Please consider the proposed regulations for the DA I and DA II for dental assistants.  As an expanded function dental assistant in Indiana for over 30 years, I know that properly trained, educated and certified dental assistants can perform the duties required and add value to the dental team.  These assistants would not replace hygienists or dentists but would be an adjunct to them.  No where in the regulations does it state that assistants would perform all the duties of a hygienist or dentist.  The key to expanded functions is education, testing and continuing education along with direct supervision.  I took my training in 1979 but have had thousands of hours of continuing education over the years as dental materials have changed.  Expanded function dental assistants are similar to LPN's in medicine and can free the hygienist and dentist to perform more advanced duties on more patients, while still providing quality care.