Virginia Considers Expanding Dental Cleanings to Assistants

Proposed bills aim to address hygienist shortage, but face pushback from dental association

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Two controversial bills in Virginia seek to allow dental assistants to perform teeth scaling and polishing procedures, which are currently only allowed to be done by licensed dental hygienists. The goal is to address a shortage of dental hygienists and improve patient access to preventive dental care. However, the Virginia Dental Hygienists' Association is strongly opposed, arguing that dental assistants lack the proper training and education to safely perform these procedures.

Why it matters

The proposed bills highlight the ongoing challenge of ensuring adequate access to dental care, especially preventive services like cleanings. While the legislation aims to expand the pool of providers, critics argue that patient safety should be the top priority and that only properly trained professionals should be allowed to perform certain procedures.

The details

The first bill would allow internationally trained dentists to perform the duties of dental hygienists, while the second would permit dental assistants - who undergo 9-11 months of training compared to 2+ years for hygienists - to scale and polish teeth. Supporters say this could help address the 1/3 of dental hygienist jobs in Virginia that are currently unfilled, but opponents argue that the assistants lack the proper skills and education to safely perform these procedures.

  • The Virginia Senate still has to vote on the bill regarding internationally trained dentists.
  • The bill on dental assistants has already passed both the House and Senate and will now go to Governor Abigail Spanberger's desk for approval.

The players

Virginia Dental Association

The organization proposing the two bills to expand who can perform dental cleanings in the state.

Virginia Dental Hygienists' Association

The group strongly opposing the proposed bills, arguing they would compromise patient safety.

Dr. Justin Norbo

A dentist in Purcellville, Virginia who is an advocate for the two bills, arguing they will help patients access needed preventative care.

Derik Sven

The president of the Virginia Dental Hygienists' Association, who expresses deep concerns about the safety and ethics of allowing dental assistants to perform scaling procedures.

Governor Abigail Spanberger

The governor of Virginia who will decide whether to approve or veto the bill allowing dental assistants to scale and polish teeth.

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What they’re saying

“These two bills are helping patients access preventative dental care that patients deserve and they need.”

— Dr. Justin Norbo, Dentist (NBC Washington)

“Let's just say that they were neurosurgeons. And let's say there was a shortage of physical therapists. You wouldn't just say, 'Oh, we don't have enough physical therapists, so we're going to have internationally trained neurosurgeons do the jobs of physical therapists.'”

— Derik Sven, President, Virginia Dental Hygienists' Association (NBC Washington)

“Scaling is, we are using sharp, double-bladed instruments. We are deeply concerned about this from a safety, ethics, and just scientific standpoint.”

— Derik Sven, President, Virginia Dental Hygienists' Association (NBC Washington)

What’s next

If Governor Spanberger vetoes either bill, the Virginia House and Senate would both need a 2/3 majority vote to override the veto.

The takeaway

The proposed legislation in Virginia highlights the ongoing tension between expanding access to dental care and ensuring patient safety. While the bills aim to address a shortage of dental hygienists, critics argue that only properly trained professionals should be allowed to perform certain procedures, raising concerns about the qualifications of dental assistants to safely scale and polish teeth.