Senate Bill 458 Scheduled for 9:30 AM Hearing
The State Senate Government Organization Committee is scheduled to meet Monday at 9:30 AM to consider Senate Bill 458, Governor Morrisey’s proposed Universal Licensing Bill.
As of today, Chairwoman Patricia Rucker has indicated the version of the bill going to the full committee will not include any exempted professions. Therefore, the WVDA has proposed an amendment for consideration. See full statement below:
WVDA Statement on Governor Morrisey’s Proposed Universal Licensing Bill (Senate Bill 458 / House Bill 2001)
The West Virginia Board of Dentistry regulates the practice of dentistry to ensure public health, safety, and welfare. This includes licensing of:
- DDS – Doctors of Dental Surgery
- DMD – Doctors of Dental Medicine
- RDH – Registered Dental Hygienists
West Virginia’s current licensure process is already broadly universal. The Board accepts:
- National Board Exam results
- All state and regional clinical board exams
Current state law also ensures that military dentists or their spouses receive licensure within 15 days of application.
Why the Hand-Skill Exam Matters
Dental procedures involve significant biological, chemical, and physical risk. Dentists complete a minimum of seven years of accredited higher education to learn how to perform intricate procedures in the confined space of a patient’s mouth. These precise movements demand tested clinical competency. Not all who graduate dental programs pass clinical hand-skill exams.
82% of U.S. states require a clinical hand-skill exam as part of licensure. So does West Virginia—and it should stay that way.
WVDA’s Proposed Amendment to Senate Bill 458
“At a minimum, the written exam and clinical hand-skill exam for dental and dental hygiene licensure recognition shall remain a requirement for licensure.”
This amendment ensures that West Virginia licenses dentists from states that also require clinical hand-skill exams, preserving both reciprocity and patient safety.
Share Your Stories and Support
If you have any stories, data, or other information that can help strengthen the WVDA’s position, please email:
Hallie@wvdental.org. She will follow up with you directly to discuss your input.
Thank you for standing with us to protect patients and preserve professional standards in West Virginia.
