I worked as a certified dental assistant for 25 years before becoming a registered hygienist. It was an honor to always expand my functions. The problem is that with out the dental hygiene pharmacology, histology, anatomy ( dental and whole body) , microbiology , nutrition( and more)the impact of improper dental scaling on the whole body system can result in possible links to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, upper respiratory infections and more. Patients expect that they are being treated with knowlegeable professionals. Improper scaling can lead to further progression of periodontal disease without the patient being aware until years later. Registered dental hygienist are trained to incorporate a comprehensive education to protect our patients from harm. To have someone not trained with the same background would be inviting poor care for our patients, friends and family. Supragingival scaling is a disservice to patients. It accomplishes nothing besides the patient's perception that all the disease causing biofilm has been removed. So there should be no scaling allowed by anyone who does not have a RDH, or DDS behind their name. Sincerely!!!! Joyce Kwiatkowski-Spieler, CDA, RDH