VirginiaSB2822026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Dental hygienist licensure; dentists eligible to practice in a foreign country or jurisdiction.

Sponsored By: Lashrecse D. Aird (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Dental hygienist licensure; dentists eligible to practice in a foreign country or jurisdiction. Permits the Board of Dentistry to grant a license to practice dental hygiene to persons who are eligible to practice dentistry in a country or jurisdiction outside of the United States and who are graduates of a dental school or college, or the dental department of an institution of higher education, located outside of the United States that the Board determines is acceptable. This bill is identical to HB 1036.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Remote dental care under supervision expands

Licensed hygienists may work under a remotely supervising dentist who has a Virginia practice, in set public and safety‑net locations. You must complete Board‑approved remote‑supervision training, have at least 2,500 clinical hours, and carry liability insurance. Allowed sites include FQHCs, charitable safety‑net and free clinics, long‑term care, schools, Head Start, approved mobile programs, and WIC. Patients must consent and confirm they have no regular dentist, and a dentist must examine or refer within 180 days. Local anesthesia and nitrous are not allowed; the dentist reviews records at least every 10 months. State health and behavioral health hygienists may also use remote supervision under joint protocols, with yearly reports on services. Board regulations under this law are exempt from the Administrative Process Act.

Hygienists can do more under dentists

Hygienists may give education, screenings, and preventive care when a licensed dentist supervises. They cannot make a final diagnosis or set a final treatment plan. A dentist may order topical fluoride and allow a hygienist to give nitrous oxide. For adults 18 and older, a dentist may allow a hygienist to give local anesthesia after required Board training. Doctors or dentists may let PAs, nurses, hygienists, or authorized agents apply fluoride varnish under an order or protocol.

More paths to a hygienist license

The Board of Dentistry licenses dental hygienists. You qualify by showing good moral character, passing the national and clinical exams, and meeting education rules. You can qualify by graduating from an accredited hygiene program, or as a foreign dental graduate eligible to practice abroad. If you hold an unrestricted license from another U.S. state, you can get Virginia licensure by endorsement. You can choose an inactive license, with remedial education required to reactivate.

Hygienists must be licensed and supervised

You cannot practice dental hygiene in Virginia without a current, active Board license. Hygienists must work under a licensed dentist’s direction. The law does not allow independent practice of dental hygiene.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Lashrecse D. Aird

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 243 • No: 9

Senate vote 2/26/2026

House Amendment agreed to by Senate

Yes: 40 • No: 0

House vote 2/24/2026

Passed House with amendment

Yes: 90 • No: 8

House vote 2/19/2026

Reported from Health and Human Services with amendment(s)

Yes: 20 • No: 1

Senate vote 2/10/2026

Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/9/2026

Engrossed by Senate Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/6/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/6/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/5/2026

Reported from Education and Health

Yes: 14 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0254)

    4/6/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 254 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/6/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/10/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026

    3/10/2026Senate
  5. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB282)

    3/2/2026Senate
  6. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB282ER)

    3/2/2026Senate
  7. Enrolled

    3/2/2026Senate
  8. Signed by President

    3/2/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    3/2/2026House
  10. House Amendment agreed to by Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/26/2026Senate
  11. Passed House with amendment (90-Y 8-N 0-A)

    2/24/2026House
  12. Engrossed by House as amended

    2/24/2026House
  13. committee amendment agreed to

    2/24/2026House
  14. Read third time

    2/24/2026House
  15. Read second time

    2/23/2026House
  16. Reported from Health and Human Services with amendment(s) (20-Y 1-N)

    2/19/2026House
  17. Read first time

    2/13/2026House
  18. Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services

    2/13/2026House
  19. Placed on Calendar

    2/13/2026House
  20. Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/10/2026Senate
  21. Engrossed by Senate Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/9/2026Senate
  22. Read second time

    2/9/2026Senate
  23. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/6/2026Senate
  24. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/6/2026Senate
  25. Passed by for the day

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

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