Dear Virginia Dental Hygienist,

As you may know, SB 282 and SB 178—measures that would allow foreign‑trained dentists to practice as dental hygienists and authorize an Oral Preventive Assistant (OPA)—have successfully passed through the legislature and are currently sitting on the Governor’s desk. We cannot allow unqualified individuals to become the norm or replace qualified, licensed dental hygienists.

The Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association (VDHA) and ADHA have fought these measures every step of the way, including providing testimony and attempting to contact the Governor and media outlets to highlight the dangers of these policies. The Governor has until April 13, 2026, to take action on these bills. We are urgently asking our members to contact the Governor in these final weeks and urge her to veto these harmful measures.

Across the country, some are promoting the OPA model as a solution to workforce shortages and access‑to‑care challenges. ADHA maintains that introducing inadequately trained dental personnel to perform preventive services puts the public’s oral health at risk and undermines the integrity of the dental hygiene profession. Rather than adding undertrained individuals to clinical settings, ADHA strongly believes dental hygienists should be empowered to practice at the top of their scope and in expanded settings to safely and effectively address workforce and access challenges.

Furthermore, allowing OPAs and individuals without CODA‑accredited, U.S.‑standard dental hygiene education to provide care is not a solution—it is a risky shortcut the public did not ask for. ADHA is working with legislatures nationwide to advance policies that empower licensed dental hygienists to practice more autonomously, at the top of their education and training, while ensuring patients receive care rooted in rigorous education, demonstrated clinical competency, and established standards.

ADHA is doing everything possible to stop the implementation of these bills in Virginia. We are asking our community to contact the Virginia Governor’s Office immediately to oppose this legislation. Take action now! It takes just one minute to complete the VoterVoice campaign urging the Governor to reject this legislation. You may also contact the Governor’s office directly to clearly communicate that the dental hygiene community strongly opposes these policies.

Please share the campaign on social media and encourage your colleagues to take action. Let’s make our voices heard.

Sincerely,
ADHA & VDHA Leadership