Rally Day 2016

Backgrounder for Rally Day 2016

• The VDH three year legislated pilot study in three health districts began in 2009 and ultimately resulted in legislation enabling Remote Supervision of all Dental Hygienists employed by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) as defined in 54.1-2722*.
• This VDH remote supervision model has been highly successful in improving access to care and cost savings for children, the cost per sealant is 20% less.
• In SFY15, 4955 children were screened in school-based programs, receiving fluoride varnish treatments and a total of 6918 dental sealants. Also, 1181 children were referred to a dentist for needed treatment.
• Additionally, in the WIC setting, 5408 oral screenings, 4995 fluoride treatments were provided to children ages 5 and under. Dental referrals were made for 2865 children.

*Current Law: 54.1-2722 “Remote supervision” means a public health dentist has regular, periodic communications with a public health dental hygienist regarding patient treatment but such dentist may not have done an initial examination of the patients who are to be seen and treated by the dental hygienist and may not be present with the dental hygienist when dental hygiene services are being rendered.

Support SB 712 – Expanded Remote Supervision for Dental Hygiene

• VDHA and VDA worked together for many months to expand remote supervision of Licensed Dental Hygienists to new settings to serve more patients.
• Remote Supervision of Dental Hygienists employed by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) as defined in 54.1-2722* in 2009 as a 3 year pilot study has proven to be a highly successful model in improving access to care and cost savings.
• VDHA supports expansion of the Remote Supervision Public Health Model for the dental hygienist employed outside of the Virginia Department of Health so that all patients have direct access for care by the dental hygienist and can receive necessary referrals to a dentist.
• 5,643 dental hygienists currently licensed in Virginia, are graduates of accredited, college degree education and competent in providing dental hygiene care to patients of vulnerable populations, referring patients to the dentist for treatment and helping in establishing their dental home.
• Enabling the dental hygienist to practice as an employee and/or volunteer with a supervising dentist for both general and remote supervision will better serve the needs of Virginians residing in Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (DHPSA).

*Current Law: 54.1-2722 D. “Remote supervision” means a public health dentist has regular, periodic communications with a public health dental hygienist regarding patient treatment but such dentist may not have done an initial examination of the patients who are to be seen and treated by the dental hygienist and may not be present with the dental hygienist when dental hygiene services are being rendered.