I can't believe we are addressing this ridiculous topic again.  I also can't believe that many dentists are still using the same old line that we have a shortage of hygienist.  I have been hearing this comment since I graduated from VCU in 1990!  And we make TOO much money!  CHEAP LABOR is not the answer. We work hard for our patients, not just  "cleaning their teeth" , we are preventive specialist.