Dear Virginia Board of Dentistry Members,

As a RDH, I am opposed to the proposal of permitting dental assistants to scale on Periodontal Type I patients.  Dental hygiene is a profession that requires sufficient education, training and knowledge. It is important to differentiate between RDH and CDA because these are both vital roles in a dental office. The patient should receive the best treatment available from the most qualified individual and should not have to worry that their safety is being jeopardized. Please review our roles and duties as registered dental hygienists and reconsider your decision. Thank you for your time!