The proposed measure allowing dental assistants to scale teeth places our patients' oral health at risk.  Dental hygiene is not simply the mechanical removal of debris from the oral cavity.  It incorporates biological, physical, and social aspects that must be individually evaluated on a per patient basis and integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan to obtain optimal patient health.  The dental hygienist goes through a rigorous academic and clinical education process in order to help our patients.  Passing off one "duty" to someone who has not received this same training compromises our patients' health and wellbeing.  Even if the scaling (an ever-evolving skill) is proficient, the patient will not receive the same education and instruction needed to maintain oral health as he would from a trained hygienist.