As a practicing Hygienist, I am strongly against allowing an assistant to scale patients. I feel this will lower the standard of care. What about that Type I patient who may develop a 4-5mm pocket due to the fact they have been seen by the dental assistant for several visits,  and had not been probed or have had proper removal of calculus because of lack of education, knowledge or experience?? How can this be monitored properly? I do not believe it can! It will put patients at risk, and lower standard of quality care for our patients.