Virginia Administrative Code
Title 23 - TAXATION
Agency 10 - DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION
Chapter 210 - RETAIL SALES AND USE TAX
Section 23VAC10-210-500 - Dentists, dental laboratories, and dental supply houses

A. Dentists are deemed to be providing professional services and charges for their services are not subject to the tax. Similarly, dentists are deemed to be the consumers of all tangible personal property purchased for use in their practice except controlled drugs which may be purchased exempt from the tax.

The tax applies to sales to a dentist by a dental laboratory or supplier of dentures, plates, braces and similar prosthetic devices, or the component parts thereof, unless such dentures, braces, etc. are purchased on behalf of a specific patient. If such items are purchased in bulk and then dispensed to a particular patient, the original purchase will be subject to the tax even if the items withdrawn from the bulk inventory are modified for a specific patient. The tax does not apply to charges by the dentist to the patient for such dentures, plates, braces, etc.

The tax applies to sales to a dentist of furnishings, equipment, tools and all other dental supplies of any type.

B. Dental laboratories engaged in the production of dentures and the prosthetic items are deemed to be industrial manufacturers and qualify for the exemption set out in 23VAC10-210-920. Dental laboratories making sales of tangible personal property to dentists must collect and pay the tax on all charges for such property without deduction for labor or other expenses.

C. Dental supply houses are those businesses primarily engaged in selling fixtures, equipment, instruments, materials and supplies to both dentists and dental laboratories. Dental supply houses must collect and pay the tax on retail sales of tangible personal property to dentists, dental laboratories, and other users unless a properly executed certificate of exemption is furnished by the purchaser.