I can't imagine many patients saying ok to that, if the dentist has to be honest and if the assistant has to tell the patient they're not a hygienist.  And, a prior comment was from an ex Army dentist talking about the army techs cleaning teeth with no problems.  As an ex navy dental tech, who "cleaned" teeth, I knew I was doing the best I could with the training I had.  I also knew that it wasn't good enough and I saw the problems arising over the years from inferior cleanings by navy dental assistants like myself.  Patients deserve more than that!