This is a matter of economy (the dentist) over standard of care.  There is no shortage of dental hygienists in the metro area.  In other areas of Virginia, there is not only a shortage of hygienists but also dentists and other health care professionals.  Hygienists have years of education and possess a passion for health care that goes well beyond "scaling".  This proposal only lowers the standard of care for the unassuming public.