As a dentist and a dental hygienist, I am uniquely qualified to comment on this issue.  I know first hand the rigorous educational standards that are required to provide quality supra-gingival scaling to patients.  This is not a job responsibility that dental assistants should be allowed to perform.  I am extremely concerned that high quality of care be maintained for our patients.  This proposal would ensure high quality of care could not be provided.  I am strongly opposed to this measure.

/r

Frederick P. Ochave, DMD