentist may utilize up to a total of four dental hygienists or dental assistants II in any combination practicing under direction at one and the same time. In addition, a dentist may permit through issuance of written orders for services additional dental hygienists to practice under general supervision in a free clinic, a public health program, or a voluntary practice.
18VAC60-25-60. Delegation of services to a dental hygienist.
A. In all instances and on the basis of his diagnosis, a licensed dentist assumes ultimate responsibility for determining with the patient or his representative the specific treatment the patient will receive, which aspects of treatment will be delegated to qualified personnel, and the direction required for such treatment, in accordance with this chapter, Part III (18VAC60-21-110 et seq.) of the Regulations Governing the Practice of Dentistry, and the Code.
B. Dental hygienists shall engage in their respective duties only while in the employment of a licensed dentist or governmental agency or when volunteering services as provided in 18VAC60-25-50.
C. Duties that are delegated to a dental hygienist under general supervision shall only be performed if the following requirements are met:
1. The treatment to be provided shall be ordered by a dentist licensed in Virginia and shall be entered in writing in the record. The services noted on the original order shall be rendered within a specified time period, not to exceed 10 months from the date the dentist last performed a periodic examination of the patient. Upon expiration of the order, the dentist shall have examined the patient before writing a new order for treatment under general supervision.
2. The dental hygienist shall consent in writing to providing services under general supervision.
3. The patient or a responsible adult shall be informed prior to the appointment that a dentist may not be present, that only topical oral anesthetics can be administered to manage pain, and that only those services prescribed by the dentist will be provided.
4. Written basic emergency procedures shall be established and in place, and the hygienist shall be capable of implementing those procedures.
D. An order for treatment under general supervision shall not preclude the use of another level of supervision when, in the professional judgment of the dentist, such level of supervision is necessary to meet the individual needs of the patient.
E. Delegation of duties to a dental hygienist practicing under remote supervision shall be in accordance with provisions of § 54.1-2722 F of the Code. However, delegation of duties to a public health dental hygienist practicing under remote supervision shall be in accordance with provisions of § 54.1-2722 E.
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 5, eff. December 2, 2015; amended, Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 4, eff. November 16, 2016.
18VAC60-25-70. Delegation of services to a dental assistant.
A. Duties appropriate to the training and experience of the dental assistant and the practice of the supervising dentist may be delegated to any dental assistant under the direction of a dental hygienist practicing under general supervision as permitted in subsection B of this section, with the exception of those listed as nondelegable and those that may only be delegated to dental hygienists as listed in 18VAC60-25-40 and those that may only be delegated to a dental assistant II as listed in 18VAC60-21-150.
B. 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.
18VAC60-25-80. Radiation certification.
No dentist or dental hygienist shall permit a person not otherwise licensed by this board to place or expose dental x-ray film unless he 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.
18VAC60-25-90. What does not constitute practice.
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 a minimum of eight hours in 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 a minimum of 28 didactic and clinical hours in the following topics:
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.
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 5, eff. December 2, 2015; amended, Virginia Register Volume 35, Issue 25, eff. September 4, 2019.
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:
2. A health history taken 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 oral or written consent 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. A dental hygienist shall comply with the provisions of § 32.1-127.1:03 of the Code related to the confidentiality and disclosure of patient records. A dental hygienist shall not 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 he 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 he is seeing regularly.
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.
18VAC60-25-120. Acts constituting unprofessional conduct.
3. Misrepresenting to a patient and the public the materials or methods and techniques the licensee uses or intends to use.
4. Committing any act in violation of the Code reasonably related to the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene.
5. 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.
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. An original grade card from the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination issued by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations;
3. A current report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB); and
4. Attestation of having read and understood the laws and the regulations governing the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene in Virginia and of the applicant's intent to remain current with such laws and regulations.
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.
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 5, eff. December 2, 2015; amended, Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 8, eff. January 28, 2015.
18VAC60-25-140. 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.
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 clinical, ethical, and active 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 he 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;
5. Not have committed any act that would constitute a violation of § 54.1-2706 of the Code; and
6. Have successfully completed the dental hygiene examination of the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations prior to making application to the board.
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.
18VAC60-25-170. Voluntary practice.
A. Restricted volunteer license.
1. In accordance with § 54.1-2726.1 of the Code, the board may issue a restricted volunteer license to a dental hygienist who:
a. Held an unrestricted license in Virginia or another jurisdiction of the United States as a licensee in good standing at the time the license expired or became inactive;
b. Is volunteering for a public health or community free clinic that provides dental services to populations of underserved people;
c. Has fulfilled the board's requirement related to knowledge of the laws and regulations governing the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene in Virginia;
d. Has not failed a clinical examination within the past five years;
e. Has had at least five years of active practice in Virginia; another jurisdiction of the United States or federal civil or military service; and
f. Is sponsored by a dentist who holds an unrestricted license in Virginia.
