This is a horrible idea whose victim will be the patients. Thousands of patients who get their regular 6 mo. cleanings will wonder why they suddenly have gum disease. The answer is simple. What was previously determined to take 2-4 years of intense training, has now been determined to take only a few weeks. For those who are concerned about a lack dental professionals in rural areas, why not propose private practice for dental hygienists (which, I feel, is no less of a bad idea)? Dentistry is health care first and business second. As dental professionals we should never lose sight of that. The duties of dentists and dental hygienists require distinct levels of education, and that education should be respected.