As a registered dental hygienist my patients' safety and overall health are my primary concerns.  Having a dental assistant perform scaling duties would be a danger to the patient and could affect their total health.  As oral healthcare specialists we are trained to recognize the signs and precursors that can lead to periodontal disease.  We are also highly trained to remove the deposits, bacteria, and biofilms that lead to periodontal disease.  The dental assistant would not be as highly trained thus leaving deposits and bacteria that can be a detriment to their gum health and possibly general health. Today research relates your gum health to your overall health and is not be taken lightly or with less trained/skilled technicians.  I strongly oppose ANY scaling duties to be performed by a dental assistant.  Thank you for your time.