I strongly oppose legislation in Virginia that would allow non-dental hygienists to perform dental scaling. Scaling is a clinical procedure that requires specialized education, training, assessment, and clinical judgment—not simply technical skill.

Allowing individuals without dental hygiene training to perform scaling undermines the expertise of dental hygienists, diminishes the quality of patient care, and creates significant patient safety and ethical concerns. Patients deserve care from professionals who are appropriately educated, trained, and licensed to assess their needs and provide treatment safely.

Patient safety and quality of care must remain the priority.