I register the comment of NO to allowing dental assistants to perform scaling procedures.  This provides substandard care to the dental public.  What happens to the patient that may have the diagnosis of a Type 1 perio condition but then falls into the Type 2 category by the time of the appointment, or the patient that  presents with a very localized pocket?  Bring them back for another appointment for the localized pocket?  Let the regulated, licensed professional who can take care of the whole mouth with any perio type (or combination) do the complete job.....the dental hygienist.