As a patient, that has a Fear of the Dental Visits, I would not want ANYONE, EXCEPT a Trained Professional. They work with Very Sharp instruments all the time.The instruments that the Dentist and Hygienist use when scaling, are razor sharp. Dental asst's are not able to scale with just a weekend training, they really need time to know what it entails, and the risk's. Leave those Procedures to the ONES who WENT TO SCHOOL, and PAID THEIR DUES. SCHOOL wise, and FINANCIAL wise.
Listen to me, for I too am a Dental Asst. and it is not my place to do such. And would not want to. LAW SUITS GALORE!!!!!!