As a dental hygienist with over 17 years of experience, I oppose expanding supragingival scaling to dental assistants.

In my experience, even care provided by licensed dental hygienists can fall short of the thoroughness patients deserve. That should prompt us to strengthen standards of care. How does allowing individuals without the education and licensure required of dental hygienists to perform scaling address that concern?

I recognize that the law requires training and certification. My concern is whether those requirements adequately prepare dental assistants to perform this procedure safely and effectively.

The Board’s responsibility is to protect the public. Patients trust that the person treating them has the preparation and clinical judgment necessary to provide quality care. They may not know when their care falls short.

I urge the Board to take these concerns seriously and explain how patients will be protected under this change. Public safety must be demonstrated through meaningful standards and accountability—not simply stated as a priority.