With structured training, the formation of a Dental Assistant II who is able to scale supragingivally with the Type I perio patient is an idea whose time has come.  We have been talking over the last few years about the changing face of dentistry.  Progress means that the way we did things in the past may be improved upon with innovations directed towards the future of our profession.  This would certainly be an innovation and would allow hygienists, who are vital to the successful treatment of our patients, to focus on patients who are more in need of their services.  It would seem that they would welcome another level of provider to care for the hygiene needs of children, most teenagers and young adults. The DA II will be under the supervision of a dentist as are all Dental Assistants thus the level of care will be consistent.