PDHA

VA
United States

Legislation

 

To the Virginia Dental Hygienists' Association,

We have just received the official word that Virginia dental hygienists can practice local anesthesia and administer nitrous oxide today, April 16, 2008!!  VDHA has worked extremely hard with the BOD to established qualifications and regulations. We are in the process of gathering information of available courses and costs.  We will post this information on our website. Thank you to the numerous members who attended task force meetings, BOD Meetings, and attended Rally Day to pass this long awaited regulation. Trustees, please circulate to your components. I hope to put out a ADHA VOCUS to inform all members.

Thanks to everyone, Julie Simms, VDHA President

Respectfully submitted:  Carrie Merritt, Trustee PDHA07

 

This page will inform registered dental hygienists of current
legislative issues of concern to the profession. Always refer to the Va Board of Dentistry for details at www.dhp.state.va.us/dentistry

  • General Anesthesia

    March 5, 2008 (Article date)


    Here is the website for inquiries about the anesthesia courses offered at VCU.  http://www.dentistry.vcu.edu/professionals/ce/Default.aspx

  • General Supervision Timeframe Increased

    Article date: Aug 2007 VBD

    "Effective August 25, 2007, the period of time in which treatment by a dental hygienist under general supervision might occur before the dentist examines the patient again is increased from a maximum of seven (7) months to ten (10) months from the date the dentist last examined the patient.  This change to the general supervision regulations at 18 VAC 60-20-210.D(1) was adopted by the Board to respond to concerns raised by dentists and dental hygienists about patients who need multiple hygiene visits and those who are unable to schedule appointments for complete examinations every 6 to 7 months due to either time conflicts or costs.  

       The order for treatment under general supervision must specify the time period in which the prescribe treatment must be rendered.  Orders written prior to August 25, 2007 may be amended to reflect this regulatory change."

      

     

     

  • Revised Regulations Governing the Practice of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene

    Article date

    Effective June 29, 2006, a dentist or a dental hygienist shall be required to maintain evidence of successful completion of training in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

    Effective June 29, 2006, a dentist who administers or a dental hygienist who monitors patients under general anesthesia, deep sedation or conscious sedation shall complete four hours every two years of approved continuing education directly related to administration or monitoring of such anesthesia or sedation as part of the hours required for licensure renewal.

     
  • Continuing Education

    Article date
    Effective June 29, 2006 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.  

  • New Requirements for Continuing Education

    Article date

    • After June 29, 2006, all dentists and dental hygienists must maintain training in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
    • After June 29, 2006, all dentists who administer conscious sedation or deep sedation/general anesthesia are required to hold current certification in advanced resuscitative techniques, such as courses in Advanced Cardiac Life Support or Pediatric Advanced Life Support.
    • After June 29, 2006, every dentist who administers general anesthesia, deep sedation or conscious sedation is required to obtain 4 hours of continuing education on the administration of anesthesia or sedation within a two-year period.
    • After June 29, 2006, every dental hygienist who monitors general anesthesia, deep sedation or conscious sedation is required to obtain 4 hours of continuing education on monitoring of anesthesia or sedation within a two-year period.

    The two-year period will run with the renewal period.  The first course taken to meet this requirement should be taken between April 1, 2006 and March 31, 2008.  The next course must be taken within two years of the first course and would need to be taken between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2010.

  • Practice Act changes  ( Code of VA):

    Article date
    Dental assistants may aid dental hygienists under general supervision.

  • House Bill No. 996

    Article date

    House Bill No. 996 allowing hygienists to "administer Schedule VI nitrous oxide and oxygen inhalation and analgesia" and "Schedule VI local anesthesia" to persons 18 years or older has PASSED in Virginia. The bill is due to be signed by the Governor this year. Regulations for training are currently being drafted. Hygienists will be able to seek certification once the regulations are in place. Special thanks to VDHA Board Members and Lobbyists who have fought to win this privilege for our profession. A big thanks to our due paying members who fund this activism.

     

More Information

For detailed information, please visit the:

Rally Day

Rally day has been rescheduled due to inclement weather.  Date now set for Jan 25, 2008.  Please email Carrie Merritt, Legislative Chair, for details and information at carriemerritt@cox.net

Other News

Aug 2007 Virginia Board of Dentistry Newsletter 

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VA
United States