As a dental patient, I find this change very concerning. If someone is going to use hand instruments or an ultrasonic scaler on my teeth, I want to know exactly who is doing it and what training they have.

I am also disturbed to learn that this change came from the General Assembly and not the Board of Dentistry. Why are legislators deciding who is qualified to perform clinical procedures?

Dental assistants are not licensed like dentists and dental hygienists. That makes clear guidance and accountability even more important.

Patients should be told when a dental assistant will be performing scaling and should have the right to decline. The guidance should also clearly state who determines whether a patient is appropriate for this procedure and what happens if periodontal disease or calculus below the gumline is found.