WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1036

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Laura Jane Cohen and 5 co-sponsors

Virginia bill allowing dentists eligible to practice abroad to maintain state licensure while clarifying dental hygienist credentialing requirements.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0253)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1036

Legislative bill overview

HB 1036 modifies Virginia's dental hygienist licensure requirements and allows dentists who are eligible to practice in a foreign country or jurisdiction to obtain or maintain licensure in Virginia. The bill appears to streamline credential recognition for dentists with international qualifications or those planning to practice abroad while maintaining Virginia licensure.

Why is this important

This bill addresses workforce mobility in healthcare by recognizing dental credentials across jurisdictions, potentially expanding access to dental services and reducing barriers for internationally trained or mobile dental professionals. It reflects broader policy trends toward interstate and international professional reciprocity in regulated healthcare fields.

Potential points of contention

  • Credential verification standards: Questions about how Virginia will verify foreign credentials and whether reciprocal arrangements adequately protect consumer safety and ensure equivalent training standards
  • Scope of practice clarity: Ambiguity regarding what specific hygienist duties are permitted and whether foreign-trained professionals operate under identical scope restrictions as Virginia-trained hygienists
  • Reciprocity fairness: Concerns from in-state dental professionals about whether reciprocal licensing creates competitive advantages or disadvantages for Virginia-trained practitioners versus internationally trained ones

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.