I am writing in response to the upcoming legislature on allowing Dental Assistants to scale upto 3mm below the gingiva.  I am a licensed Dental Hygienst who informs the general public about their oral health needs. I have been formally trained( 4years education) to inform patients of the treatment they require. I am always concerned for my patients health and safety within our profession.  Allowing Dental Assistants to scale below the gums could pose a threat to all patients health and well being. The dental assistant is well surved in their current position and could be detremental to the general publics oral health if allowed to scale 3mm below the gingiva.  I am asking the board of Dentistry to decline this bill in leu of the general publics oral health.

Tracey Mannino, BSDH '94 ODU