Press Release
Critics Say VDA Proposals Endanger Patient Safety and Undermine Standards of Care
Proposed Senate Bill 178 and House Bill 282, backed by the Virginia Dental Association (VDA) are drawing sharp criticism from public health advocates, dental professionals, and legal experts. They warn that the measures represent a profit-driven rollback of clinical standards that jeopardize patient safety and ignore established science.
SB178 and HB282 would permit unlicensed individuals with no formal dental hygiene education to perform partial scaling procedures—care that is essential for preventing periodontal disease and traditionally provided by licensed dental hygienists. Experts caution that incomplete or ‘partial’ scaling may leave active infections untreated and can cause harm. Such practices are considered unsafe and are even prohibited in veterinary medicine, raising serious questions about why lower standards would be allowed for human patients.
Despite claims that the proposal would improve efficiency or access, dentists would not be required to reduce patient fees when replacing licensed hygienists with untrained personnel. More concerning, practices could continue billing patients and insurers for dental hygiene services that require complete procedures. Legal experts warn this could expose practices to significant liability under the False Claims Act.
Opponents argue the proposal’s true purpose is not improved access to care, but increased profit margins—achieved by lowering labor standards while maintaining full reimbursement. Any financial benefit, critics note, would accrue to practice owners, not patients.
Concerns escalated following remarks at a VDA town hall meeting on November 18, where leadership reportedly described themselves as being ‘at war’ with dental hygienists. Advocates say such adversarial language reflects a disregard for science, ethics, and dialogue on evidence-based alternatives.
Public health experts emphasize that proven models already exist. Numerous states and countries allow dental hygienists direct access to patients, with research showing expanded care, improved workforce stability, and reductions in preventable oral disease—without compromising safety.
“VDA’s proposals ignore established science and proven solutions,” said VDHA President Derik Sven. “Virginia has the opportunity to expand access to safe, preventive care through evidence-based reforms that address long-standing structural and regulatory barriers. Instead, this legislation lowers standards, creates risks, and places profit ahead of patients.”
As lawmakers consider the proposal, critics urge close scrutiny of whether Virginians should accept diminished standards of care, increased health risks, and potential legal exposure—without any demonstrable public benefit.
Media Contact:
president@yourvdha.com
