I have been practicing dentistry for 24 years, and prior to dentistry, I practiced dental hygiene. Dental hygienists undergo two years of specialized training to learn their profession, and to undermine that education by allowing dental assistants to perform some of those same skilled procedures is NOT a service to our patients. I have seen enough bad dentistry/dental hygiene in my years of practicing due to attempts to maximize the dollar. Please don't allow our profession another means to cut corners for the sake of the dollar, at the patient's expense.