I respectfully submit my opinion in the matter of allowing assistants to provide scaling services in the state of Virginia.  I am completely opposed to assistants being afforded the opportunity to provide scaling services with minimal training.  Scaling, either supra or subgingival, is a medical procedure which often includes treatment of infected tissue... even in the case of gingivitis.   The procedure of scaling needs to be partnered with a college education because this is the safest and most effective means of treatment for the patient.  I feel it's only ethically sound for all scaling to be provided by a board certified, college educated, licensed hygienist.   FYI -- Assistants without a beautician's license aren't even allowed to brush a client's hair in the state of VA... but some want to allow assistants to provide a healthcare procedure without a college education!?!