The Virginia Board of Dentistry (BOD) recently made a motion that would include, “setting an age range for requiring sedation and treatment of young children to be performed in a hospital setting.”  the Virginia Dental Association (VDA), Virginia Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (VSOMS), Virginia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (VAPD) and the Virginia Dentist Anesthesiologists sent letters to the BOD and spoke at the October 23 board meeting, warning them of the adverse impact on access to oral healthcare such an action could create.  After considering the comments from representatives of these dental organizations, the committee unanimously voted against recommending that the BOD pursue this regulation.

“When dentists speak with one voice to protect patient safety and access to care, it makes a difference and results in better policy and regulations for our profession,” said VDA Executive Director Ryan Dunn, speaking about the committee’s decision. 

Read the full letters submitted to the BOD from the VDA, the VSOMS, the VAPD,  and Virginia Dentist Anesthesiologists. The VDA will continue to work collaboratively with other dental associations to engage on this issue and ensure that any new regulations don’t hinder access to oral healthcare services.

The BOD has also proposed amendments to the regulations pertaining to administration of sedation and anesthesia. You may view the proposed amendments to these regulations, which were adopted by the BOD on December 14, 2018.  Public comments may be posted through the Town Hall portal.  This is expected to be discussed at the BOD’s next Business Meeting, which is scheduled for December 11, 2020.