This would be a complete disservice to the dental community in more ways than one. My husband is a retired dentist and I worked in the office filing insurance claims.  Do the dentists realize that insurance will pay even less for cleanings than they do now? How many dentists have we heard (including my husband) say that dental insurance companies should not dictate care?  Once again they will have the upperhand and pay even less to the healthcare professionals for their efforts.  This burden will fall back on the patients creating an even less compliant patient pool. I don't see where this would benefit anyone. I respectfully do not want to have my teeth cleaned by an assistant. My daughter worked as an assistant for 7 years.  When she decided she wanted to expand her duties she went to dental hygiene school and is now a licensed dental hygienist.  That option is out there for any other assistant who wants to do the same. Keeping things just the way they are would be in the dentists best interest, the hygienists best interest and most importantly the patients best interest.

Thank you for your service,

Carolyn