I strongly oppose to the expanded duties of dental assistants!!  Hygienist are the only ones that are highly qualified and who has the proper training and education to perform this skill.  I've heard from many dental assistants who have told me that they were able to scale at other offices.  That is illegal and unethical!!  It compromises the patient's health because it's more than just cleaning teeth.  To dentists & other who agrees with this matter, are you comfortable and willing to allow a dental assistant to scale your teeth?  Many patients tell me that they ONLY want a HYGIENIST to perform a prophy and not the dentist.  OUR years of education, training, exams, and continuing education has shown OUR committment to the field of dentistry and scaling should NOT be allowed for D.A.  Thank you!