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Bill

HB 1899

License to teach dentistry; foreign dental program graduates; repeal sunset.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by David Owen and 3 co-sponsors

Virginia permanently authorizes foreign dental program graduates to obtain teaching licenses in dentistry, removing an expiring sunset clause and stabilizing access to international dental educators.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0047)
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Bill Summary · HB 1899

Legislative bill overview

HB 1899 removes the sunset provision from Virginia's law allowing foreign dental program graduates to obtain teaching licenses in dentistry. This means the authorization for foreign-trained dentists to teach dental programs in Virginia becomes permanent rather than expiring on a set date.

Why is this important

Virginia's dental education programs depend on qualified instructors, and foreign-trained dentists represent an important talent pool. Making this provision permanent provides stability for dental schools and ensures they can continue recruiting international dental educators without uncertainty about changing regulations.

Potential points of contention

  • Credential equivalency concerns: Questions about whether foreign dental training meets Virginia standards or whether additional vetting is needed beyond current licensing requirements
  • Employment impact: Potential concerns from domestically-trained dentists about competition for teaching positions, though this primarily affects academic rather than clinical roles
  • Regulatory clarity: The bill assumes existing licensure processes adequately screen foreign graduates, but may lack specific quality assurance mechanisms tailored to teaching credentials

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

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