Sources

We aim to keep claims on this site grounded in publicly available reporting.

Reporting

• WHRO (Feb 2, 2026): Dentists say these Virginia bills will expand access. Hygienists say they risk patient harm.

  • https://www.whro.org/health/2026-02-02/dentists-say-these-virginia-bills-will-expand-access-hygienists-say-they-risk-patient-harm
  • Key quotes include concerns about partial cleanings and potential progression of gum disease.

• WVTF mirror (Feb 2, 2026):

  • https://www.wvtf.org/2026-02-02/dentists-say-these-virginia-bills-will-expand-access-hygienists-say-they-risk-patient-harm

• 12 On Your Side / WWBT (Feb 5, 2026): Virginia lawmakers consider bills to address dental hygienist shortage

  • https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/02/05/virginia-lawmakers-consider-bills-address-dental-hygienist-shortage/

• Becker’s Dental Review (Feb 3, 2026): Virginia dentists, hygienists spar over workforce legislation: 7 notes

  • https://www.beckersdental.com/staffing-issues/virginia-dentists-hygienists-spar-over-workforce-legislation-7-notes/

Notes

• Legislative text and official bill status should be cited from the official Virginia Legislative Information System (LIS). The LIS site uses a JavaScript application, so direct text linking may vary.

If you’d like, we can add an “Official bill links” section once we confirm the best stable LIS URLs for SB 178 and HB 970.