Dear Virginia Board of Dentistry Members,

As a licensed dental health professional, I am opposed to the proposal of permitting dental assistants to scale on Periodontal Type I patients.  The dental assistant is a vital member of the efficient and professional dental team.  However, the skill and competence required to provide all-inclusive preventive treatment should be left to those who are stringently educated and trained to perform the procedures.  All-inclusive treatment requires more than supra- or subgingival calculus removal.  If dental assistants were to be placed with this responsibility, they would also need to be able to complete an oral cancer screening, periodontal assessment, and provide specific oral health instructions for patients.  Dental hygienists are qualified to carry out all the aforementioned tasks.  The citizens of this Commonwealth are entitled to receive their preventive therapy from qualified professionals. 

Respectfully,

Jennifer M. Dearman, RDH, BSDH