There is more to just “scaling” and “polishing” teeth when it comes to perfoming cleaning a patient.  Even if there is a negligible amount of calculus on a patient’s teeth, it is our duty as a dental hygienist to explain the cause of calculus formation to EVERY patient and the preventative actions for the patient to take.  Nobody, but a Registered Dental Hygienist knows what extensive oral hygiene instructions that a hygienist is knowladgable giving.  I also agree that finances will play a major role in the decison of hireing a DAII or a R.D.H.  Just as a former instructor and previous dentist once said... "We might as well call our patient's "clients".  Because that is what they will soon be... just another customer!"  I WILL NOT agree to allowing ANY type dental assistant to perform the job of a licensed hygienist.