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Bill

SB 178

Dental assistants; supragingival scaling and coronal polishing, certification.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Christie Craig and 6 co-sponsors

Virginia bill authorizes certified dental assistants to perform supragingival scaling and coronal polishing, expanding their scope to improve access and potentially lower costs.

Reported from Health and Human Services
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Bill Summary · SB 178

Legislative bill overview

SB 178 would establish a certification pathway for dental assistants in Virginia to perform supragingival scaling (removing tartar above the gum line) and coronal polishing (cleaning tooth surfaces). The bill aims to expand the scope of practice for dental assistants beyond their current permitted duties, contingent on meeting specified certification requirements.

Why is this important

This affects dental care access and affordability by potentially allowing more procedures to be performed by lower-cost dental assistants rather than hygienists or dentists, which could increase treatment availability in underserved areas. It also impacts workforce development in the dental field and the regulatory framework governing dental practice in Virginia.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice boundaries: Dentists and hygienists may oppose expanded assistant duties as a threat to their professional roles and income, while proponents argue it improves efficiency and access
  • Patient safety and oversight: Determining adequate supervision requirements and certification standards to ensure procedures meet quality and safety benchmarks without compromising care
  • Economic impact on dental professionals: Hygienists particularly may face reduced job opportunities or demand if assistants can perform overlapping duties, though patient volume increases could offset this

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

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