As an RDH and instuctor of a high school entry level DA program, I absolutely agree with the regulation proposed for the competency based instruction for DA II's. Most of the dental healthcare team have all had competency based instruction throughout their educational experiences. I do think this is the best way to show that you are competent to do the procedures you are allowed to do in your profession. I have seen a lot of students who do well on the didactic portion of their training, but not so well on the clinical aspect.

I do not agree with shortening the hours in order to get more DA II's faster. I think patients deserve the best quality care they can get, and cutting corners by shortening the hours in my opinion would not be in the best interest of the patient. 

With over 40 years in the dental field, holding jobs as receptionist, dental assistant, office manager, and registered dental hygienist, I have never thought compromising quality for quantity has ever paid off in the long term.  We are living in a society that alot of people are interested in taking the short cuts to complete the task sooner. Is this in the best interest of our profession? Is this in the best interest of our patients?  I say no.