Dental Assistants certainly could be credentialed to perform limited scaling to include general oral debridement with a cavitron or other gross scaling techniques. Such a skill level would be comparable to a military trained hygienist that does not require a state license. Prophy reimbursements from 3rd party payers DOES NOT justify any more than basic scaling objectives!

An "Oral Healthcare Specialist" would also be a very appropiate job title for a dental assistant or LPN trained to perform oral debridement services for patients in long term care facilities and rehab facilities. Such an individual would also need training in the requirements for a facility dental director that would satisfy long term care regulatory requirements. In addition to long term care facilities, assisted living facilities patients may also be appropiate for services rendered by an oral healthcare specialist.  Virginia has many citizens that require dental treatment outside of the traditional office, and those unmet needs need to be understood and addressed. Virginia must recognize the needs, take action, and not wait or rely on what some other state to set the example. 

Mark Turner, DDS