Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association (VDHA)

The licensed oral health care professional whose educational, diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive services limit the extent of cavities and periodontal disease and promote optimal oral health and general wellness.

Five state supported, accredited educational programs with three distance sites provide associate, baccalaureate, and/or master degree programs of study.
Minimum program requirements are 2000 hours of college-level study in the basic and dental sciences, including medical emergencies, pharmacology, pathology, preventive medicine, periodontology, nutrition, and 600 hours of clinical practice.

License by examination is granted following successful completion of an accredited dental hygiene program, comprehensive National Board Examination,and the Virginia Board of Dentistry’s clinical, written and law examinations.
License by endorsement is granted following credentials verification and practice experience.
License Renewal is granted annually upon completion of required continuing education.

“General Supervision” means that the dentist has evaluated the patient and prescribed authorized services to be provided by a dental hygienist without the requirement for the dentist to be present in the facility while the authorized services are being provided.
Direct Supervision means that duties delegated to a dental hygienist shall only be performed when the dentist is present in the facility and available to evaluate the patient during the time services are being provided.

The majority of the dental hygienists practice in private dental practice. Other practice settings include the corporate environment, state and federal government, public health, educational settings, and free clinics.

Annual graduation of 130 dental hygienists from state supported programs
As of May 2004, the Virginia Board of Dentistry reports 3733 licensed dental hygienists.
Anticipated growth for dental hygienists is 35% by the year 2010.
With 35 counties, 16 areas, and 38 population groups designated as Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (DHPSAs), there is a greater demand for dental care and a greater need for dental hygienists to perform services previously performed by a dentist.

Oral disease is preventable and not self limiting.
Every dollar invested in preventive care saves between$8 and $50 of more costly care.
Medicaid (EPSDT) and the Virginia Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) cover preventive services in the scope dental hygiene practice including screening examination, x-rays, teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, and sealants.
Lack of oral health has been linked to serious systemic health problems.
Periodontal disease can aggravate respiratory diseases, complicate diabetes, increase risk of heart disease, attacks and strokes, and the delivery of low-weight, pre-term babies.

Dental Hygiene in VA