CHAPTER 253
An Act to amend and reenact §§ 54.1-2722 and 54.1-3408 of the Code of Virginia, relating to dental hygienist licensure; dentists eligible to practice in a foreign country or jurisdiction.
[H 1036]
Approved April 6, 2026
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §§ 54.1-2722 and 54.1-3408 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§ 54.1-2722 . License; application; qualifications; practice of dental hygiene; report.
A. No person shall practice dental hygiene unless he possesses a current, active, and valid license from the Board of Dentistry . The licensee shall have the right to practice dental hygiene in the Commonwealth for the period of his license as set by the Board, under the direction of any licensed dentist.
B. An application for such license shall be made to the Board in writing and shall be accompanied by satisfactory proof that the applicant (i) is of good moral character, (ii) is a graduate of a dental school outside the United States as approved by the Board pursuant to subsection D or a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and offered by an accredited institution of higher education, (iii) has passed the dental hygiene examination given by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations, and (iv) has successfully completed a clinical examination acceptable to the Board.
C. The Board may grant a license to practice dental hygiene to an applicant licensed to practice in another jurisdiction if he (i) meets the requirements of subsection B; (ii) holds a current, unrestricted license to practice dental hygiene in another jurisdiction in the United States; (iii) has not committed any act that would constitute grounds for denial as set forth in § 54.1-2706 ; and (iv) meets other qualifications as determined in regulations promulgated by the Board.
D. The Board may grant a license to practice dental hygiene to an applicant if he (i) provides proof of graduation from a dental school outside the United States, (ii) was or is eligible to practice dentistry in a country or jurisdiction outside the United States, and (iii) meets the requirements of subsection B.