This report is submitted in compliance with § 54.1-2722 of the Code of Virginia, requiring the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to report annually on the services provided by dental hygienists employed by VDH pursuant to remote supervision, including the impact upon the oral health of the citizens of the Commonwealth.

This report details the services that dental hygienists and dental assistants employed by VDH provided in FY24 under the remote supervision protocol. School-based clinical services by VDH hygienists in FY24 reflected significant recovery from the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic years. A summary of services provided is below.

SUMMARY OF SERVICES PROVIDED

In FY24, VDH remote supervision dental hygienists assessed 4,067 children in a school-based setting; 1,369 received sealants and 3,731 received fluoride varnish applications in initial and follow-up visits. In clinic settings, through the VDH Bright Smiles for Babies (BSB) Program, VDH remote supervision dental hygienists screened 962 infants and children and provided 882 fluoride varnish applications. In FY24, the combined remote supervision hygienist workforce provided clinical services with a market value of $1,442,288 in 10 VDH local health districts.