If passed, this will  ultimately result in decreasing  the standard of care in the  health care system as a whole.  As current studies demonstrate mounting evidence in the link between inflammation and systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, pancreatic cancer, and Alzheimer's(and more), we need highly educated clinicians performing the prophylaxis, continually observing for the earliest signs of periodontal disease. 

Collaberation between the dentist and MD will become the norm rather than the exception.   And if stem cell reasearch becomes more available, now, more than ever, there is going to be an explosion of new information.  To introduce an "abbreviated hygienist" into the system now is counterproductive to the  progress  we need to achieve. 

One suggestion for areas with hygiene shortages may be to utilize assisted hygiene.  The hygienist should be able to see about 50% more patients between two operatories,  the cost for the hygiene assistant is easily absorbed by the increased production, and the quality of care actually increases because the hygienist has more chair time with each patient.