2. A person holding a restricted volunteer license under this section shall:
a. Practice only under the direction of a dentist who holds an unrestricted license in Virginia;
b. Only practice in public health or community free clinics that provide dental services to underserved populations;
c. Only treat patients who have been screened by the approved clinic and are eligible for treatment;
d. Attest on a form provided by the board that he will not receive remuneration directly or indirectly for providing dental services; and
e. Not be required to complete continuing education in order to renew such a license.
3. A restricted volunteer license granted pursuant to this section shall expire on June 30 of the second year after its issuance or shall terminate when the supervising dentist withdraws his sponsorship.
4. A dental hygienist holding a restricted volunteer 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.
B. 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 he 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;
5. Pay a registration fee as required in 18VAC60-25-30; and
6. 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.
Licensure Renewal and Reinstatement
18VAC60-25-180. Requirements for licensure renewal.
A. An active dental hygiene license shall be renewed on or before March 31 each year. A faculty license, a restricted volunteer license, or a temporary permit shall be renewed on or before June 30 each year.
B. 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 and his practice of dental hygiene shall be illegal. With the exception of practice with a current, restricted volunteer license as provided in § 54.1-2726.1 of the Code, practicing in Virginia with an expired license may subject the licensee to disciplinary action by the board.
C. 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.
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 two 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. One hour of continuing education may be credited for three hours of providing such volunteer services, as documented by the health department or free clinic.
B. An approved continuing education program shall be relevant to the treatment and care of patients and shall be:
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 following sponsors:
1. The American Dental Association and the National Dental Association and their constituent and component/branch associations;
2. The American Dental Hygienists' Association and the National Dental Hygienists Association and their constituent and component/branch associations;
3. The American Dental Assisting Association and its constituent and component/branch associations;
4. The American Dental Association specialty organizations and their constituent and component/branch associations;
5. A provider accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education for Category 1 credits;
6. The Academy of General Dentistry and its constituent and component/branch associations;
7. Community colleges with an accredited dental hygiene program if offered under the auspices of the dental hygienist program;
8. A college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education or a hospital or health care institution accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations;
9. The American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, the American Safety and Health Institute, and the American Cancer Society;
10. A medical school accredited by the American Medical Association's Liaison Committee for Medical Education or a dental school or dental specialty residency program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association;
11. State or federal government agencies (i.e., military dental division, Veteran's Administration, etc.);
12. The Commonwealth Dental Hygienists' Society;
13. The MCV Orthodontic Education and Research Foundation;
14. The Dental Assisting National Board and its affiliate, the Dental Auxiliary Learning and Education Foundation;
15. The American Academy of Dental Hygiene, its constituent and component/branch associations; or
16. A regional testing agency (i.e., Central Regional Dental Testing Service, Northeast Regional Board of Dental Examiners, Southern Regional Testing Agency, Council of Interstate Testing Agencies, or Western Regional Examining Board) when serving as an examiner.
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. Licensees selected for audit shall provide original documents certifying that they have fulfilled their 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.
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.
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 5, eff. December 5, 2015; amended, Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 9, eff. February 10, 2017; amended Volume 34, Issue 25, eff. September 20, 2018; Volume 35, Issue 5, eff. November 28, 2018.
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, 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 March 31 of each year.
18VAC60-25-210. Reinstatement or reactivation of a license.
A. Reinstatement of an expired license.
1. Any person whose license has 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 his 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 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 refresher program offered by a CODA accredited program.
4. The executive director may reinstate a license provided that the applicant can demonstrate continuing competence, that no grounds exist pursuant to § 54.1-2706 of the Code and 18VAC60-25-120 to deny said 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, payment of the current renewal fee, and documentation of having completed continuing education that meets the requirements of 18VAC60-25-190 and is equal to the requirement for the number of years in which the license has been inactive, 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 immediately preceding the application for activation.
2. An applicant for reactivation shall also provide evidence of continuing 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 refresher program offered by a CODA accredited program.
3. The executive director may reactivate a license provided that the applicant can demonstrate continuing competence and that no grounds exist pursuant to § 54.1-2706 of the Code and 18VAC60-25-120 to deny said reactivation.
Forms (18VAC60-25)
Instructions for Filing Online Application for Licensure by Examination or Credentials for Dental Hygienists (rev. 5/2019)
Instructions and Application for Registration for Dental Hygiene Volunteer Practice (rev. 5/2019)
Instructions and Application for Reactivation of Dental Hygienist (rev. 5/2019)
Instructions and Application for Reinstatement of Dental Hygienist License (rev. 5/2019)
Instructions and Application for Restricted Volunteer Dental Hygiene License (rev. 5/2019)
Instructions and Application for a Faculty License to Teach Dental Hygiene (rev. 5/2019)
Instructions and Application for a Temporary Dental Hygiene Permit (rev. 5/2019)
Continuing Education (CE) Credit Form for Volunteer Practice (rev. 5/2019)