I am a licensed dental hygienist, and I am strongly opposed to allowing dental assistants to perform dental scaling. Becoming a dental hygienist requires rigorous and extensive education and clinical training. I spent countless hours studying in lecture courses, preparing for examinations, and developing the clinical skills necessary to provide effective patient care. I believe this proposal undermines the standards of our profession and is deeply concerning for the future of dental hygiene. Most importantly, my concern is for the patients of Virginia. Scaling is not simply the act of removing visible calculus. Proper periodontal care requires the ability to assess periodontal health, recognize disease, evaluate probing depths and radiographs, identify subgingival calculus, and determine when a patient may require treatment beyond a routine prophylaxis. Without the appropriate education and clinical training, there is a risk that periodontal disease may go undiagnosed or that subgingival calculus may remain after treatment. Patients deserve to receive care from professionals who have been specifically educated and trained to assess their periodontal health and provide appropriate treatment. Expanding the scope of practice without ensuring an equivalent level of education and competency could ultimately compromise the quality and safety of patient care. I respectfully urge the Virginia Board to consider the extensive education required of dental hygienists and, above all, the potential impact this proposal could have on the oral health and safety of Virginia patients.