What a scary thought...Most DDS will tell you they are not properly trained to scale and we want assistants to be trained in a month.?  I have 29 yrs. experience and it is not about "cleaning teeth".  My patients count on me to know what meds they are on, how their health affects their mouth, and leaving my chair knowing they have the best care given to them including their routine check up.  If we think we can continue to charge the same fees for an assistant to do what a hygienist does and our economy continues as it is for awhile, patients will find an office with professionally trained hygienists to continue with their care.  My 4 yr degree is priceless for what I learned...we treat the whole person and without our knowledge,  care is compromised.  Hygienists can now be certified in LA and nitrous sedation.....would you want an assistant to perform these duties with out the backround we have had in anatomy, etc..  Why would we as health professionals want to compromise care.........who would be  "scaling our teeth in our retires years" if we allow this to pass?  NO TO DA SCALING.