When I moved to Virginia sixteen years ago I was quite impressed by the requirements to obtain a license to practice Dental Hygiene. It was clear to me that Virginia was a state with high standards for health care professionals. These not only included a college education but many hours of continuing education requirements. The people of Virginia deserve the best possible care. This is why I am strongly opposed to allowing dental assistants to scale teeth. Dental Hygiene is a wonderful profession that many educated and dedicated women and men embrace. This proposal shows a complete lack of respect to the profession of Dental Hygiene. It would have certainly made me think twice about moving to Virginia and may potentially reduce the number of people pursuing a career in Dental Hygiene. It would naive to think that the passage of this proposal would not be abused! I strongly urge you to put the health care of the people of Virginia above the bottom line of a few dentists. Please do not pass this proposal.
