Purpose of Study

The 1996 Session of the General Assembly approved House Joint Resolution 81 to study the availability of dental hygienists In the Commonwealth The study committee is charged with:

1. Determining the availability of dental hygienists throughout the Commonwealth,
2. Reviewing the Commission on Dental Accreditation standards applicable to alternative accredited educational programs in dental hygiene which parallel existing dental hygiene programs in the Commonwealth,
3. Determining the possibility of existing funding and approved programs to make available additional accredited educational opportunities for those who desire to become dental hygienists, and
4. Considering ways, incentives, and programs which will encourage and make available additional dental hygienists in rural and underserved areas.