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Virginia Board of Dentistry holds hearing on removing direct pulp capping from Dental Assistant II duties
Summary
The Virginia Board of Dentistry convened Sept. 12 in Henrico to receive comment on proposed amendments to 18VAC60-30 that would eliminate direct pulp capping as a delegable task for a Dental Assistant II. No oral comments were offered; the written comment period closes Oct. 10, 2025.
The Virginia Board of Dentistry convened a public hearing at 9:15 a.m. Sept. 12, 2025, at the Perimeter Center in Henrico to take comment on a proposed amendment to regulation 18VAC60-30 that would remove direct pulp capping from the list of tasks delegable to a Dental Assistant II.
Sultan E. Chaudhry, D.D.S., president of the Virginia Board of Dentistry, presided over the session. Board members recorded as present included Surya Dhakar, D.D.S.; Alf Hendricksen, D.D.S.; Bruce R. Hutchison, D.D.S.; Margaret F. Lemaster, R.D.H.; J. Michael Martinez de Andino, J.D.; Emelia H. McLennan, R.D.H.; and Jennifer Szakaly, D.D.S. Staff in attendance included Executive Director Jamie C. Sacksteder; Deputy Executive Director Erin T. Weaver; Arne Owens of the Department of Health Professions; and Matthew Novak, the agency regulatory coordinator. James E. Rutkowski, senior assistant attorney general, attended as counsel.
Jamie C. Sacksteder read the emergency evacuation procedures at the start of the session. The hearing’s stated purpose was to receive public comment on the proposed regulatory change to 18VAC60-30 concerning the scope of practice for Dental Assistant II certification.
No members of the public offered oral comment during the hearing. Dr. Chaudhry said written comments could be emailed to Matthew Novak, the agency regulatory coordinator, or posted on the Town Hall website; the published comment period will close Oct. 10, 2025. The board did not take any motions or votes at the hearing.
The public hearing concluded at 9:20 a.m. on Sept. 12. Following the close of the written comment period, the board’s staff and counsel will compile submissions for the board to consider as part of its rulemaking record and any subsequent regulatory steps.
