I am patient who sees my Dentist twice a year.  A Dental Hygienist cleans and scales my teeth and discusses my oral hygiene.  I understand that the Board of Dentistry is considering allowing assistants do this work.  While I value the assistants in my Dentist's office, I do not believe they are qualified to clean and scale my teeth and oppose any measures that would allow them to perform these tasks.  I value the training and experience of the Dental Hygienists who work with me and feel that it is invaluable to my overall dental health.