I do not support allowing the Dental Assistant II to scale supragingival calculus.

Consider this. Calculus requires a trained and skilled hand to remove biofilm as well as calculus. In order to effectively and properly remove bacterial plaque which is the etiological agent that causes periodontal disease and gingivitis, hand instrumentation in conjunction with ultrasonic/ piezo electric scalers are often required. I use these techniques daily on many young adults and some children in the practice where I work. If calculus and plaque are only removed supragingivally in the presence of inflammed and ulcreated tissue, these tissues can be damaged and uncomfortable for the patients if not removed thouroughly and carefully. This is not comprehensive care.

Many cases of periodontal disease goes untreated and undiagnosed by dentists who do not actively screen for periodontal disease in their practices. I see it in new patients often, too often. I have seen it routinely in former active duty military patients who have been under the care of dental techs. Somewhat of a cleaning is being done, but is the standard of care being maintained. It is often not the case.

A patient can present with fairly good oral hygiene supragingivally, but may exhibit periodontal pocketing only detected by periodontal probing that MUST be done by a dentist or dental hygienist. Dental hygienists are the "ORAL HEALTHCARE SPECIALISTS".  It is ALL we do. I love my profession and assisting my patients in managing their oral health.

Consider the overall potential consequences. Please do not include scaling as an expanded function for dental assisatnts.