I am a Dental Hygienist against this and find it completely ridiculous that it is even up for a discussion. I really don’t even feel as though a DAII should even be starting and completing a filling. I started out in dentistry eighteen years ago and worked as a dental assistant. I then completed my degree in dental hygiene. I have never once thought I was qualified to place a restoration let alone handle a high speed hand piece in a patient’s mouth. I realize that the DA II has more training and a better understanding of the science behind dentistry compared to the DAI. However, the extended training does not provide enough understanding and skill to place an instrument in a patient’s mouth that could potentially cause harm. It takes four years of undergrad and four plus years to become a D.D.S. and then you are minimally competent as the dentist. It takes years of practice to become competent, that why it is called practice. I am sorry if you want to act like a dentist than please join me as I am back in school to become a D.D.S. I am sorry dentistry is treated like the red headed step child, come on people this is the prime example why. I understand we need to figure out access to care but this is a poor way of doing it. When the day comes that I complete dental school I can promises you this….Only a D.D.S will be preforming the duties that are within their scope of practice!
