Section 170. Voluntary practice

A. Restricted volunteer license.

1. In accordance with § 54.1-2726.1 of the Code, the board may issue a restricted volunteer license to a dental hygienist who:

a. Held an unrestricted license in Virginia or another jurisdiction of the United States as a licensee in good standing at the time the license expired or became inactive;

b. Is volunteering for a public health or community free clinic that provides dental services to populations of underserved people;

c. Has fulfilled the board's requirement related to knowledge of the laws and regulations governing the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene in Virginia;

d. Has not failed a clinical examination within the past five years;

e. Has had at least five years of active practice in Virginia; another jurisdiction of the United States or federal civil or military service; and

f. Is sponsored by a dentist who holds an unrestricted license in Virginia.

2. A person holding a restricted volunteer license under this section shall:

a. Practice only under the direction of a dentist who holds an unrestricted license in Virginia;

b. Only practice in public health or community free clinics that provide dental services to underserved populations;

c. Only treat patients who have been screened by the approved clinic and are eligible for treatment;

d. Attest on a form provided by the board that he will not receive remuneration directly or indirectly for providing dental services; and

e. Not be required to complete continuing education in order to renew such a license.

3. A restricted volunteer license granted pursuant to this section shall expire on June 30 of the second year after its issuance or shall terminate when the supervising dentist withdraws his sponsorship.

4. A dental hygienist holding a restricted volunteer license issued pursuant to this section is subject to the provisions of this chapter and the disciplinary regulations that apply to all licensees practicing in Virginia.

B. Registration for voluntary practice by out-of-state licensees. Any dental hygienist who does not hold a license to practice in Virginia and who seeks registration to practice on a voluntary basis under the auspices of a publicly supported, all volunteer, nonprofit organization that sponsors the provision of health care to populations of underserved people shall:

1. File a complete application for registration on a form provided by the board at least 15 days prior to engaging in such practice;

2. Provide a copy of a current license or certificate to practice dental hygiene;

3. Provide a complete record of professional licensure in each jurisdiction in the United States in which he has held a license or certificate;

4. Provide the name of the nonprofit organization and the dates and location of the voluntary provision of services;

5. Pay a registration fee as required in 18VAC60-25-30; and

6. Provide a notarized statement from a representative of the nonprofit organization attesting to its compliance with provisions of subdivision 5 of § 54.1-2701 of the Code.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 32, Issue 05, eff. December 2, 2015.

Statutory Authority

§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.