No, I am not in favor of dental assistants scaling Type I Perio patients.  Dental Hygienists are properly trained concerning: Histology of Periodontal Disease, medical history, asking probing questions to ascertain if there is a systemic link to gingival infection,  dental anatomy, oral medicaments which may be utilized and oral hygiene recommendations specific to the patient needs. Also, follow up is key. I would not want any member of my family scaled by a dental assistant.