I do not believe that the standard of care and professionalism of a liscensed dental hygienist can be underestimated.  An education, a liscensing procedure and the continuing education component to maintain the liscense is all important to me.  To know that I am beinig treated by an educated, liscensed professional is a must when I determine my care.  On the job training, or short "in house" training of an individual walking off the street with no formal education or degree is not acceptable.    To be honest, I feel that there is no equivalent that can be maintained in this setting.  Please do not subject me and my family to substandard care by greedy dentist who see the opportunity to increase profits at our expense.  I would like to know that when we enter an office a college educated, liscensed, registered hygienist is performing work in our mouth and not someone that may have been flipping burgers 6 months prior.