HB970 and SB178 - Dental Assistant Scaling and Coronal Polishing

Published on Jul 30, 2026

HB970 and SB178, passed during the 2026 General Assembly Session, led to the enactment of Virginia Code § 54.1-2729.01, regarding the practice of dental assistants.

Pursuant to § 54.1-2729.01. Practice of dental assistants, which became effective July 1, 2026, the Board of Dentistry will not issue certificates for supragingival scaling and coronal polishing. The supervising dentist is responsible for issuing a certificate to the dental assistant once all statutory requirements have been met.

Documentation of such certification shall be maintained in writing or electronically by the licensed dentist and produced to the Board upon request.  See Va. Code § 54.1-2729.01(C)(2). The Board will not maintain certifications.

§ 54.1-2729.01. Practice of dental assistants outlines several mandatory components of training and supervision before a dental assistant may be certified by a dentist to perform supragingival scaling and coronal polishing, as of July 1, 2026, These include:

• Minimum of 1,800 hours of clinical experience as a Dental Assistant I or II.
• Completion of certification training provided by one of the following:
• A licensed dentist or licensed dental hygienist using a curriculum from a statewide dental association.
• A federal Indian Health Service or military dental program.
• An existing dental assistant education program.
• Completion of at least 20 supervised full‑mouth supragingival scaling procedures, performed with patient consent.
• Documentation of all supervised procedures, maintained by the supervising dentist.
• Indirect supervision limits: a dentist may supervise no more than two dental assistants performing these procedures at the same time.

For full statutory details, refer directly to  § 54.1-2729.01. Practice of dental assistants.  The Board cannot provide legal advice or interpret the law; individuals should consult an attorney for guidance.

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