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

This report details the services provided in FY23 by the dental hygienists and dental assistants employed by VDH under the remote supervision protocol. School-based clinical services by VDH hygienists resumed in the FY23 school year following two years of COVID-19 disruption. School participation was limited in some areas post COVID-19 but the hygienists invested significant effort reinvigorating the program and projections for next year show continued participation growth. A summary of services provided is below.

SUMMARY OF SERVICES PROVIDED

In FY23, 2,078 children were screened by VDH remote supervision dental hygienists in a school-based setting; 891 received sealants, and 1,936 fluoride varnish applications were provided in initial and follow-up visits. In clinic settings, through the VDH “Bright Smiles for Babies" (BSB) Program, 593 infants and children were screened, and 574 fluoride varnish applications were provided. In FY23, the combined remote supervision hygienist workforce provided clinical services with a market value of $772,863 in seven VDH health districts.