The problem with the current pathway to become a DAU level 2 is that the vast majority of dental assistants are trained on the job. The educational requirements to becoming a DAU level 2 is not feasible for many assistants who have been practicing for decades, but cannot afford to quit their jobs for a significant period of time to go through the necessary schooling.

My understanding of the purpose of the creation of DAU 2s was to free up the dentist such that he could see more patients, and therefore, increase access to care by allowing more patient visits per dentist. As of right now, I hear that there are virtually no DAU 2s in the state. 

If we want to see DAU 2s in practice, we have to make it feasible. Why can't someone establish an online curriculum with evening / weekend practicals to help those dental assistants currently in practice utilize this new regulation? How hard is it to teach someone how to place string under the gums or pack some metal into a hole?