Virginia Board of Dentistry receives DHP updates, workforce presentation and disciplinary report

Arne Owens, Agency Director for the Department of Health Professions, briefed the Virginia Board of Dentistry June 13 on post‑legislative developments, including the General Assembly’s passage of a bill that eliminated the DHP Board of Health Professions; he said the workload previously handled by that Board will be carried on by individual DHP boards and administration. Owens also described ongoing biannual budget preparations and an internal DHP efficiency workgroup reviewing expenditures supported by licensing fees.

Yetty Shobi, director of the Healthcare Workforce Data Center, presented results from the 2024 dental workforce survey (the minutes note a presentation and packet materials). Deputy Executive Director Erin Weaver reported disciplinary statistics for Nov. 21, 2024–May 21, 2025, stating the office processed about 50–60 cases received and closed per month during that period, and reported two summary suspensions, one voluntary permanent surrender and zero revocations. Executive Director Jamie C. Sacksteder reviewed Compact-related committee activity, outreach and the FY2025 cash-balance report as of Feb. 28, 2025.

Why it matters: The statutory change removing the Board of Health Professions shifts administrative and regulatory responsibilities to DHP and its constituent boards. Workforce and disciplinary data inform regulatory priorities, enforcement trends and potential workforce-planning needs.

What’s next: DHP and Board staff will continue regulatory, budgetary and Compact-related work; the Board adopted its 2026 calendar and adjourned at 10:57 a.m.