DA II should be be allowed to have these expanded duties. Dental Hygienists have had 2-4 years of initial education and training. Many are citing access to care being a relevant reason for these expanded duties, however it is my experience that the majority of my patients who lack access to care are not perio class I. They require more extensive periodontal maint. Furthermore many of my patients expect an experienced, dental hygienist to do their scaling and prophylaxis. They have put their trust in my ability to provide the best quality service and they often refuse to see any other hygienist in the office. Patients may feel that they are not getting the best of care if they thought they were not seeing their hygienist. Also if we are all honest for a moment, the arguement that the DA II would help keep costs low, Well I am certain that is not going to be accurate, If your DA does the scaling and polish it will be one fee and if your RDH does it, it will be another?

Dental Assistants are an invaluable member of the dental team, and no one is implying anything less. However leave the scaling to the hygienists.

Thanks, Margaret Boop